Our Family

In 1986, Andreas Nicolaides had an idea. He wanted to share his deep love for Greek cuisine with Calgarians. With the support of his wife, Maria, they put their idea to fruition in founding Santorini Greek Taverna. The restaurant quickly gained notoriety for its quality food, superb Greek wines, and excellent customer service.

Andreas Nicolaides is a veteran of the Greek kitchen, preparing delicious meals for over 40 years. With his bright smile and warm hospitality, Andreas will quickly sweep newcomers away from the bustle of Calgary to a sun-soaked Greek island beach. Do not be fooled, however. Under his laid back guise, lies the devotion of a perfectionist chef. Andreas painstakingly prepares and checks every dish that leaves Santorini’s kitchen to ensure its quality.

Maria Nicolaides is the matriarch of Santorini; undoubtedly the most versatile member of the family. From preparing fabled Moussaka on Saturday mornings, to seating tables on a busy Saturday night, Maria is unforgettable. On weekends, she leads the serving staff in Greek dance and even babysits children while their parents eat! Her energy and kindness match those of any Greek mother.

Rolando Kasinos leads the serving staff at Santorini.  As the nephew of Maria and Andreas, he ensures that all guests indeed enjoy filoxenia. Rolando is also credited with offering one of the best zeimbekikos (a passionate, solo Greek dance) in Calgary.

SANTORINI

Sparkling with gleaming white houses, Santorini rises out of the blue Aegean Sea in the island group called the Cyclades. The island is a remnant of a volcanic explosion that occurred some 3500 years ago. The eruption left Santorini with black beaches, fertile soil, and the largest underwater caldera, or crater, in the world. When the volcano blew, most of the island fell into the sea, creating the crater. Santorini today, comprises a crescent-shaped wedge of the original island, with sheer cliffs rising out of the caldera. The land then slopes gently down toward the other side of the island, to black sand beaches. Ever since Plato wrote about Atlantis, Santorini has been considered a possible site of that ancient civilization. The local vintages from the various wineries have names that could only have come from this special place: Lava, Volcan, and Atlantis.