Metaxi Mas is a Greek restaurant in Exo Gonia, Santorini, at Έξω Γωνιά 847 00, Greece, below the church of Agios Charalambos. Its cooking brings together Santorinian produce and Cretan recipes, with dishes such as baked white eggplant, dakos, and pork with orange sauce. Travelers come for generous, ingredient-led meals on a hillside terrace overlooking the island’s eastern countryside and the Aegean, rather than the caldera-facing dining scene.
What to Expect at Metaxi Mas
The setting feels like an island courtyard: informal outdoor tables, pale masonry, and an open outlook across the lower slopes. Exo Gonia sits inland from Kamari, so the appeal is village atmosphere rather than beachfront bustle. The name means “between us,” fitting a restaurant built around sharing food and lingering over wine. Reserve terrace seating if the view matters, but remember that this east-facing location is not a caldera sunset lookout.
The menu connects two distinct island traditions. Santorini contributes fava, a yellow split-pea purée, white eggplant, and Vinsanto, the island’s sweet wine, used here in a fillet sauce. Crete appears through barley rusks, mizithra cheese, olive oil, and raki. Start with shared salads and vegetable dishes before choosing a main. The selected wine cellar makes local wine a natural companion; ask about Santorini Assyrtiko for savory starters. Vegetarian choices are substantial, although cheese, honey, and sauces require discussion for vegan diners.
- Dakos: Cretan barley rusk topped with fresh tomato, feta, oregano, and Cretan olive oil.
- Fava and baked white eggplant: Two expressions of Santorini’s produce-led cooking, suited to a shared first course.
- Orange-sauce pork: Boneless pork chop served with orange sauce and a baked potato.
- Vinsanto-sauce fillet: A savory use of Santorini’s celebrated sweet wine, distinct from simply ordering it with dessert.
- Cretan salad: Tomato, cucumber, onion, pepper, boiled potato, mizithra, olives, and capers make a substantial alternative to a standard Greek salad.
Metaxi Mas at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Έξω Γωνιά 847 00, Santorini, Greece; below Agios Charalambos church |
| Neighborhood / Area | Exo Gonia, inland eastern Santorini |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 2:30–11 p.m.; confirm seasonal opening before traveling |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining, $$; à la carte food and wine, with current prices available from the restaurant |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Fira–Kamari bus corridor; confirm the Exo Gonia drop-off with the driver. Parking near Agios Charalambos, followed by a stepped approach |
| Official Website & Phone | Metaxi Mas official website; +30 2286 031323 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead by telephone, especially for terrace tables during the main travel season. An opening-time meal around 2:30 p.m. works well after sightseeing and avoids making dinner your only opportunity to eat here. Mention outdoor seating, children, and dietary needs when reserving. Gluten-free diners should flag barley rusks and pastry; salads may contain nuts, cheese, or honey. Dress is casual, with a light layer useful for breezy evenings. Bills are in euros; confirm card acceptance and any deposit terms when booking.
A taxi is the simplest option if you are unfamiliar with Santorini’s village roads. Drivers generally recognize the restaurant or Agios Charalambos; motorists should use parking around the church without obstructing access. The final approach involves steps, making this a difficult spontaneous choice for wheelchair users or anyone avoiding stairs; discuss the complete route and toilet access directly before reserving. Strollers may need carrying. Pair lunch with the neighboring church, a few minutes away, and Art Space, a winery and art venue in Exo Gonia roughly 5–15 minutes downhill on foot. Allow extra time returning uphill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
Listed hours are 2:30–11 p.m. daily, with seasonal operation worth checking by phone. Arrive near opening for a daylight meal and clear views across eastern Santorini.
How expensive is Metaxi Mas, and should I reserve?
Metaxi Mas falls in the $$, midrange dining category, with spending determined by shared starters, mains, and wine. Advance reservations are strongly advisable; request current menu prices when booking.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Budget 1.5 to 2 hours for starters, a main course, and drinks. Add walking time if combining the meal with Art Space or exploring Exo Gonia’s sloping lanes.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
The informal atmosphere and shareable dishes suit families, but the stepped hillside approach needs planning with strollers. Visitors requiring step-free access should speak directly with staff before committing to a reservation.
Travelers exploring Santorini often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Seaside Santorini (5.5 km away).
