Nobu Hotel Santorini and restaurant review, Greece

Nobu's Santorini hotel and restaurant opened in June 2022

(Image credit: Nobu Hotels)

published 20 October 2023

With its blue-domed churches and white-painted Cycladic architecture, Santorini is pretty much the picture-perfect Greek island. Add in some stunning sunsets and colourful beaches, then it's easy to see why this volcanic destination's popularity has become as hot as the springs that are found within the caldera.

Despite the postcard aesthetic, what the guide books and travel vlogs often don't clearly explain is how very, very busy Santorini can get. Even in early October, the streets of Oia – the "sunset spot" – were packed, while the number of passengers getting on and off the ferries at Athinios Port was proof that overtourism is a concern.

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Designed in the traditional Cycladic style, but with minimalistic modern touches, this five-star is a fusion of Greek and Japanese tastes – and not just in the kitchen. It makes great use of the outdoor "courtyard" space, where you will find the reception desk and restaurant situated either side of a stunning pool area, which boasts far-reaching views of the island, caldera and the shimmering Aegean Sea. Honestly, everyone raves about Santorini's sunset views from Oia, but the views from the hotel are equally mesmerising – and you don't have the crowds.

Nobu's restaurants have become a firm favourite for A-listers and foodies alike since first opening in Tribeca, New York, in 1994. Like the others worldwide, the Santorini restaurant offers high-end Japanese cuisine with a range of sushi, nigiri and cold dishes, such as yellowtail jalapeno, while the hot dish list includes the famed black cod miso. Nobu's signature dish, which is definitely worth the hype, also features on the restaurant's omakase tasting menu. At €160 (£140/$170) per person the omakase menu may not come cheap, but the range of flavours and courses makes a trip to the restaurant as much of an experience as the island's other top attractions.

Tackling the hike towards Oia, which took around two hours, the route was fairly challenging in parts, but the scenic views and picture opps from the top of the cliffs were worth it. Should you wish to extend your trek after arriving in Oia, we suggest heading to Ammoudi Bay where there's a beautiful swimming spot not far from the marina's seafood restaurants. Word of warning though, there's almost 300 steps down to the bay, which means there's almost 300 steps back up. Remember that relaxing private plunge pool at the hotel? That's the reward.

For some, this "destination hotel" may be a bit off the beaten track from Oia or Fira, but for us, this was a USP. A quiet spot on a very busy island, it still boasts the reasons why people come to Santorini: the hospitality, the food and, of course, those views – especially at sunset. Being located on the Oia-Fira hiking path is an added bonus and an activity that is definitely worth doing while staying here.

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Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.