Skala — Restaurant in Municipality of Thira

I really should write more poor reviews. They benefit all of us who want a good restaurant experience.

The food was ok--more on that later. The service was comical. So, if you want to laugh yourself to death--go ahead.

The mussels were excellent. Oh goody, they get an extra star.

Now for the bad news. I would bore you if I detailed all of the faults. So, I'll just give you the highlight reel.

We we've had great service may times in Greece. There is a general pride in what is being served and how special the cuisine is. At Skala, the service wasn't bad---but... neither is the service bad at Chili's or TGIF's.

We'd heard good reviews about the grilled free-range goat--and it was on the pretty menu outside. My spouse ordered grilled free-range goat. Response, "No Goat". Pause. Elaboration: "Lamb". We ask, how is it prepared? "Like the goat!". OK, so there there is a lamb shank on the cheesy plastic menu and I wanted to make sure I wasn't getting stewed lamb shank. So, when the second waiter takes our order, I ordered "Goat" (to be sure I wasn't getting the boiled lamb shank) , the second waiter says, "No Goat, but the lamb chop is very special--it's from Greece (!!)". Me: "How is it prepared?" Waiter, "Like the goat.". I ordered the lamb, thinking that it would be nice Greek lamb chop grilled with rosemary. Are you guessing what arrived? Yup, you're right: Lamb Shank. That lamb shank wasn't bad--but I could have had the same dish in Peoria. Perhaps if we had been given a seat with the stunning views of Santorini, it would have been better than Peoria. But, Peoria would have be been better at half the price.

Something must be said about the service. It was ok, but I had the sinking feeling that I was a stranger there (I was), and they didn't care much for strangers.

I think most people around us had the same desultory experience (can we just get out of here and pray that there are better things to come?). I think they tried to stave the disappointment by handing (complimentary!) two scoops of ice cream that I suspect came from the conveniently place Carrefour just to the east of Skala.

I could go on and on. But I won't.

And much to my shame, when they asked "How as your food?" and "Did you enjoy your meal?" I responded "Yes", not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings. There is a place in hell reserved for sycophantic liars--we'll all be eating overcooked lamb shanks for eternity. I had a great meal and friendly/heartwarming service the previous evening at Roka a couple hundred meters to the north--perhaps hell won't be so bad that I'll get to savor...

Skyla Restaurant in Oia is a delightful culinary experience that beautifully showcases the flavors of the Aegean. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere that set the tone for a wonderful dining experience.

The restaurant boasts stunning views of the caldera, providing the perfect backdrop for our meal. We chose to indulge in the seafood platter, and it did not disappoint. The presentation was exquisite, featuring a generous assortment of fresh seafood, including perfectly grilled octopus, succulent shrimp, and a variety of fish, all beautifully arranged.

Each item on the platter was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The grilled octopus was particularly noteworthy—tender and smoky, it was seasoned to perfection. The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the fish was cooked just right, showcasing the natural flavors of the sea.

Accompanying the seafood were delightful dips and sides, including a zesty tzatziki and a refreshing Greek salad that complemented the seafood beautifully. The combination of flavors and textures made for a truly satisfying meal.

The service at Skyla was exceptional, with attentive staff who were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to ensure we had a memorable dining experience. They offered great recommendations and were quick to attend to our needs, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

As we savored our meal, we couldn't help but appreciate the stunning sunset views that Oia is famous for. Dining at Skyla provided the perfect setting to take in the beauty of the island while enjoying a delicious meal.

In summary, Skyla Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Aegean in a beautiful setting. The seafood platter was a highlight of our trip, and we left feeling satisfied and eager to return. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone...

We had a truly memorable experience during our first meal in Santorini at Skala Oia. Established in 1984, this restaurant embodies the essence of a traditional Greek dining experience, complete with charming decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff at Skala Oia were exceptionally friendly, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived.

For our meal, we ordered the pork tenderloin accompanied by cream cheese and Greek blue cheese. Initially, we were concerned that the grilled pork with the blue cheese sauce might be too rich and overwhelming. However, to our delight, it was surprisingly mild, with the blue cheese beautifully complementing the pork's flavors without overpowering them.

The tzatziki served alongside was a refreshing addition, providing a cool contrast that helped balance the richness of the other dishes. It was the perfect palate cleanser, allowing us to fully enjoy each bite.

Additionally, we opted for grilled shrimp served with couscous and steamed mussels. This dish was a fantastic choice, perfectly paired with a bottle of exquisite Greek red wine. The combination of flavors was delightful and elevated our dining experience.

Overall, Skala Oia offered us not just a meal, but a wonderful introduction to the culinary delights of Santorini. We left with full bellies and happy hearts,...