Selene Restaurant, Santorini: Where Culinary Heritage Meets Luxury
The serene courtyard of Selene Restaurant, set within a beautifully restored Catholic Monastery, offering an intimate dining experience under the Santorini sky.
Selene Restaurant is located within Katikies Garden Hotel in Fira. Dining at Selene isn't just about Santorini food—it's about savoring the very soul of the island. It is an exploration of the gastronomic and cultural landmark that has been constantly reinventing contemporary Greek cuisine for decades.
Dining Experience at Selene Restaurant
You can enjoy your meal either in the cozy courtyard or in the beautifully designed indoor space of this stunning Catholic Monastery. Selene offers a unique dining experience. Each dish highlights local ingredients, celebrates the island's heritage, and showcases creativity and style.
With a Michelin Star chef at the helm and a carefully curated wine list that features some of the most sought-after wines, every moment is designed to indulge your senses. Selene offers you more than a meal—an unforgettable experience crafted to leave you enchanted long after the last bite.
The Story Behind Selene: A Culinary Evolution
An exquisite dish from Selene Restaurant, showcasing the fusion of traditional Greek flavors with innovative culinary techniques.
Selene, established in 1985 by Giorgos Hatzigiannakis, is a journey through Santorini's rich culinary history. From humble beginnings in the picturesque village of Pyrgos, Selene quickly earned a reputation as a must-see destination to explore the island's flavors and traditions.
When Selene moved to Fira, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. The restaurant's new location, an 18th-century Catholic Monastery, is popular with locals and international luxury travelers, establishing itself as a culinary landmark.
For over 39 years, Selene Restaurant has stood at the forefront of culinary innovation in Santorini, constantly evolving and redefining what contemporary Greek cuisine can be. At the heart of Selene's success is Michelin-starred Chef Ettore Botrini, whose passion for local ingredients and culinary artistry has transformed the restaurant into a true cultural landmark.
As Santorini evolved into a luxury destination, so did Selene. Throughout the years, the restaurant has remained true to its roots while continually pushing the boundaries of Greek and Cycladic cuisine. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Santorini or arguably even the best restaurant in Santorini.
A Vision Realized: Chef Ettore Botrini's Culinary Mastery
Michelin Star Chef Ettore Botrini, who became the Executive Chef of Selene Restaurant in 2021, ushering in a new era of culinary innovation in Santorini.
When Michelin Star Chef Ettore Botrini took over as the Executive Chef of Selene in 2021, it marked the beginning of a new era for the restaurant. Botrini, known for his innovative take on modern Greek cuisine, saw an opportunity to combine local ingredients with global cooking techniques, elevating Selene to a new level.
Ettore Botrini grew up in Corfu, Greece. His journey into the culinary world began under the guidance of his father, Etrusco Botrini, a chef who influenced his early training from 1986 to 1992 at various MED Clubs worldwide. He later took over the family restaurant, Etrusco, in Corfu, which is consistently recognized as one of the best in Greece.
He refined his cooking skills by training in top restaurants across Europe, including a significant period in Monaco between 1993 and 1994. He also developed his culinary expertise by working with his friend and mentor, the highly acclaimed three-Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui, in Spain, where he explored molecular cuisine.
Botrini honors traditional Greek flavors while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This approach earned him his first Michelin star for his restaurant Botrini's in Athens in 2014, solidifying his reputation as one of Greece's top chefs. Selene's dishes represent a fusion of Santorini's local ingredients and Botrini's creative vision, bringing a new dimension to the island's gastronomic scene.
Botrini's way of using local ingredients is inspiring and innovative. He honors Santorini's farming heritage by working closely with local farmers to get the best produce. His global experience allows him to add exciting flavors and techniques from around the globe. Whether using the island's famous cherry tomatoes in unexpected ways or giving a modern twist to the beloved moussaka, Botrini's cooking celebrates Santorini's rich culinary history while welcoming innovation. Botrini has made Selene one of the most prestigious restaurants in the Mediterranean.
Culinary Delights
For those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind experience, the Full Moon Menu offers a love ode to Santorini. This tasting menu showcases the best of its local ingredients and culinary traditions. It's more than a menu—a sensory journey to connect you with the island's magic.
If you’re looking for an adventurous culinary experience, the various tasting menus are where Chef Ettore Botrini truly shines. His focus is on embracing traditional Greek flavors while incorporating innovative techniques to enhance the essence of Santorini's cuisine. Each dish is crafted to surprise and delight, all while staying rooted in the flavors of Santorini.
