The Cave of Nikolas — Restaurant in Municipality of Thira

WE GOT FOOD TERRIBLE POISONING! Not exactly the way we’d want to spend a night in Santorini. 💔

Giving two stars because the non-seafood items were good. The produce was fresh and came from their own farm. You HAVE to get all the things with their tomatoes! 🙌🏾

Breakdown of the plates: Chloro Cheese - it seemed that the two side pieces were chloro and then the middle piece just tasted like feta Fish Tomato Balls - Definitely something to try, this dish was incredible. I haven’t had anything like it. Fava - loved this. Wish we could have more of it, like a soup! Fried White Eggplant - never had white eggplants before. They were a little tougher than normal eggplant but I enjoyed how they pan fried them with no extra breaded coating. Santorini Salad - you can really taste their bomb tomatoes. Refreshing. Grilled Calamari - was okay. Not grilled to perfection or anything. When seafood is grilled right you just know. This wasn’t. Grilled Sardines - these sardines weren’t fresh and this is how we got the food poisoning. There was one fish that really stunk and then the others were over cooked so mask the oldness of the fish.

Service was great once we sat down. But to tell you the full truth the host guy wasn’t great. We didn’t have reservations so he told us that they were booked back to back with no spare tables. Didn’t even offer to say that he can squeeze us in. Just that there was no way. We waited 40mins since we thought this was an incredible place to eat. Having worked in the industry as a host and server it was sad to experience. The whole time we waited there was a table for two empty for 40mins minimum. Then two more tables opened and they made us stand and watch the three empty tables 20mins before they sat us down.

I normally only write reviews about the good, but this has to be known so no one else has an experience like this on their...

Drawn by the beautiful photos and positive reviews—as well as the promise of an authentic Greek taverna for lunch (The Cave of Nikolas)—my wife, our young daughter, and I decided to drive there by rental car from Perissa.

After leaving the main road, the route includes a stretch of unpaved path. Unfortunately, the directions weren’t very clear. We passed the taverna and continued following signs for Café Akrotiri, but then we saw a parking sign with an arrow pointing left. Regrettably, I decided to follow that indication and took the left turn onto a sandy path that led uphill to a closed gate. When I tried to reverse, the car got stuck in what felt like quicksand—the wheels sank about 20 cm deep, leaving us completely immobilized.

With my wife and little girl in the car, the situation felt even more stressful. Luckily, our savior appeared: the owner of The Cave of Nikolas came to check on us and, without hesitation, pulled our car free using a rope tied to his Jeep! He was incredibly kind and reassuring, especially with our daughter watching nervously. We weren’t even able to "repay" him by dining at his tavern that day (though, judging by the reviews, it’s absolutely worth a visit).

While I can’t personally vouch for the food yet, I can wholeheartedly attest to the owner’s generosity and selfless help—and since it’s a family-run business, I’m sure the entire staff shares the same warmth. Thank you again for “rescuing” us in what could have been a very difficult situation. We won’t forget your kindness, and we hope to return one day—next time, for a...

If you're searching for a wonderful dining experience in Santorini, then you need to visit The Cave of Nikolas restaurant. This charming restaurant is situated near the sea, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for enjoying a meal.

One of the best things about this restaurant is the variety of delicious dishes on the menu. From the old-time favorite moussaka to the fava, there is something for everyone. The food is always fresh, expertly prepared, and full of flavor, making for a truly memorable culinary experience.

The restaurant's owner, Minas, is also worth mentioning. His passion for cooking is evident in every dish, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that his guests have an exceptional dining experience.

The ambiance of the restaurant is another standout feature, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic dinner or a small gathering of friends. The setting is not at the caldera, which offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds and touristy restaurants in the area.

Overall, The Cave of Nikolas is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a high-quality dining experience in Santorini. With delicious food, excellent service, and a beautiful atmosphere, it's a standout restaurant that's sure to impress. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this restaurant is definitely...