Santorini's restaurant prices can make your wallet weep. A caldera-view dinner easily hits €40-60 per person, and even mediocre tourist traps charge €18 for a Greek salad. But locals aren't eating at those places. They're queuing at souvlaki spots where a massive pork gyro costs €4.20 and tastes better than anything you'll find with a sunset view.

These four places represent where Santorini residents actually grab lunch between shifts, where backpackers stretch their budgets, and where smart travelers realize the island's best food doesn't require a reservation or caldera views.

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Lucky's Souvlakis (Fira)

Lucky's Souvlakis has operated for 25+ years in Fira's center, just off the main bus station. The pork gyro runs €4.20 and chicken €4.30 in 2025—the cheapest substantial meal you'll find on the island. Visitors consistently report it's the best gyro they've had in Greece, with perfectly marinated pork that's crispy on the edges and smoky throughout. The operation is tiny with minimal seating, so most people grab takeaway and eat across the street in the covered public area. Despite Google claiming 10 AM opening, actual service starts closer to 11 AM once food prep finishes. Expect queues during lunch rush (12:30-2 PM), but the line moves fast. The place ranked #191 of 859 Fira restaurants on TripAdvisor with 2,545 reviews and a 4.5 rating as of late 2024, suggesting both popularity and consistency.

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Pitogyros Traditional Grill House (Oia)

Unlike most Santorini souvlaki joints, Pitogyros in Oia grills everything over charcoal rather than vertical spits, giving the meat a distinct smoky flavor. Pork and chicken gyros both cost €6.80 in 2025—pricier than Fira options but still reasonable for Oia, where most meals start at €15. The restaurant operates from noon to 11 PM daily and offers both counter takeaway and courtyard seating. Reviews from 2024-2025 consistently mention the freshly made pita bread and properly charred meat. The location on Oia's main pedestrian street means it fills up fast during sunset hours (7-9 PM). Go before 1 PM or after 9 PM for shorter waits, or grab takeaway and eat with caldera views elsewhere in town—you'll get the same food for half the price of sit-down restaurants with views.

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Yogi's Gyros (Fira)

Yogi's Gyros sits on Fira's main square with two locations and runs from 11 AM to 1 AM, making it one of few late-night food options. Gyros cost €4.20 in 2024-2025, matching Lucky's prices. The setup is assembly-line style where you watch them build your gyro in front of you and can customize ingredients. September 2024 reviews note excellent vegetarian options including falafel, which stands out since most souvlaki spots stick to meat-only menus. The service is notably fast despite consistent crowds. One practical difference: after paying, you must join a second line to hand your receipt to the cook—confusing for tourists but worth navigating for the quality. The late hours make this a solid choice after evening activities when most budget options are closed.

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Nick the Grill (Fira)

Nick the Grill in Fira's central square is the only place on this list where you can reliably find lamb gyros, not just pork and chicken. Operating 11 AM to 2 AM, it fills the late-night gap alongside Yogi's. Prices run slightly higher at €4-5 per gyro, with meal combos (gyro plus fries and drink) around €9-11 in 2024. The space offers more covered seating than Lucky's, with fans for hot afternoons. All meat is halal, and there's an extensive vegetarian menu including falafel. Reviews are more mixed than the other three spots—some rave about the lamb gyros being the best they've had in Greece, while others note inconsistency, particularly with pork being occasionally dry. The advantage is variety and convenience rather than being definitively the best, making it a practical backup when Lucky's queue is too long.