GreeceFood and Drink

Wines, olive oils, and other locally produced foods, as well as the bounty from the surrounding seas, make dining anywhere on your Greece vacation a potentially surreal experience. Greeks themselves enjoy a great meal out with friends and family, and large groups laughing and enjoying life take place regardless of socioeconomic status. Greek cuisine is the foundation of hospitality in Greece.

Although breakfast for many Greeks is a simple affair; a cigarette and a black coffee is often the diet of choice, beautiful yogurts (yaourti) made from sheep’s milk, paired with local honey and walnuts is a filling, healthy, and decadent way to start a full day of sightseeing. Although long, languorous lunches are common in trips to Greece, if you are short on time, a filling meat gyro on pita bread with vegetables and garlicky tzatziki hits the spot.  

Wine or krasi in Greece predates the written record with the god of wine, Dionysus, celebrating fermented grapes before the Bronze Age. Long, hot, and dry days lead to swollen juicy grapes such as Cabernets, Chardonnays, and ancient Greek varietals. Plumy Agiorgitiko and spicy Moschofilero, pair very well with food and can be sipped as the sun sets over the sea or a mystifying ancient temple.

What is Greece’s traditional cuisine?

Full of ritual and tradition, Greek cuisine varies by region and changes with the season. Food and quality are almost an obsession within Greece, with great attention to detail. Greece is renowned for its production of olive oil, and salty feta cheese. Recipes have been passed down through generations, and hearty dishes such as moussaka (layered ground beef, eggplant, potatoes, and a rich bechamel sauce), and dolmadakia (beef or lamb and rice stuffed into grape leaves), are proudly prepared. Grilled foods or oras, baked dishes, stuffed vegetables called yemista, are staples of Greek cuisine. Desserts are syrupy sweet and are often served with a strong black coffee or a glass of ouzo cut with water, the most popular spirit of the country.

In Greece, street food is beloved. Try out a gyro or souvlaki wrap while wandering the streets of Athens. In preparing gyro, layers of seasoned meat get stacked up on a vertical rotisserie, then a large knife thinly slices the cooked meat off the stack. For souvlaki, marinated meat is threaded on a skewer and cooked over charcoal. The meat, vegetables, and tzatziki are then wrapped into a warm pita bread. If you are vegetarian, they can also be made with a traditional halloumi cheese or falafel. Traditionally used as a dip or sauce, tzatziki is plain yogurt mixed with strained cucumber pieces, olive oil, garlic and red wine vinegar combined with dill. When on your Greece trip, be sure to try traditional Greek street snack foods including koulouri (chewy bread rings covered in sesame seeds), and spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese inside a flaky pastry).

What is the dining etiquette in Greece?

Greece tours often include stops at Greek tavernas for lunch or dinner. But don’t expect to be greeted by a host, as seating yourself is typical. Use of a host and assigned seating is reserved for high-end restaurants. Similar to other parts of Europe, enjoying dinner late in the evening is the norm. Enjoy the water and bread served initially at the table, as there is usually a small cover charge for sitting at the table. Greeks will drizzle olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and enjoy it informally before dishes of food arrive. Otherwise, you can start a meal with some appetizer, mezze, dishes such as hummus, falafel, or calamari.

It is common for menus to be designed to share large plates of food, placed in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to start eating as soon as the food arrives, as it often comes out at different times. Pass around the shared dishes for everyone to help themselves, instead of reaching over people. 

What is drinking etiquette in Greece?

For Greeks, drinking is a communal activity, socializing late into the evening. Beyond consumption, the Greeks enjoy the camaraderie and each other’s company. Historically, drinking was a sacred ritual, with Greeks pouring wine for the gods. Before taking a sip of a drink, the Greeks will declare, yiamas, which means to our health, with a clink of each other's glasses. 

Wine and meals go hand in hand on Greece vacations. Greek wine has evolved over the years, and will likely be an unexpected surprise, should you choose to indulge. A specialty alcohol originating in Greece is ouzo, flavored with anise; it has a distinct licorice aroma. Don’t be surprised if your server brings you a small shot of alcohol, likely tsipouro, along with the bill, for a toast. 

Do keep in mind that Greek liquors are often quite strong and high in alcohol content. Be careful to drink within reason, as public intoxication is frowned upon.

Does Greece cater to dietary restrictions?

Many restaurants will be willing to discuss any dietary restrictions, but language can be a barrier. Ask your travel agency about translated food cards that clearly indicate to staff what dietary restrictions you have. The best time to visit a restaurant is earlier in the evening to avoid the rush and allow more time to communicate with staff regarding any dietary restrictions.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available in most Greece vacation packages, with many dishes composed of simple, fresh ingredients such as the ubiquitous Greek salad. Greece is generally not as familiar with gluten-free dining requirements, so it's helpful to do some research before you book an all inclusive vacation package to ensure your dietary needs can be met. Finding a Halal meal option is easiest to find in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, and on the islands of Crete and Rhodes. 

As a part of the EU, Greece follows pre-packaged food laws in grocery stores, where they are required to list any common allergen ingredients. This can be helpful when looking for safe, on-the-go snacks.

What do meals typically cost in Greece?

Overall, there is a great variety of food options at every price point in Greece. If grabbing a quick lunch on the go at a street food cart, expect to pay about $10. Smaller items such as spanakopita or a koulouri will be priced around $5.

When eating out at a casual taverna in cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki, meal prices are very reasonable. If sharing several plates of food at dinner or lunch, you can expect the cost to come out to about $20 per person. There are many upscale fine-dining restaurants, where a multi-course meal will typically be closer to $75 per person. Expect pricing for meals on popular islands, such as Santorini, to be more expensive, especially during the summer. Lunch will be closer to $35 per person, and expect dinner to come in around $50 per person. Prices for wine and other beverages are typically reasonable.