Misteli Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Thira

We’d been on Santorini for three days, and ate at three restaurants, two of which were just ok and one presented food that was basically inedible. I don’t like writing bad reviews, so I won’t tell you where they were. We’d almost given up hope of a good meal until we found Misteli. This restaurant is wonderful - the setting; the vibe and most importantly, the food. We ended up going there for three consecutive nights, because we couldn’t be bothered to explore anywhere else, and frankly, don’t think we’d have found better. Firstly - order the bread. It’s light and fluffy with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. This isn’t just bread, it’s your carb vehicle to joy. Comes with a caper stew and tomato paste - both delicious. Having been for three consecutive nights, we did manage to investigate a few of the options, so I feel qualified in saying that every item was delicious - the chicken and Pita was fantastic - smothered with yogurt and fresh tomatoes and a cheeky bit of halloumi. The Pork Pancetta was also ridiculously delicious, basically strips of crackling with cheesy potatoes (but not like cheesy fries, more like perfectly seasoned, lightly crushed potatoes with a sprinkle of hard cheese - basically, not potatoes as a carb afterthought but as an important part of the meal). Husband had lamb shank with puréed white aubergine - again, every part of the meal was individually delicious and spectacular together. (UK readers - the puréed aubergine tasted a bit like bread sauce, which I happen to love). If you’re used to Tarama out of the tubs, then Misteli’s version will blow your mind - perfectly smooth and mousse-like consistency, with a smattering of nuts as garnish. I don’t think I can ever eat it from anywhere else now. Finally, we managed to squeeze in a dessert - a Halva (semolina) with chocolate ganache, ice cream and sesame cracker things. As mental as this sounds, it was BEAUTIFUL. Special thanks and love to Anna, Maria and Elisa who were so lovely, and so patient with us. Even though it probably was weird that we came back three nights running, they were completely welcoming and if they were judging us for eating at their restaurant every night, they never let that show! NB - pls forgive scratty pictures, I kept forgetting to take a picture...

After getting some glowing reviews from some of the locals, we felt impelled to make a visit.

We didn't make a reservation, but the staff gave us the option to take a table inside, or temporarily take a table on the terrace until a table came available. We took the latter. Worked really smoothly.

So, we took the tomato croquettes as a shared starter, a seabass and the pork/potato mains. We also gunned for a bottle of Little Ark (dry white), which was arguably the best wine we've had on the island to date. Must have!

We took a bit of a punt on the starter, but the croquettes were absolutely delicious. They were crispy and flavoursome with a few delicious blobs of yoghurt. The seabass - whoah. Ironically we had seabass back in the UK a few days before, and this was on another planet. Perfectly fresh and crispy, with a very appropriate accomodating side.

The pork and potatoes (it was named something far most extravagant on the menu - second to last on the mains) was perfect. The pork was perfectly grilled and accompanied with some well positioned potatoes. Sometimes good food isn't that complicated?

The 5* is a no-brainer as the food, drinks and service was really top draw. I hope we come back...

Our visit to Misteli in Akrotiri, Santorini, was nothing short of exceptional. The food was absolutely amazing, showcasing a wide variety of mezes and main courses that expertly combine traditional Greek cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Each dish we tried was a culinary delight, full of flavor and beautifully presented.

The ambiance at Misteli is charming and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, adding to the overall wonderful experience. Their warm hospitality made us feel right at home.

The house wine was also a highlight, with a rich and tasteful flavor that complemented our meal perfectly. It’s clear that Misteli takes pride in not only their food but also in providing an all-around excellent dining experience.

If you’re in Santorini, I highly recommend making a stop at Misteli in Akrotiri. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy top-notch Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a welcoming and...