Santorini's Restaurant   

You'll probably find more Greeks dining at Chicago's Santorini than you would living on the tiny Greek island itself. Nestled in the middle of a Halsted block in Greektown, the self-proclaimed seafood restaurant actually offers much more than catches from the sea. Very generous portions of traditional Greek dishes like Spanakotiropita (spinach pie), Keftedes (ground beef meatballs), exohiko lamb (lamb chunks wrapped in cheese and fillo dough), and a vegetarian moussaka (layered veggies draped in a tangy sauce) round out an overflowing menu. Santorini's atmosphere is elegant: Light-colored, wooden beams support the white-stuccoed walls and ceiling. Greek baskets hang from these wooden rafters, while seemingly ancient water jugs line a staircase in the corner. Expect a casual lunch crowd and an upscale dinner crowd. Don't hesitate to ask the Greek servers questions about the menu. The Greeks' dining pride runs deep, so they are excited to answer your questions. Show enough interest and you'll even receive complimentary cantaloupe, a great digestive assistant. To top it off, traditional Greek touches like flaming goat cheese make you feel as if you're literally dining at Santorini -- the island, not the restaurant. -- David Glines