(Gluten free) Santorini. There is no way of escaping the magnificent photos of this Greek island’s landscape, white houses and memorable churches. Whether it is in an ad, on TV or social media, you are bound to already have witnessed some of its beauty.
Because it is so well known, it is also very touristy. As a Celiac, this is more a blessing than a curse, as you will find that most restaurants know exactly what gluten is. While very few have allergens marked on the menu, I was personally surprised during my visit. Not a single restaurant staff gave me any baffled looks and they were all very accommodating.
I only stayed for 3 days, so this is more of a mini guide than anything else. Do note that there are so many restaurants on the island, you will not have any issues finding something gluten free.
A few tips first:
- Greek salad is not only healthy and tasty, but it is also gluten free.
- Almost all restaurants serve grilled seafood or steak, which should be easy to adapt if not already gluten free.
- Don’t be afraid to double check that meals are indeed gluten free. Sometimes, staff could be wrong. Often an experience will be based on the knowledge of the staff that is working at the time of your visit. Thus my experiences may not always be the same as yours. I recommend to always double check allergens, have the kitchen confirm and to ensure that staff understand what is meant by gluten.
GLUTEN FREE IN SANTORINI
100 % Gluten Free
Unfortunately, there are no 100% gluten free restaurants nor bakeries on Santorini (at least not when I visited in October 2021). If you know of please, do not hesitate to let me know.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
I have not listed any restaurants with allergen marked menus here as I did not personally eat at any such restaurants. There are, however, several places with allergens marked on the menu, and I even walked by some on a daily stroll. But, for the most part this is the exemption from the rule.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS WHEN ASKED
At these places, the menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
ALISMARI (in Kamari)
Kamari, Santorini 847 00
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
The moment you reach the beach promenade from the main street, you will find this restaurant on your left side. It is quite charming and you can choose whether to sit inside the restaurant itself or next to the beach. While the menu is not allergen marked, the waiter pointed out what was safe for me to eat. This was really late at night, nearing 11 PM and just before closing time, but he still had patience to help a Celiac out. The food was also quite good. Here are some more reviews.
ARGO RESTAURANT (in Fira)
Thera 847 00, Santorini
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Visiting this restaurant was not by accident. It is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Fira, and I even tried making a dinner reservation in advance (it was impossible). Ended up going there for lunch, and I was not disappointed. The menu has no allergens listed, but the waitress knew exactly which dishes were safe and which could be adapted to become gluten free. She literally went through every single item on the menu as she knew it all by heart. The food was very good and you have such a variety of gluten free options. Oh, and if you get the house wine, prepare for a very generous pour! Want more reviews? Read on here!
ROMANTICA (in Fira)
Φηροστεφάνι, Σαντορίνη, Φηροστεφάνι 847 00
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
The plan was not to go to this restaurant but another one just down the road. Boy am I glad the other place was at full capacity, because Romantica was such a gem. There is an outer and interior seating area, with a cozy and homey atmosphere inside. I was unsure about the waiter fully understanding my question about gluten free dishes, but it seemed like it wasn’t the first time he had been asked about that. I was assured about the choices that were gluten free and felt safe eating there.
Additionally, he came to the table with a small bottle of ouzo and a small tray of olives and croutons (not gluten free, so not for me) – which was on the house! Ended up with so much lovely food that there was no room for breakfast the next day. Read more reviews here.
FRATZESKOS FISH TAVERN (in Perissa)
Perissa 847 03, Santorini
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
My hotel recommended this little fish restaurant, and it was well worth the drive. If you are in the area exploring the old town of Perissa, this is a good lunch spot. The menu is not allergen marked, but the waiter recommended to get grilled seafood (which apparently is freshly fished by the restaurant owner). The grilled octopus is a must. I also ordered some grilled small fish, which came with a lemon sauce. I was not sure about what this was, so I avoided it (so make sure to ask if there is any sauce). Read more reviews here.
