Lefkes — Restaurant in Municipality of Thira

RestaurA Culinary Gem in Santorini

Nestled in the picturesque island of Santorini, Lefkes is a true culinary gem that offers an extraordinary dining experience. From the moment you step foot into the restaurant, you are greeted with warmth and hospitality that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Lefkes not only boasts an impressive menu of delectable dishes but also excels in delivering a delicate taste and providing exceptional customer service.

Let's start with the star of the show—the food. Lefkes takes immense pride in showcasing the very best of Santorinian cuisine, and their menu reflects the island's rich culinary heritage. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with a keen attention to detail, resulting in a symphony of flavors that is simply outstanding. From the first bite to the last, you can taste the dedication and expertise that goes into creating these masterpieces.

The menu at Lefkes offers a wide range of options, catering to all palates and dietary preferences. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast, a meat lover, or a vegetarian, you'll find an array of options to tantalize your taste buds. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every dish, and the combination of flavors is both innovative and comforting. The highlight for seafood lovers is the grilled octopus, perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. The lamb chops, cooked to perfection, are another must-try dish that will leave you craving for more.

One aspect that truly sets Lefkes apart is their commitment to delivering a delicate taste. The chefs at Lefkes possess a remarkable talent for balancing flavors, allowing each ingredient to shine without overpowering the others. Whether it's a simple Greek salad or a complex seafood risotto, the flavors are harmonious, and the presentation is artful. Every dish is a feast for the senses, as the vibrant colors and enticing aromas transport you to the heart of Santorini.

What truly elevates the dining experience at Lefkes is their impeccable customer service. The staff members are attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. From the moment you step in, you are treated like a treasured guest, and the level of care and attention is remarkable. The servers are well-versed in the menu and are more than happy to provide recommendations or accommodate any special requests. They go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

The ambiance at Lefkes is equally enchanting. The restaurant is nestled in a charming setting, with stunning views of Santorini's iconic landscapes. The interiors are tastefully designed, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the terrace, you are in for a treat as you enjoy your meal against the backdrop of Santorini's breathtaking beauty.

In conclusion, Lefkes is a restaurant that surpasses expectations with its awesome dishes, delicate taste, and exceptional customer service. From the moment you enter, you are treated to an extraordinary culinary journey that celebrates the flavors of Santorini. Whether you're a food lover, an avid traveler, or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Lefkes is a must-visit destination in Santorini. Prepare to indulge your senses and create unforgettable memories at this...

Before diving into the phenomenal food, a special shout-out goes to Serena. Her exceptional hospitality elevated the entire experience. Attentive, polite, and with a touch of humor, she wasn't just reciting dishes – she was passionate about the menu.

Lefkes' menu is an innovative twists on Greek classics. Here are a few dishes that left us longing for more: Sweet Pumpkin Gnocchi with Parmesan and Sautéed Shrimp: This dish defied description. The harmonious marriage of cheese, shrimp, melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin gnocchi was pure joy. It was Serena's favorite, and it quickly became ours too. (We might even consider a return trip to Santorini just for this!) ⁠Greek Salad: Don't let the simple description fool you. The waitress' claim that this was the island's best Greek salad turned out to be a major understatement. It's the BEST Greek salad I've ever had, period. The chef's thoughtfulness for this dish shone through. Cucumber transformed into elegant, easy-to-eat noodles, perfectly absorbing the dressing. The ring-sliced olives ensured a perfect pop of saltiness in every bite. The feta cheese, transformed into a mousse, added a touch of aesthetic and elegance to this classic dish. ⁠Mediterranean Pasta: This handmade pasta with shrimp and traditional mpougiournti was a revelation. We were torn between this dish and the parpardelle, and thankfully, our waitress "insisted" on this dish, and I am super grateful! Fresh, handmade pasta twirled with shrimp and the traditional mpougiournti sauce (think feta, garlic, tomatoes, and chili meze). This might be the best pasta I've ever encountered.

These were just a few highlights. We also tried Mousaka Balls, Couscous Beluga, Iberico Pork with homemade ketchup, Ceviche, and a traditional Orange Pie with yogurt ice cream. Lefkes also store an impressive selection of Greek wines.

We were tourists with limited meals, so the fact that we returned three times speaks volumes! If you're in Oia, don't miss the opportunity to experience Lefkes for yourself! And...

The food was great - especially the lamb pasta! BUT unfortunately the service was really subpar.

We had starters to share (ceviche and tzatziki with pita) and the minute we finished the starters, the servers were already bringing the mains to the table. We were quite quick as well with the starters, so the mains really did come around 10 min after the starters arrived to the table. Also, we put the used cutlery on the empty plates from the starters and stacked the plates for ease of handling for the servers, and when they took the plates away they took the used cutlery back down and wanted to return that to us - this seemed a bit odd. Even if they are used to guests keeping the cutlery for the mains, to return the dirty cutlery from a stack of plates to the placemats (without even knowing whose cutlery was whose as well) wasn’t very polite. Lastly, once they took our plates after the meal, when we said we had no room for dessert we were only told to go downstairs to pay once ready - at this point it has only been around 40 (!) minutes of stepping foot in the restaurant, and we already had the last interaction with our server.

Overall, the food was great and the outdoor seating is lovely, but it really wasn’t great that the staff rushed us through the meal that much. Considering that it was off season at 9.15pm (so not like they needed the table to pass on to people after) and we had wine, starters, and mains, there was no need to serve everything so quickly.

If you are looking for a quick dinner with tasty food and good value for money (for Santorini at least): go for it. If you are looking for „dinner as an event“ where you spend 1-1.5h for your meal and enjoy attentive service, there might be...