Greek cuisine is naturally generous to vegetarians, built around vegetables, pulses, olive oil and fresh produce long before "plant-based" became a menu category. At aegean Safran on Perivolos Beach, several dishes are vegetarian by tradition, not as an afterthought. Here is a guide to what to order.
Vegetarian Starters and Small Plates
Vegetarian Salads
Vegetarian Mains
A Note on Vegan Options
Several dishes on the menu are naturally vegan, including the Santorini fava and the French fries. Many of the vegetarian dishes above rely on feta, cream cheese or yogurt sauce and can often be adapted on request. Since ingredients and preparation can change, we recommend asking your server directly about vegan modifications when you order, so the kitchen can confirm what can be adjusted for your meal.
Why Santorini's Vegetarian Cooking Stands Out
The volcanic soil around Santorini produces some of Greece's most distinctive produce, from small, intensely flavored cherry tomatoes to capers picked wild along the cliffs. At aegean Safran, Christos and Miltos Siosios source fresh ingredients from the local market each morning, including vegetables and produce from growers they know personally, which is part of why dishes like the fava or the roasted eggplant taste distinctly of the island rather than generic Mediterranean fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does aegean Safran have vegan options?
Yes, several dishes are naturally vegan such as the Santorini fava and French fries, and other vegetarian dishes can often be adapted on request. Ask your server when ordering to confirm what modifications are possible.
What is Santorini fava made from?
Despite the name, it is made from yellow split peas, not fava beans, blended into a smooth purée and traditionally served with capers and onion.
Are there gluten-free vegetarian options?
The Greek salad, roasted eggplant and Santorini fava are naturally gluten-free vegetarian choices. Confirm with your server for any other dietary requirements, since preparation details can vary.
Is the mixed greens salad vegan?
As served, it includes Naxos graviera cheese and a honey sauce, so it is vegetarian rather than vegan. Ask your server about removing these ingredients if you need a vegan version.
