Karma Oia Restaurant is a favourite in Santorini, and after reading comments from customers, judged it deserved giving it a try. The idea was to stay away from the tourist trap restaurants on the main strip and made a great pick. Very close to Oia’s Sunset Hotel where we were staying, Karma Oia Restaurant is tucked away down a quiet street behind the tower clock, off the maddening crowds of Oia pedestrian walkway. Easy to find if you follow the signs. The restaurant was our choice for a romantic dinner and booked a table a couple of days before the flight to Santorini.
Although I was here in the capacity of a food critic to check the food and atmosphere, I did not let the owners know until the very last moment. The short walk from our hotel led us to the entrance. It is evident that from the outside one cannot help being drawn in by the smart courtyard decor and the spotlights’ relaxed atmosphere. By stepping in, Dimitri greeted and escorted us to our reserved table.
Karma Oia Restaurant
The outdoor character of the courtyard blends well with the interior. Even though the restaurant lacks the sunset view and the extra charge of premium for sub-standard fare like most restaurants by the caldera, Karma Oia Restaurant has a cosy candlelit courtyard with a small koi fountain to pride of, tables with the right amount of space between them, while music, lighting and artwork create comfort, intimacy, even romance.
Karma Oia Restaurant
The Cuisine
Dishes have authentic Greek cuisine flavours presented with creative fusion influence. Karma Oia Restaurant has a very selective Menu list that indicates photos and feedback with the entrée dishes making it easy for tourists to know what to expect and choose their favourites.
Appetizers
We started with the “Fried Feta with Sesame Seeds and Honey”, originally a Cretan dish that combines salty cheese with sweet. The phyllo-wrapped feta appetiser is a ‘must try’ surpassing all of your wildest dreams! Don’t miss the super flavoursome homemade mini Pies with a combination of beef and apple chutney!
Tomato fritters “Tomatokeftedes” with Feta dip makes the perfect veggie quick meal. They were delicious, crispy fried on the outside and quite moist and full inside.
Karma Oia Restaurant Service
In this culinary paradise, beside the food, the personalising service seems to be the key to the restaurant’s success. Karma Oia Restaurant buzzed with romantic energy and was comfortably full with seemingly satisfied patrons.
Main Course Choice at Karma Oia Restaurant
Packed with Mediterranean flavours, and nicely presented, the two dishes we opted for were super yummy and mouthwatering.
The restaurant’s “Soutzoukakia” spicy meatballs were bursting with flavour with the original rich taste I am well aware of, from Grandmom’s way of cooking, a Greek herself, coming from Smyrni (Izmir).
The second delectable vegetarian dish rich in flavour was “Gemista” what Greeks name the Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers. Nicely presented, so tasty that words fail me: both mains, a feast to the eyes as well as the stomach.
Beverage
Our choice the white Terra Nera was well-balanced with exotic fruit flavour and a long lingering finish.
Dessert at Karma Oia Restaurant
We opted for the classic and famous Baklava. Homemade here, with a filling of nuts, and flavours of citrus and spices was finger licking good! The second choice, the homemade Chocolate Pie was a head-turning treat, with chocolate oozing into your mouth but what made it unique was the balance of sweetness. A Masticha Ice cream ball accompanies each dainty morsel, making them stand out in flavour, texture and presentation. Bravo Karma Oia Restaurant!
Bottom Line
The food at Karma Oia Restaurant was utterly delicious, plated wonderfully and cooked to perfection. I can’t recall one bite that would disappoint in this culinary paradise. Book well in advance and rely on the hands of professionals!
Disclaimer: I was a guest at Karma Oia Restaurant during this visit, but the opinions expressed in this article are, as always my own.