Tasting Menu Selection
Experience Selene Restaurant's exquisite dishes, where traditional Greek flavors blend seamlessly with innovative culinary techniques. For a complete overview, explore their Full Moon Tasting Menu (Chef’s signature), Harvest Moon Tasting Menu, A La Carte Menu, Mnemes Tasting Menu (special dinner), and Sample Wine List.
4 course A La Carte Menu €175/person
Harvest Moon Tasting Menu €190/person plus €70 for Wine Paring/person
Full Moon Tasting Menu €230/person plus €90, €150, €190 or €750 for Wine Pairing/person
Mnemes Tasting Menu plus Wine Paring for €600/person
Vegetarian Tasting Menu, which is the Harvest Moon Tasting Menu, is available upon request
Note: Prices listed are current as of the time this article was written. Additionally, tasting menus change regularly, and the links to the menus may not always be up-to-date.
From the delicate Skaros fish to the Milk-Fed Lamb dish, every dish pays homage to the Aegean Sea and its profound influence on the island's culinary heritage. These meals are carefully crafted to immerse you in the beauty and history of the region.
Signature Dishes and Unforgettable Flavors
Here are some of the standout dishes:
Gazing from Skaros Rock: This dish features marinated 'skaros' fish, complemented by the sweetness of fig and strawberry, with a hint of anise-like freshness from fennel. The combination reflects the essence of Santorini's landscape—balanced, vibrant, and full of contrasts. (currently offered on Full Moon and Mnemes Menu).
Ode to Santorinian Tomatokeftes, as seen on the Harvest Moon Menu, is a masterful tribute to one of Santorini's iconic dishes. It features roasted tomato water with basil, delivering a burst of fresh, savory flavors. Paired with 'dakos,' a traditional Cretan rusk topped with a vibrant tomato tartar—a unique take on tomatokeftes.
The White Asparagus dish on Selene's a la carte menu features white asparagus harmoniously paired with Naxos Dry Anthotyro cheese, which adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast. The addition of hazelnut brings a delightful crunch, while bergamot infuses a subtle citrus aroma, elevating the entire experience.
Milk-Fed Lamb dish: is a refined take on Greek culinary traditions, pairing tender lamb with Tino's artichokes, chickpeas, and a touch of sage. The lamb, known for its delicate flavor, is complemented by the earthy sweetness of chickpeas and the subtle tang of artichokes, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Pasta al Limone is a sophisticated blend of flavors showcasing Benedetto Cavalieri pasta paired with a delicate lemon extract, creating a bright and tangy base. The dish is elevated with a unique twist of beetroot ‘nduja.’ This spicy, spreadable sausage adds subtle heat and a touch of earthiness, perfectly balancing the citrus notes.
The Bitter Chocolate Tart on Selene's a la carte menu is a decadent, multi-layered dessert experience with a rich, velvety, bitter chocolate tart paired with bitter espuma, creating a perfect balance of intense flavors. The crue de cacao nougat adds a delightful crunch and the Vinsanto ice cream brings a unique sweetness with its wine-infused creaminess, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold chocolate notes.
Each dish at Selene is a masterpiece, carefully plated to offer a visual and sensory experience. If you want to explore further, you can join cooking lessons with Chef Botrini. These classes allow you to enjoy and learn more about the art of creating Selene's iconic dishes.
The Wine Experience at Selene
Yiannis Karakasis MW, with an impressive background as a Master of Wine, carefully selects the wines for Selene. Selene's wine complements the flavors of the dishes while also paying homage to the unique terroir of Santorini.
The shining star of Selene's wine list is Assyrtiko. This grape has become synonymous with Santorini's viticulture. Assyrtiko is known for its high acidity and minerality. It thrives in the island's volcanic soil, producing wines that are crisp, complex, and deeply connected to the land. At Selene, diners can explore the full range of Assyrtiko's potential, from fresh, youthful expressions to aged versions that reveal layers of complex flavors and depth.
Selene's wine list includes a diverse range of Greek and international wines, many of which are sourced from small, sustainable vineyards. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, Karakasis ensures that each wine pairing elevates the meal, creating a perfect balance of flavors that makes the dining experience at Selene truly unforgettable.
