Of the many restaurants that line the main drag of Santorini’s famous town of Fira in the Greek islands, Sphinx stands out. The flamingo pink color of the entire restaurant which is situated on numerous levels leading down to the sea, each one different from the other, is unmistakable. Pink can be mesmerizing in the right hands (think of the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires), and here contrasted with so much white on the island, it’s especially effective. Add some antiques, sculpture and ceramics by local artists filling a restored mansion and you have a look. The restaurant practically lures you in with its’ dazzling ambience overlooking the caldera on what is definitively one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Take a seat on the second balcony which is perched over the sea.
The menu brings you back to your first experience with Greek food and does it one better. Literally everything finds its way on this menu from traditional Greek dishes to fresh, homemade pasta, risotto, amazing fresh fish and classic standards like lamb chops and chateaubriand for two with Béarnaise sauce. We all know that the Greeks do great things with food and at Sphinx your wish is their command.
Start with a bresaola, for me, unheard of in a Greek restaurant, the beef freshly sliced, subtly salty and served with a tangy rocket, parmesan shavings and truffle oil. Follow this little nibbly with a fish carpaccio arriving with fresh salmon, tuna and swordfish, a trio that melts in your mouth. As Sphinx makes its own breads and pastas in house (as well as many of the fruits, vegetables and olive oil used courtesy of its own farm on the island), it would be remiss to skip a pasta course. We tried the spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, cherry tomatoes and chili pepper. The lightly spiced dish exploded with fresh flavors in our mouths. Throw caution to the wind with mains as the owner/chef is 21 years on the island pleasing discriminating palates. Everything is stellar here especially the fresh fish.
Out of the box desserts like chocolate soufflé will tempt you into a sugar coma but be smart and look toward Sphinx’s farm to table offerings. We tried the homemade halvas ice cream and the lemon yogurt mousse with fresh figs, both of which had us begging for more. Sphinx has a strong connection to the island of Santorini and beyond putting out incredible food it’s a Mecca for the beautiful people.
Sphinx Restaurant
Odos Mitropoleos
Fira, Santorini
22 860 23-823
www.sphinx.gr