On a picturesque region at the foot of the red cliffs of Oia lies Amoudi Bay where local taverns serve their guests the freshest seafood from the glistening waters of the Aegean Sea.
I was told that Amoudi Bay offers the greatest sunset in all of Santorini that not one person should leave the island without experiencing it. I made arrangements at the best restaurant in the bay, the Sunset Amoudi Taverna by Paraskevas [Travel Tip: It is a must for every traveler to make their dining reservations early]. As I made my way towards the famous spot, I noticed how the gleaming sunset further accentuates the natural artistry of the volcanic rocks that wrap around Amoudi. It was so incredibly beautiful and so definitive of Santorini.
When traveling, I like the freedom a rental car provides. I didn’t have a hard time locating the Amoudi Bay but I recommend going a bit early to beat the sunset rush as parking is somewhat limited. Fortunately, I found parking very close by. Santorini is a small island after all. From the cliffs of Oia, we drove down to the bay. Another way of arriving to Amoudi is by descending upon the steep 300 steps from the historic castle in Oia. It would be an absolute perfect place for an afternoon or evening hike [just be mindful of the donkeys passing by].
Sunglasses | PRADA
Clutch | MARC JACOBS
Jewelry | TURQUOISE JEWELRY
As I stride down towards Sunset Taverna, I couldn’t help but notice a row of freshly caught Octopus hung neatly by the bay. I politely asked the local fisherman nearby and confessed my curiosity. I was delighted to learn that this is a fundamental step to diminish the octopus’ instinctive rubbery characteristic. As if to confirm this particular trick of the trade, I noticed the superb freshness in quality and texture of the octopus dishes I’ve had in restaurants in all of Greece. Bravo!
There was a magical glowing ambiance as I got seated. Hues of yellow, orange and red encircled us and provided a cinematic presence all over Amoudi. I was excited to discover that my table was right by the water, if I were to push the table a bit forward, it would all just fall right in. I love this unobstructed view in comparison to fighting for a good spot on the Oia cliffs among all the tourists. It was a unique feeling being in this place that is truly a hidden gem.
According to the New York Times and the Travel Channel, the Sunset Amoudi Tavern is famous for their homemade lobster spaghetti. I’ll certainly be having that tonight! This was the day my palates were going to relish this pasta with a top-secret family recipe. What an exceptional way to finish off the day touring complete with an amazing sunset.
The atmosphere here was cool, breezy and mellow. The guests all had satisfied smiles as they looked unto the horizon from their tables. I chose the Mussels in White Wine and Garlic Sauce to start the evening and was very pleased with my selection. The appetizer’s freshness was not lost in the burst of garlic flavor as I took my first sampling. Accompanied with their house wine, the overall essence in my mouth was quite incredible. I have never had clams as fresh as these back at home.
With a laid-back attitude and a moment to reflect on all the blessings of that day, the Sunset Amoudi Tavern truly provides the perfect backdrop. You can feel the history around you and their sense of tradition. Looking back, Amoudi Bay was where all trade activities took place in Santorini. The owner, Mr. Paraskevas, whose name in Greek literally translated to the word tavern, founded the restaurant in the late 70’s when he worked here as a local fisherman. While so many freshly caught fish were left after a day’s work, he and his wife whom he met in the island chose to open a small café featuring his catch of the day and some delicious Greek coffee. A few decades later, his tavern is now famous worldwide. What a wonderful story to keep us company while waiting for the world-renowned Lobster with Spaghetti Special.
Ah, it finally arrives: A hefty serving of two whole lobsters atop their secret recipe pasta. I was surprised to witness a gargantuan sized serving bowl being placed on my table. The serving was tremendous. I guess this is what a 95-euro pasta looked like in Santorini. I enthusiastically took my fork and placed my first bite of pure deliciousness. It seems that garlic was well-used in Mr. Paraskevas’ household which I definitely appreciate. The lobster meat was substantial and the spaghetti was flavorsome. Did it live up to the hype? Without a doubt! I was unsure if we were going to finish it all. But with a marvelous view right in front of you, it’s not so hard to sit back, relax, unwind and slowly attack the large entree. Before we know it, our party of two had conquered the delectable dish. Time for dessert!
The sun has officially set in Amoudi and I need something to clear off my palate. As the stars started twinkling, I was now in the mood for one of my favorite desserts: The Chocolate Soufflé. I was grateful that the laid-back ambiance in the tavern did not prevent them from providing elegant dishes. The classic warm melted chocolate surrounded by its heavenly dough served with ice cream is always a winner in my book. Whether you are a food aficionado or a seasoned traveler, I highly recommend visiting the Sunset Amoudi Tavern.
Everyone in this place is filled with so much nostalgia. A cruise ship filled with travelers all over the world waved at us as it passed by. In the calmness of the soothing sunset, as you stare off in the great distance waiting for the sublime golden ball of sun to drop, the Sunset Amoudi provides a foolproof setting to experience the grandeur of it all.
Sunset Fish Tavern | Amoudi Harbor, below Oia | Amoudi Santorini, Oia 84700, Greece