The impressive wine list features some rare Assyrtiko wines, to name several of them:
Argyros, Assyrtiko Oak Fermented, 2007, Santorini, Greece €170
Hatzidakis, Santorini, 2016, Santorini, Greece €320
Sigalas, Kavalieros, 2009, Santorini, Greece €495
Gaia, Thalassitis Submerged, 2018, Santorini, Greece €660
Hatzidakis, Assyrtiko de Louros, 2016, Santorini, Greece €720
Download Selene's wine list here.
Wine Pairings and the Perfect Match
Selene takes pride in pairing each dish with the perfect wine. The sommeliers work closely with the kitchen, ensuring each dish's flavors are complemented.
Wine Tastings
Selene Restaurant offers several unique wine-tasting experiences. It gives guests the opportunity to explore wines produced by local artisans, which allows a deeper look into Santorini's volcanic terroir and highlights the rich flavors of Santorini and beyond.
Selene Antique Caves offers thematic wine tastings curated by Yannis Karakasis MW.
All wine tastings are 2 hours long and require a minimum of 2 participants.
50 Great Greek Wines: Synchronic Excellence - €90 per person
Santorini Wines: The Power of a Volcano - €115 per person
Volcanic Wines: The Heat is On - €140 per person
Judgement of Santorini: Greece vs The World - €170 per person
Fine Wines: A Wine Paradise - €650 per person
For more details, visit Selene Wine Tasting.
Note: Prices listed are current as of the time this article was written.
Sip your way around Santorini on a half-day wine tour, visiting three traditional wineries dotted around the picturesque island.
Ambiance and Service
At Selene, the ambiance is more than just a backdrop—it's an integral part of the experience. Picture yourself enjoying outdoor seating in the stunning courtyard, where every glance reminds you why this island is so coveted.
The exceptional service at Selene is equally unmatched. From the moment you arrive, you're not just a guest—you're part of the story being told. Every staff member provides a personal and unforgettable experience. It's not just about bringing you a dish; it's about creating a memory, ensuring that each detail, from the plating to the wine selection, leaves an indelible mark on your evening.
The atmosphere at Selene is inviting yet refined—cozy and inviting but elevated enough to make every guest, no matter their age, feel like they're part of something truly special. Whether celebrating an anniversary or simply indulging in the island's best, Selene's aesthetic palette—a blend of warm tones, natural materials, and modern elegance—creates a welcoming and sophisticated space.
For those seeking romance, Selene delivers. A candlelit dinner in the courtyard, with the stars overhead and the stunning Santorini backdrop, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Planning Your Visit
Make a reservation at Selene Restaurant, located in the historic town of Fira, with a medieval castle located nearby. Selene isn’t just a stop on your itinerary—it’s a destination in itself, where history and modern luxury blend seamlessly. The serene atmosphere alone is enough to make this a must-visit, but it’s the details that truly elevate your time here.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking to experience the best of Cycladic cuisine, Selene will ensure that your evening will be unforgettable. Take advantage of the restaurant's wine pairing package, featuring a selection of the finest local wines. Each pairing complements the flavors of the dishes, making every bite, every sip, an exploration of Santorini's rich viticulture.
From rare local ingredients to a menu that evolves with the seasons, every aspect of Selene's culinary vision is designed to connect you with the very heart of Santorini.
Final Thoughts
Selene is a cultural landmark for those seeking more than just food. It's a journey into the island's culture - Santorini's past, an exploration of its present, and a glimpse into the future of Greek cuisine. With Chef Botrini at the helm and a focus on tradition and innovation, Selene continues to set the standard for luxury dining in Santorini.
If you're searching for the ultimate fine dining in Santorini, Selene isn't just a suggestion—it's a must-see. Whether you're drawn by the culinary expertise of Chef Botrini or the allure of Santorini's unique ingredients, one thing is certain: dining at Selene is an experience you will remember.
Address: The restaurant is located in Katikies Garden Hotel, Fira Town, Santorini, 84700. Cyclades Islands, Greece.
Dive even deeper into the world of fine dining in Santorini. Discover where the island’s culinary magic unfolds with our guide to the 12 Best Restaurants in Santorini, Greece, for an Unforgettable Dining Experience.
Ready to elevate your next meal? Click here to explore the very best of Santorini’s gourmet scene.
Further Recommendation:
Best Wineries in Santorini: Unveiling the Top Spots for Wine Enthusiasts
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, including links to Booking.com and Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and make a purchase via these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep this website running and allows us to continue providing valuable content—thank you!