THE DOLPHINS (by Red Beach)
Κοκκινη Παραλια, Akrotiri 847 00
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
If you are heading to the Red Beach, this is a possible lunch spot. It is one of the nearest restaurants to the beach and it is directly on the water (you can sit on a little pier as you dine). While I was not the biggest fan of the stuffed squid, they have other grilled seafood options. The service was a bit slow, I have to add, and it is not the most memorable eating experience (but not bad). There are of course better options elsewhere if you drive a little, this is just an option if you want somewhere really close by or want to grab a coffee or drink. Read more here.
LEFKES (in Oia)
Φοινικιά 847 02, Oia
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
This is a very popular restaurant in Oia, despite not having any views at all. It is not even located along the cliff. What it does have going for it, though, is the uniqueness of it. It used to be a winery, and they have kept the incredible details. You can sit inside or outside, and it is an experience in itself.
Food-wise, there was a near disaster. The menu is not allergen marked, but the waitress pointed out which dishes were gluten free. I was a little skeptical, as she pointed out a dish with spaghetti being safe. I ended up choosing a soupy stew, but 10 minutes later the chef came out to inform the that the waitress was wrong. He pointed out the correct list of gluten free dishes and which ones could be adapted so they would be gluten free.
The risotto I chose ended up being one of the best risottos I have ever had, so the food here is great. However, if it wasn’t for the chef being very attentive, it could have gone very wrong. I would still like to recommend this place, but do ensure the kitchen is notified about your food restrictions. Read more here.
FANARI RESTAURANT OIA (in Oia)
Oia 847 02
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
This is a fairly expensive restaurant (a Greek salad is 3x as much as other places), so my recommendation is for the evening sunset view. It is part of a hotel, and you need to reserve a table in advance to ensure you get a table with a view (I booked a week in advance). I would say it is only worth the cost if you’re very keen on seeing the Oia sunset, which is very nice from here. Otherwise, there are much more reasonable options (by the way, you can also see the sunset from a bar just up the street, but you need to grab a table veeery early).
This being quite a fashionable place, I was surprised that the staff had to return to the kitchen to verify if the dish I wanted was gluten free. It took a few attempts, and in the end I got a steak without any sauce (as the kitchen wasn’t sure if the sauce contained gluten). Not worth the cost in itself, but combined with the atmosphere and view it was fine. Read more here.
ELINIKON OIA RESTAURANT (in Oia)
Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
So, I ate here before the very expensive restaurant (to keep the costs down). I didn’t take any pictures as I only ordered Greek salad, wine and Greek yogurt. But, let me tell you, the Greek yogurt was absolutely amazing! I would return just for that. Although not having a grand sunset view, the whole 2nd floor of the restaurant was booked for sunset, so it seems to be a fairly popular place. I cannot comment on the menu nor the other dishes, as what I ordered I knew was already gluten free. Read more here.
VENETSANOS WINERY (along the highway)
Caldera Megalochori, Santorini 847 00
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
My recommendation here is not based on their gluten free options, as the bread sticks you see in the photo are not gluten free (I didn’t inform the staff I am Celiac when I ordered as I didn’t expect any bread with it). I mention it, though, as their wine tasting is a pretty good deal. For EUR 25 you get to taste 4 wines and you get a big pate of cheeses and meats.
The tasting can be shared between two people, making it even cheaper per person. The view is quite nice as well! I didn’t have any reservation when going there, which you normally should, but was able to get a tasting as well as a table with a view. The island has several wineries, but only a few of them have cliff views. If you do go, make sure to inform that you cannot have any gluten, as I forgot to do this. Read more here.
FINAL NOTES
These are just some of the many places to eat gluten free on Santorini. When eating out, just remember to always ask about ingredients in addition to underlining that you are “allergic to gluten”, as well as reconfirming when you receive your meal that it is in fact gluten free.
Lastly, always trust your gut feeling. If you don’t feel it’s safe, don’t eat!
