Greek Food and Drink: A Traveler's Guide to Eating in Greece

Why Greek food is unmissable

Greek cuisine is built on simple, sun-ripened ingredients: olive oil, lemon, oregano, tomatoes, and feta. Meals are social, generous, and slow. Whether you are island-hopping or exploring Athens, eating well is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Greece.

Signature dishes to try

• Moussaka — layered eggplant, minced meat, and bechamel, baked golden.
• Souvlaki and gyros — grilled skewered meat or shaved meat wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki.
• Greek salad (horiatiki) — tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, and a slab of feta, dressed only with olive oil.
• Dolmades — vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Fresh grilled fish — best near the sea, sold by weight at tavernas.
• Spanakopita — flaky phyllo pie with spinach and feta.

Street food and snacks

A gyros pita typically costs 3.50 to 4.50 euros and is the classic cheap, filling meal. Look for bougatsa (custard or cheese pastry) for breakfast, koulouri sesame bread rings sold from street carts, and loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts) for dessert.

What to drink

• Ouzo — anise spirit served with water and ice; it turns cloudy white.
• Tsipouro and raki — stronger grape distillates, popular in the north and Crete.
• Greek coffee — strong and unfiltered; never stir the grounds at the bottom.
• Frappe and freddo espresso — iced coffees that define Greek cafe culture.
• Wine — try Assyrtiko from Santorini or a glass of retsina, the resinated white.

Dining tips and etiquette

• Lunch runs late (after 2 pm) and dinner often starts after 9 pm.
• Tavernas are casual and family-run; mezedes (small shared plates) are meant for the table.
• Tipping is appreciated but modest, around 5 to 10 percent or rounding up.
• Bread and a small cover charge (couvert) are often added automatically.
• Tap water is generally safe in Athens and Thessaloniki; on some islands buy bottled.
• Greeks linger over meals, so do not expect the bill until you ask for it.

Stay connected in Greece

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, menu translation, and taverna bookings with no roaming fees the moment you land.