There are many restaurants that boast an incredible view.  In my experience, these places often offer a trade-off in one department or another.  Great view, exorbitant prices.  Or great view, mediocre food.  Sadly, it would seem that those with the best views often end up with both high prices and tasteless eats.  I suppose they think you’ll be distracted by the scenery.

But once in a while you come across a place that offers fare that matches the view.  And for guests of the exclusive Mystique resort on the island of Santorini, that place is the Charisma restaurant.  You might be blinded by the view – the restaurant overlooks the volcanic caldera in the village of Oia and it is truly breathtaking.

Charisma offers open-air dining at its best – the chef manages to create unique dishes using local ingredients with international flavor.  I was tempted to try the black angus filet with chocolate, foie gras and Vinsanto wine sauce.  What magic could be made of those things together!  But I opted for the incredible swordfish.  Infused with ouzo, thyme and fresh honey, it seemed one of the most “Greek” dishes in the menu.  I was not disappointed.  In fact, while eating, I barely glanced at the view – now dyed in the bright purples and crimsons of Oia’s famous sunset.  I was too busy enjoying my meal.

My dessert was even more incredible than my entree.  A perfectly coiffed chocolate souffle, faultless in looks and taste.  And a companion equal to the finishing sunset.

Sadly, the restaurant is only open to the resort’s guests, as well as guests of Mystique’s sister property, Vedema Resort in Megalohori.  But even with everything else these fine hotels have to offer (and that’s more than I can even begin to share here), it may be worth staying just for the food.

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Charisma
Mystique Resort
Oia 847 02
Santorini, Greece

Tel:  (30) 22860 71114

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Photo courtesy of Kayt Sukel.

Related: I Dream of Greece; Island Hopping in Greece.