Candouni Restaurant, Oia

From the moment we walked in the door, we felt like family in this classic Greek home/restaurant. The food was authentic and amazing. Perfect end to a great week in Santorini—make a reservation!

We managed to eat here the second night of our stay in Oia. The first night we were turned away as we didn’t have a reservation. Second night we still didn’t, but we were told we could have a table in an hour’s time. There...was a guitarist/ bouzouki duo playing the most beautiful Greek folk music and we felt so drawn to them that we agreed to come back in an hour. So glad we did! Honestly, the waiting staff were pretty understaffed and service was really slow, but they were friendly and chatty, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was beautiful so it was worth it. These musicians genuinely made our whole experience so if you want to go here, go on a Monday or Tuesday as those are the only nights they play!More

Great experience. The food and house wine were amazing. It’s a hidden gem because it doesn’t have the sunset view so many desire but if you’ve seen that already, go here for a terrific meal.

Somebody described this to us as being invited to dine at a local Greek family’s home and that is an accurate description. The food is homestyle and good. It felt like it was a family running the place. They had great musicians playing traditional music...as well. They can be very busy so yes, some of the reviews say that the staff is very rude but I think they just don’t have the staff to deal with more than they are already taking on. But if you come on the late side, and are patient they will try to accommodate you even without a reservation. We saw a couple who came in around 10:30 pm who wanted a table and yes at first they seemed ignored and then a server came over and at first it looked like they would be ignored again but then they were seated and the couple looked like they were enjoying their dinner. The Cantouni salad was my favorite. Just a salad that seems simple but is secretly delicious. All the other dishes were good too but honestly nothing of particular note. I would not come here if I only had one dinner in Santorini but it was very good.More

The food in Oia is much the same across the town. Typically the better the over-rated view, the higher the price and/or lower the quality. This restaurant stands way above the rest. In the quieter old town, it nestles in a cobbled alley, away from...the madding crowd. The menu includes many authentic Greek dishes which you won’t find elsewhere in the town. Don’t go for typical and familiar dishes - explore. Allow the delightful owner to guide you. Superb food at reasonable prices.More

This is without doubt our worst experience of hospitality in over 35 years of dining. My wife and I were treated as if we were doing the restaurant a favour. The host was incredibly rude to us (as well as any other diners without a...reservation). We waited for over 10 minutes without even being acknowledged/given a menu before we walked out. If in Oia DO NOT go here. There are plenty of very good restaurants where you are treated like a human being rather than a speck of dirt.More

Intimate, authentic, super friendly, casual atmosphere, but, food was “fine dining” caliber without the high price.

My friend and I stayed a week in Oia in May of 2022 and this was one of our favorite restaurants. It felt like dining with family in a Greek home (and I think it actually was their home with Mama doing the cooking!). We...both got the fish of the day which was absolutely wonderful, along with a bottle of local wine. We finished our meal off with their homemade baklava which was the best I've ever eaten. This place is away from the caldera, in the old town and the ambiance felt very local. We dined out on the terrace accompanied by local musicians playing Greek music. The wait staff was polite and professional. The food came promptly and we both felt that the prices were quite moderate for Oia. Try the Candouni for a dose of the real Oia. You won't be disappointed!More

Lovely evening at a special little family restaurant. Located off of the main drag in Oia, this is a delightful place to visit before, during or after your sunset viewing in this lovely little town. My husband remembered it from our visit there on a...trip some years ago and wanted to try and find it again. We were greeted by a charismatic, funny young man,the owner,who asked if we had a reservation and when we told him we didn’t, couldn’t get us on the patio already reserved , but gave us a nice table inside. His family owns the place and his recommendations helped give us a perfect dinner, like you would hope to have @ your Greek mothers house, if she was a really good cook. We shared a delicious Greek salad and shared the fresh fish, a Dorado, perfectly prepared, and enough for two to share. It was the first nite of our trip, so we were a bit jet lagged and tired, but plan to return again before we leave, but with a reservation.More

Wonderful restaurant with great homemade food, friendly staff, and a charming candlelit atmosphere. Our server has a deep passion for this restaurant and the food and service it provides. He had very nice recommendations and our dishes were excellent. We loved the house dogs Rocky...and Babette as well!More

Agreeing with all of the above bad ratings. They guy is a slick and tries to make you change your mind on your food wishes. Bread was cold and hard (especially the pita). Wine was very good but definitely too expensive. Honesty is definitely not...a perk of this place. On the other hand, food was simply home made but definitely overpriced. The waitress was very nice and gentle with all clients.More

Found via TA. Family owned business focussing on homemade food tightly menued. Owner is passionate about the food providing full descriptions. Went as a foursome. Had bread and dips to start (eggplant mix and lentil like mix - both full of flavours) Then had the...slow cooked lamb, fish of the day (dorado melt in mouth and with lovely Med veg) and seafood linguine with a great selection of mussels prawns clams and squid. All were excellent. Finished with Baklava light and full of nuts and a walnut cake again excellent. You do have to find this place as in back street but do make the effort! Toilets were immaculate as well!More