Santorini — Restaurant in Las Cruces

Dining out with a group can be a delightful experience, filled with laughter, good food, and cherished moments. However, our recent visit to [Santorini] turned out to be quite the opposite. With six adults and six babies in tow, we anticipated a lively gathering but were met with an atmosphere that felt unwelcoming from the moment we arrived.

Arrival and First Impressions Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted not by warm smiles but rather by an air of indifference. The server’s demeanor suggested that our large party was more of a burden than a welcome addition. This initial interaction set the tone for the afternoon; it felt as though we were intruding rather than enjoying a meal in a public space designed for such gatherings.

Service Challenges As we settled into our seats, it became apparent that accommodating our needs was not a priority for the staff. We requested high chairs for the babies, which is typically a standard request in family-friendly establishments. Instead of promptly providing them, we were met with hesitation and an almost dismissive attitude. The manager eventually approached us—not to apologize or offer assistance—but to inform us that if we planned to return in the future, we should make a reservation. This comment struck us as particularly ungracious. While we understand that reservations are often necessary for larger groups, it felt inappropriate to suggest this during our visit when we were already present and hoping to enjoy our time together. It left us feeling like unwelcome guests rather than valued customers.

Atmosphere and Overall Experience The ambiance of [Santorini] could have been inviting; however, the service overshadowed any potential enjoyment of the surroundings. The lack of warmth from both the server and manager created an uncomfortable environment where laughter was stifled by feelings of being unwelcome. Dining out should be about creating memories and enjoying each other’s company over good food. Unfortunately, this experience did not allow for that; instead, it became an exercise in patience as we navigated through what should have been simple requests.

Finally when ticketing out, requesting for a box, the server found it necessary to make a joke stating no, the food had to be eaten before...

I wanted to like this place. I had heard about how good it was and decided to give it a try. My interaction with the hostess who was also my waitress was definitely odd. I was dining by myself, and she said they seat by server (ok) and that she could either get me at a small table that literally faces the hostess station, or another small table that is on the other side of a partition near the soft drink refrigerator. I told her I wanted to eat somewhere a little further back from the front of the restaurant. What I couldn't understand is there were plenty of tables designed for 4 but they just didn't want to give one of those up. Weird stand to take with a new customer but whatever, I picked the table near the hostess station. I realize this was a mistake rather quickly as people started to que up in this area to be seated and pickup to go orders so you've got people literally in your face at this table. Why even put tables in these locations? I made the decision to move to the other table she said was available for me, by the drink refrigerator. This also sucked because while you're eating someone's rear end is in your face while they are trying to decide on what drink to pick. I resigned myself that as long as the food was good I'd let this go, but when it arrived that was not the case. I ordered the Gyro Platter with the option to upgrade to the "Greek Salad". I'm originally from the Northeast where Greek/Med food is everywhere, and have had some of the best. This was mediocre at best, and I'm being generous with that description. Most of my gyro meat was hard and dry chunks, the pita dry and bland, and the "Greek salad" was overdressed with mushy tomatoes and a few olives spread over the top. The rice was decent, at best. Service was meh, she was nice enough, but the weird interaction with the table and the fact she picked up my cup to go get me a refill and then proceeded to ring up another patrons check and answer questions at the counter meant I was without a drink for quite awhile trying to swallow this dry gyro meat. It was then that I realized, this place is popular in Cruces, not because it is good, but because there are really no other options for Med/Greek food here, so Cruces residents don't know what good Greek/Med food is like. I will not...

If you want to be treated like crap, this is the place. There is a waitress who says she is the manager but she is the problem. I don't know why the owner doesn't address this issue. Been coming here for years but after this recent visit and the same crappy service, I'm done with this place. I'll be sure to spread the word.

I've been coming here for years and the food is always good. However I cannot say the same of the servers. I always tip good but do expect just a little customer service/interaction. My most recent visit was around 2:00pm after the lunch rush. There were only four tables with customers at this time. Recently, I always feel as if I am being rushed. The waitress ask me and my family what we wanted to drink before we sat down. There was someone cleaning the floor in my immediate area. Please do not sit me at a table where the area hasn't been cleaned. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma (Mini Platter) but asked for Hummus in lieu of the Tzatziki Sauce. Had to go to the front counter to complain about this because the servers were not attentive to the customers. The waitress gave me an attitude stating this is how the Platter is served. She asked if I wanted a side of Hummus, I told her no. I actually wanted the Hummus in lieu of the Tzatziki. A full side of Hummus is more than I wanted. My waitress finally checked on me and my family when we were just about finished. She immediately brought the check over without asking if we wanted desert or anything else. My bill was $38.99, I gave her $40.00 and she asked if I needed the change, I told her no. Just a quick news flash to the servers at Santorini, customers often tip accordingly. As for my waitress, Keep the change,...