Santorini is a chef-owned Mediterranean restaurant on East University Avenue in Las Cruces, close to the New Mexico State University campus. Its kitchen cooks Lebanese and Greek classics side by side, and a 4.4-star reputation among local diners keeps students, families, and couples returning for familiar dishes made with care.
Expect a menu built on recognizable staples from both traditions, such as hummus, falafel, gyros, shawarma, and Greek salads. The homemade desserts are the detail regulars mention most, so save room for something sweet. Baklava is a common pick at Mediterranean kitchens like this one. The suite-style storefront keeps the setting casual, while the cooking leans toward authentic flavor over flash. That makes it a relaxed choice for an anniversary dinner or a low-key celebration.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Santorini’s location near NMSU means weekday lunch can draw a campus crowd. An early or late lunch, or an early weeknight dinner, usually brings a calmer room. Hours at small independent restaurants can change, so check Santorini’s current listing or call before you go, especially on holidays or during university breaks. For a special occasion, ask ahead about seating for larger groups. Build a shared meal around a mezze-style spread, then add one Greek and one Lebanese entrée to compare the two kitchens. The restaurant sits a short drive from Interstate 10 and from Mesilla’s historic plaza, so it also works for a meal before or after exploring the Mesilla Valley.
