It’s a summer evening in Fira, Santorini, after sunset. Music is booming out of every open doorway signaling that the evening has officially begun. Crowds of people are lining the narrow walkways of the largest village on the island. Climbing up the steps past the whitewashed buildings towards one of the highest points in the village, you arrive at Argo, an estiatorio (restaurant, in Greek) and fish tavern. But Argo is much more than that; it’s a place to meet, talk, eat and enjoy life.
Upon entering Argo you’re likely to be greeted by Konstantin (Kostas to his friends, of which you will be one before the end of the evening) or Anna (who lived in the states before escaping to this island paradise). Either will show you to a cozy table on one of the four levels of the restaurant. Argo is perched high above the port of Santorini with a view that is fantastic. The restaurant itself is built into the side of the mountain, is a series of balconies all with views of the Caldera by day and the lights of the village and port by night. The ambience is relaxed, service is quick (for the Aegean), affable and attentive.
Start the evening off with ouzo or one of the inventive cocktails on the Argo menu. And if you want to really live it up, try the Volcano Ice which is a special combination of vodka and icy fresh fruit or one of their frozen caipirinhas or mojitos. Mojito lovers take note: try an ouzo mojito. Talk about a delicious Latino Greek fusion!
The food at Argo is Greek taverna cooking with a twist. The menu is relaxed and fun like the atmosphere of the place. You can find many dishes like traditional Greek mezes including tzatziki or taramosalata. They also have Santorinian fava as an appetizer and Argo’s specialty is Patatina which is made with potatoes and eggs. For some hot starters try the Shrimp Saganoki made with tomatoes and cheese or the mussels with garlic and ouzo which are zesty and sweet. You can also go gourmet with big snails, fava beans with octopus in a red spicy sauce or mandarin salmon (served with an orange sauce).
The menu of main courses is filled with Greek specialties like moussaka, lamb shank (cooked slowly in a spicy sauce) souvlaki and fish. Argo is after all a fish taverna so there is a lot of fresh fish available as well. Try the red snapper, swordfish or sea bass with fried potatoes, salad and rice. If you are in the mood for something other than Greek cuisine, Argo’s Italian fare is equally good with a variety of pasta dishes and pizza, too. You can pair all of these selections with a wine from the extensive list that includes many Santorini wines. Finally, for dessert you’ll find warm chocolate cake or koukoumades which are traditional Greek donuts with honey and chocolate.
By the time you have gotten to dessert, Kostas will have worked his way to your table and you will be ready for your after dinner drink of Tsipouro (Greek grappa) or a Vinsanto (from Santorini of course.) And all will lift a glass and say “Stin Yia Mas” which is cheers in Greek.
* Argo serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.