Pelekanos — Restaurant in Municipality of Thira

I was really disappointed with my experience at Pelekanos. The meatballs arrived cold and, to make matters worse, one even had a hair in it. The grilled chicken salad wasn’t any better – the chicken was dry, tough, and tasted old. For the prices they charge, I expected much higher quality. Unfortunately, the service was just as bad: our server rushed us from the moment we sat down, and when we politely mentioned the issues with the food, he was defensive and dismissive, offering no apology. The view is nice, but you end up paying a steep premium for it, and in my opinion, it’s absolutely not worth it.

Reply: Yes, we did make reservation changes. Some circumstances were out of our control, and we apologized for that. That should not, however, affect the quality of your food or the professionalism of your service. Had either been better, we would have happily left a generous tip.

As for your comments about timing and consumption: are you implying that the quality of your food cannot be maintained during peak hours? That’s exactly how it sounded in your response — and it showed in our experience.

On the hygiene issue, perhaps the hair didn’t come from your staff directly. But when hair is found in food, what matters is how the situation is handled. Instead of showing basic customer service, our waiter was rude and combative. Even if the hair somehow blew onto the plate after preparation, it still happened in your establishment, where guests are paying a premium. That’s not our fault — but it’s certainly not acceptable.

To call this review “lacking substance” is just a cheap deflection. I’ve read similar complaints buried in your reviews section, and it’s clear that instead of owning your shortcomings, you dismiss criticism as “retaliatory.” That’s not growth, that’s avoidance.

We were genuine visitors. We came to dine and experience your restaurant, and from the very beginning your server was rude and unprofessional. Your staff had multiple opportunities to improve the situation but chose not to.

As for the food: suggesting it is anything more than average is a stretch. The explanation we were given for the cold, inedible chicken was that it had been cooked in the morning. At the prices you charge, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect food that can actually be chewed and enjoyed.

The truth is, your restaurant thrives on being a viewpoint first and foremost, not on the strength of your food or service. You depend on tourists, charge for the view, and don’t care about return customers. That much...

If you're planning a trip to Santorini and, like me, you've scoured TripAdvisor for a place where you can catch that legendary Oia sunset without getting elbowed in the ribs by a hundred other tourists, Pelekanos seems like a solid bet. After all, it's one of the "reasonably" priced options for a prime view. But let's break down the experience, shall we?

First off, the reservation. I booked a month in advance to secure the best seats in the house, and trust me, it's worth it. Here’s the inside scoop: northeast corner is the spot if you're chasing that sunset, northwest gives you the best overall view, and southwest offers a beautiful look at the town of Oia. We chose the southwest, and thank the gods of Santorini we did, because the sunset that night was playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds. But hey, the view of Oia was still a win, and I didn’t have to wrestle anyone for the perfect photo.

Now, let’s talk about the dinner situation. We had to agree to a very early 18:30 dinner time (which, given that the sun didn't even think about setting until 8 PM, felt like we were prepping for the early bird special). Oh, and don’t forget the 120-euro minimum spend for the two of us. Yes, you read that right. For that price, you’re expecting top-notch everything, right? Well, not exactly.

The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The service? Let’s just say they were very attentive. So attentive that we had not one, but two waitresses tag-teaming our table, popping up every five minutes to ask the same questions. I felt more rushed than relaxed, which isn’t exactly the vibe you want when you're supposed to be enjoying a scenic dinner.

And then there was the food. The grilled octopus was tough and dry—more rubbery tire than tender tentacle. I had to ask for a lemon butter sauce just to give it some life. The shrimp saganaki? Let’s just say it looked and tasted like something you'd get at your local Greek tavern, minus the charm. The one saving grace? The Greek tiramisu. It was the shining star of the meal, but one great dessert doesn’t quite justify the hefty price tag.

In the end, I’m glad I got my crowd-free photos of Oia, but would I dine here again? Probably not. If you're in it for the view, go for it, but manage those expectations when it comes to the food and...

Pelekanos in Oia, Greece, is a culinary gem that provides a delightful dining experience against the breathtaking backdrop of Santorini. From the moment we entered, we were enchanted by the charming ambiance and stunning views of the caldera, setting the perfect scene for a memorable meal.

The restaurant's terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy the iconic sunset while indulging in delicious food. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between relaxed and elegant, making it suitable for both romantic dinners and casual gatherings with friends. The warm and inviting decor enhances the overall charm of the place.

The menu at Pelekanos features a fantastic blend of traditional Greek flavors with a modern twist. We started with a selection of meze, each dish bursting with flavor. The grilled octopus was particularly noteworthy—tender and expertly seasoned, it practically melted in my mouth, enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.

For the main course, I savored the Moussaka, which was incredibly delicious and truly a highlight of the evening. My husband chose the chicken Slovakia, and he thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The combination of flavors in each dish was exceptional, showcasing the chefs' commitment to quality ingredients.

One of the standout aspects of Pelekanos is their dedication to using fresh, local produce. This focus is evident in every dish, reflecting the chefs' passion for presenting the best of Greek cuisine.

The service was outstanding, with attentive staff who were eager to ensure we had a wonderful dining experience. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent wine pairings to complement our meals, enhancing the overall experience.

In summary, Pelekanos is a must-visit restaurant in Oia that beautifully combines stunning views with exceptional food and service. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening or a memorable dining experience with friends, this restaurant excels in every aspect. I cannot recommend it highly enough and look forward to returning on my next trip...