Dining, Food, Drinks & Recipes
Greek food is known the world over as some of the healthiest and most delicious there is.
Most of the dishes are simple, made with love and passion rather than complicated techniques and fancy equipment. The ingredients are generally locally grown and made, and are fresh in-season, with little imported, frozen, or processed content.
Greek food is simple, bold and built on ingredients that actually taste like themselves. Dining here is never rushed, recipes are generations old, and even the most casual taverna will surprise you. From meze spreads and slow-cooked village dishes to crisp island whites, strong spirits and coffee culture that borders on religion, Greece serves flavour without pretension. If you want to understand the country, start with the food and drink, because everything else flows from there.
We’ve put together a roundup of some of the most popular Greek dishes found in the tavernas of Greece, as well as a continual selection of recipes for you to try at home. You can also check our list of dining recommendations, including local tavernas, beach clubs and more.
Enjoy and Kali Orexi!
What to expect from Greek Food
• Fresh produce drives everything. Tomatoes taste like tomatoes, lemons are fragrant, and even the most random village taverna will hand you something grown by someone’s uncle.
• Portions are generous, and Greek dining is about sharing plates and slowing down.
• Meat is simple and excellent. Pork souvlaki, slow-cooked lamb, and chicken kontosouvli are usually well-seasoned, charcoal-cooked protein.
• Seafood can be is expensive but worth it. But when it is fresh, grilled and drizzled with lemon and olive oil, it is outstanding.
• Olive oil is life. It is on the table, on the salads, on the chips, on the bread, and sometimes on you if you are not paying attention. And it’s arguably the best in the world.
• Wine has stepped up. Local varieties like Assyrtiko, Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko are world-class. Even the house wine in a jug is often decent and sold by the litre.
• Coffee culture is very real, and they take it seriously, especially in Athens. Freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino are the national fuel.
• Drinks are strong. Tsipouro and raki should come with warning labels. Ouzo pairs well with a simple meal.
• Dessert usually appears whether you ordered it or not. Watermelon, spoon sweets, orange cake, baklava and more.
• Vegetarian and vegan eating is easy, as the Greek Diet is heavily plant-based.
Is Greek food vegetarian or vegan friendly?
Yes. Greece is one of the easiest places in Europe to eat plant based. Expect lentils, beans, stuffed vegetables, wild greens, fava, tomato based stews and plenty of salads.
Is tap water safe to drink in Greece?
Safe on the mainland and most big islands, but many smaller islands rely on shipped water so it can taste salty or metallic. Most locals drink bottled there.
How expensive is eating out in Greece?
Tavernas are still great value. Casual meals are usually cheap to mid-range, seafood and wine bars cost more. Expect higher prices in places like Santorini and Mykonos.
What Greek drinks should I try?
Assyrtiko, Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko wines, plus ouzo, tsipouro, raki and masticha. For coffee, the freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino is the national obsession.
RECIPES
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