Restaurant in Oia, Santorini to watch sunset

Lisa, I enjoyed an incredible meal at Papagalos Restaurant in Oia just after watching the incredible sunset, and that would be a great location to celebrate your Mom's birthday (IMHO). The food was wonderful, and as I recall they did have at least a partial view of the sunset. Happy travels!

You can't see the sunset from Papagalos. The best restaurant for an excellent dinner and sunset watching is KASTRO at the top of the steps leading down to Amoudi Bay. Table 2 is the best table. Reservations recommended. But you need to be sure you can take your time and not have to rush back to the ship. Check sunset times HERE.

Another great option is Ochre (http://www.ochre-bistro.com/Welcome-ochre.html). I enjoyed a fabulous meal here a couple of years ago (early June) and we had full view of the sunset. I loved the prix fixe menu with the Santorini specialty of fava beans. Beautiful and tasty preparation. Be sure to reserve.

Lisa, I'm thinking of the sunset portion of your question more than the restaurant. If you are a photographer to any degree, walk out to what RS calls the turret viewpoint (see his map on page 438 of the Greece guidebook, 2011). You'll have a beautiful view of the sunset, but turn your back to the sunset and you'll have an amazing view of that fabulous scene of white buildings with blue domed roofs like you see in the travel mags. Time it just right and you'll have your very own pic of that famous scene! Good luck.

FYI- That "turret viewpoint" is right next to the Kastro Restaurant. During the summer months it's overcrowded with sunset-watchers, but if you happen to be there for the June, July or August Full Moonrise you can watch the sunset facing west then just turn around and watch the moon rise over the caldera within just a few minutes of the sunset. It's something you'll never forget if you're lucky enough to be there at the right time. THIS photo doesn't do the moonrise justice, but it was taken from that very viewpoint and will give you an idea what you'll experience there.

No question.KASTRO. Get there early.Also good food, so thats a plus.
Peter

Be aware that some banks in Greece are undercapitalized and are being taken over by larger banks. During the transition, businesses doing credit card transactions through those banks have interrupted sevice. You may hear the phrase "credit machine broken" at businesses not able to make credit card transactions. Be prepared to pay in cash. The ATMs all seem to be working all over the islands.
Peter

@Lee, That's a superb photo! What kind of camera gear were you using, and did you do any post-processing?

Sorry, it's not mine. I found it online and just used it as an example of the Santorini full moon.