SANTORINI, Greece – August 24, 2026 – Santorini may be known around the world for its whitewashed villages and legendary sunsets, but the island’s deepest story begins in its volcanic earth, its vineyards, its family tables and the flavors preserved across generations. At Rizes Gastro Taverna, that story is brought vividly to life.
Set on the caldera cliffs in the heart of Fira, opposite Santorini’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Rizes invites travelers to experience the island beyond the postcard. Across its stone-paved terraces, the volcano, the Aegean Sea and the changing colors of sunset form a dramatic backdrop to a dining experience that is unmistakably Greek: generous, soulful and meant to be shared.
The restaurant’s name, Rizes—the Greek word for “roots”—expresses its entire philosophy. Here, tradition is not treated as something fixed in the past. It is a living source of inspiration, translated into contemporary dishes with clarity, imagination and respect for the ingredient. The result is refined without becoming formal, cosmopolitan without losing its sense of place, and deeply connected to the timeless spirit of Greek hospitality.
Under the direction of Co-Owner and Executive Chef Alexandros Makropoulos, together with Head Chef Maria Sylla and Pastry Chef Eleni Mania, the kitchen explores recipes and memories from Santorini, the Cyclades and the wider Greek landscape. The menu moves from fava with caper chutney and pickled onions to charcoal-grilled calamari “kontosouvli,” oven-baked “giouvetsi” with prime steak and “Manoura” cheese, and slow-cooked goat shoulder finished with lemon oil. Desserts continue the journey through familiar Greek flavors in unexpected forms, including a Vinsanto chocolate sphere with sour cherries and “kaimaki” ice cream.
“Santorini is admired for what visitors see, but at Rizes we want them to taste and feel the island as well. Our purpose is to share a Greece that is authentic and generous—rooted in memory, shaped by the land and expressed with a contemporary voice.” — Panagiotis Iglesis, Co-Owner, Rizes Gastro Taverna
Wine is central to the experience. The restaurant’s traditional stone cellar brings together distinguished labels from Santorini and across Greece alongside selected international wines, with particular attention to the volcanic character of Assyrtiko and the island’s historic Vinsanto. Guests can go deeper through an intimate private cellar dinner or a guided wine and olive oil heritage tasting—experiences designed to turn dinner into a meaningful encounter with Greek terroir and culture.
Architecture and atmosphere complete the sense of place. Designed by acclaimed interior architect Dimitrios Oikonomou, Rizes balances Cycladic textures, natural stone and clean contemporary lines. As daylight fades, the terraces evolve from a front-row seat to the caldera into a vibrant evening setting of music, cocktails, wine and relaxed sophistication.
In 2026, Rizes received one star from the FNL Best Restaurant Awards as a Newcomer in the “gastrotaverna” category and was ranked No. 7 on The Skinos List, FNL’s selection of ten unmissable dining experiences in Greece for the year 2026. The restaurant is also nominated for Greece’s Best Restaurant 2026 at the World Culinary Awards—distinctions that reflect its rapid emergence as one of Santorini’s most compelling culinary destinations.
For American travelers seeking a more meaningful taste of Santorini, Rizes offers something increasingly rare: a restaurant where the view may be unforgettable, but it is the food, the people and the feeling of philoxenia that remain long after the sun has disappeared into the Aegean.
About Rizes Gastro Taverna
Rizes Gastro Taverna is an upscale Greek gastro taverna on the caldera cliffs of Fira, Santorini. Inspired by the culinary traditions of Greece and the Cyclades, it brings together locally sourced ingredients, modern technique, a curated wine cellar, signature cocktails and heartfelt Greek hospitality. Rizes welcomes guests for sunset dining, late-evening drinks, private cellar experiences, heritage tastings and special gatherings.
Rizes Gastro Taverna is part of the AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality group of hotels and restaurants.
View the full press release at https://prgun.com/pr/1608/beyond-the-sunset-rizes-gastro-taverna-reveals-the-living-taste-of-santorin
Media ContactCompany Name: Rizes Gastro TavernaContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailPhone: +30 22860 21885City: Caldera, Fira TownState: SantoriniCountry: GreeceWebsite: https://rizessantorini.com/
