Taverna Danas

Taverna Danas sits on the Epar.Od. Mesarias-Archeas Thiras road in Kamari, on the eastern coast of Santorini, and it has built a genuinely strong reputation: 4.7 out of 5 across 714 Google reviews is not an easy score to maintain in a destination where tourist traps are everywhere. This is a straightforward, unfussy Greek taverna — the kind where the food does the talking and the prices don't punish you for sitting down.

Kamari itself is one of Santorini's more laid-back resort villages, known for its long black-sand beach and the road that skirts the base of Mesa Vouno mountain toward the ancient site of Ancient Thira. Taverna Danas is positioned along that same corridor, making it a natural stop before or after a visit to the ruins, or simply as a reliable dinner destination for anyone staying on the quieter east side of the island.

With doors open every day of the week from noon through to 11:30 PM, this is a place that accommodates a wide range of meal timings — whether you're arriving for an early lunch after a morning swim or a late dinner once the heat of the day has finally eased.

What to Expect

The dining experience at Taverna Danas is grounded in the classics of Greek taverna cooking. Expect the kind of menu built around grilled meats, fresh salads, and slow-cooked dishes that define casual Greek eating rather than a reinvented or fusion approach. Reviewers have specifically called out the desserts as a highlight — the limoncello cake and a baklava cheesecake have both drawn strong mentions, which suggests the kitchen puts genuine effort into the end of the meal, not just the mains.

The setting is casual rather than formal. This is not the place for a white-tablecloth celebration dinner, but it is exactly the right place for a relaxed, generous meal with good company. The value-for-money factor comes up repeatedly across reviews, which matters on an island where dining costs can escalate quickly in the cliff-top villages of Oia and Fira.

The taverna is run with a clear focus on Greek cuisine — moussaka, grilled lamb, fresh tomato salad, tzatziki, and the kind of house wine that arrives in a carafe rather than an elaborate wine list. The straightforward approach is part of the appeal. You are not paying for an Aegean-view terrace or a curated atmosphere; you are paying for food cooked with care at a fair price.

The Facebook presence and the Google listing both confirm this is an active, currently operating business with consistent service hours, and the volume of reviews suggests a steady flow of both repeat locals and visiting travelers.

What to Order

Based on what reviewers have highlighted, the dessert course is worth planning for specifically. The limoncello cake and the baklava cheesecake are two items that have come up independently across different visitor accounts, which is a reliable signal they are house specialties worth ordering. If you have a preference for something on the sweeter side, these appear to be well-executed options.

For mains, the taverna's focus on classic Greek dishes suggests the grilled meat dishes and traditional oven-cooked options — the kinds of things cooked slowly and served simply — are where the kitchen is strongest. Greek salad with Santorini's own cherry tomatoes, fava dip made from the island's yellow split peas, and fresh bread are the natural starting points before a main course arrives.

The overall picture from reviews is a menu that delivers on comfort and generosity rather than elaborate plating. Order widely, share dishes, and leave room for dessert.

How to Get There

Taverna Danas is located on the main road between Mesaria and Ancient Thira, on the outskirts of Kamari. If you are driving, the address is Epar.Od. Mesarias-Archeas Thiras, Kamari 847 00 — follow this road south from the center of Kamari village and the taverna is accessible from the main route. Parking in this part of Kamari is generally easier than in the busier beach-front strip, though the situation gets tighter in high summer.

From the Kamari beachfront, the taverna is reachable on foot in around 10–15 minutes depending on where you are starting from. If you are arriving from Fira or Oia, the drive takes roughly 20–25 minutes. Taxis from Fira are a practical option for an evening visit if you plan to share a bottle of wine with dinner. The local bus route between Fira and Kamari operates regularly in summer and stops in the village.

For visitors combining a visit to Ancient Thira with dinner, the road up to the ruins passes through this same corridor, making the taverna a logical endpoint to a half-day out on the east side of the island.

Best Time to Visit

Taverna Danas is open year-round from noon to 11:30 PM every day, so scheduling is flexible. The busiest periods align with Santorini's main tourist season, roughly mid-June through August, when the east coast beaches fill up and Kamari gets busy. During these months, arriving on the early side of the lunch window (around noon to 1 PM) or at the start of the dinner service (around 6–7 PM) gives you a better chance of securing a table without a long wait.

The shoulder months of May, early June, and September and October offer a noticeably more relaxed dining experience, with the same food quality and shorter or no waiting times. The weather in these months — warm but not oppressive — also makes sitting outside more pleasant than in the peak August heat.

For a midday visit, the east coast of Santorini gets afternoon shade earlier than the caldera-facing west side, which can make al fresco dining in the later afternoon more comfortable. Evenings from mid-July onward can still be warm well past sunset, so later dinners tend to be the preference for most visitors.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead in peak season. The phone number is +30 2286 031704. With 714 reviews and a 4.7 rating, this taverna draws consistent traffic in July and August. A quick call to check availability is worthwhile.
• Don't skip dessert. The limoncello cake and baklava cheesecake have been specifically flagged by reviewers as standouts. If you are full from the main course, order one to share.
• Combine with Ancient Thira. The road to the ancient site at the top of Mesa Vouno passes near this area. Plan your visit to the ruins in the morning and arrive for lunch before the midday heat peaks.
• Arrive hungry. Greek taverna portions tend toward the generous. If you are ordering starters, mains, and dessert, plan your appetite accordingly.
• Check the house wine. Many traditional Greek tavernas offer a house carafe — ask what is available and local before going straight to a bottled option.
• Parking is easier here than in Fira or Oia. If you are driving from the caldera villages, the parking situation in Kamari and along this road is significantly more manageable than in the clifftop towns.
• Cash and cards. It is worth confirming payment options when you call or arrive, as some traditional tavernas in this category have variable card acceptance policies.
• Timing for a relaxed meal. The 11:30 PM closing time gives plenty of flexibility for a late dinner. Arriving at 9 PM means you can eat without rushing through the meal.