DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Greece, you’ve come to the right place. I’m not only a huge fan of Greece: its history, language, and dreamy islands, but I’m also totally in love with greek cuisine.
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Is greek food good?
Absolutely! Greek cuisine is part of the Mediterranean diet: simple yet full of flavor. Even a humble greek salad paired with warm pita bread becomes a satisfying and delicious meal.
Greek dishes often feature olive oil, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, legumes, and plenty of herbs. There are many vegetarian options, plus an abundance of meat-based meals (especially lamb) and fresh seafood like squid and octopus.
What is the most famous greek dish?
That depends on your taste! I’ve been pescatarian since 2013, so I skip the meat-based dishes. But in general, the most iconic Greek meals are moussaka, a layered eggplant and minced meat casserole—and grilled octopus, often seen drying under the sun like laundry on a line, a classic image of the greek islands.
Traditional greek food: what to eat in Greece
Greek food varies by region and island, but in this article, I’ll focus on the most popular greek dishes found in tavernas and restaurants across the country. Be sure to save this post or email it to yourself for your next trip to Greece!
Greek starters and side dishes (mostly vegetarian-friendly)
Pita bread
The classic greek bread, soft and round, perfect for dipping into sauces like tzatziki or wrapping around gyros and souvlaki.
Tiropita
A cheesy phyllo pastry, often filled with feta and eggs. I became addicted to these while living in Chios, they’re dangerously delicious!
Kalamata olives
These salty, juicy olives are the queens of the greek table. Often served as a starter, they’re also a great souvenir (look for vacuum-packed versions).
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Get a 10% discount for my readers here!Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
A staple in greek dining: tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, olives, and oregano, dressed generously with olive oil.
Dolmades
Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, served cold. A tasty and refreshing appetizer.
Tzatziki
A zesty dip made of greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. Usually eaten with pita. Delicious, but the garlic kick makes it less ideal for social events!
Saganaki
A fried cheese dish with a crispy outside and melty interior. Usually served with lemon, though I prefer it plain to enjoy the pure cheesy goodness.
Spanakopita
A flaky spinach and feta pie made with phyllo dough. Common in street food stalls and bakeries.
Feta cheese
Tastes completely different in Greece! Crumbly, tangy, and made from sheep’s (or goat’s) milk. Served alone, baked, or in salads and pies.
Melitzanosalata
A smoky eggplant dip with garlic and lemon. Perfect for spreading on pita.
Gigantes plaki
Oven-baked giant beans with tomato and onion. A comfort food classic and totally vegan.
Ladera
Vegetables (like green beans, zucchini, or eggplant) stewed in olive oil. Simple, hearty, and plant-based.
Traditional greek meat dishes
Moussaka
The superstar of greek food! A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Pastitsio
A baked pasta dish, like greek lasagna, with cinnamon-scented meat sauce and creamy béchamel.
Gyros
Popular street food made of spit-roasted meat (usually pork or chicken), served in pita with tzatziki, veggies, and fries.
Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers (pork or chicken), served with pita or rice.
Kleftiko
Slow-cooked lamb with herbs and potatoes.
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Paidakia Arni
Grilled lamb chops marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano.
Stifado
A stew made with beef or rabbit, onions, red wine, and spices.
Loukaniko
Traditional sausage flavored with orange zest, typically grilled.
Keftedes
Spiced meatballs (or veggie versions), fried and often served with tzatziki.
Popular greek seafood dishes
Grilled calamari
Tender and crispy, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Served with salad, rice, or fries.
Kalamarakia yemista
Stuffed squid with rice, herbs, and sometimes feta cheese.
Grilled octopus
A beloved dish from the greek islands, known for its smoky flavor and perfect texture.
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Barbounia
Fried red mullet—crispy and savory, a must-try in greek island tavernas.
Psarosoupa
Traditional fish soup with mixed seafood, vegetables, and lemon. Intense and flavorful!
Vegetarian Greek Dishes
Fasolada
Hearty bean soup with carrots, celery, onion, and tomato. A classic home-style meal in Greece.
Greek Desserts
Baklava
A layered pastry with nuts and honey rich, sticky, and irresistible.
Galaktoboureko
Semolina custard in phyllo pastry, soaked in sweet syrup.
Rizogalo
Chilled rice pudding, often sprinkled with cinnamon.
Loukoumades
Fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
Kataifi
Shredded pastry filled with nuts and honey.
Diples
Thin fried sheets of dough rolled and dipped in honey, topped with walnuts.
Traditional greek drinks
Frappé
Iced coffee with foam, made from instant coffee. A social ritual sipped slowly at cafés for hours.
Greek coffee
Strong and thick, served in a small cup with coffee grounds settled at the bottom.
Sweet Moscato wine
A dessert wine from Greek islands.
Ouzo
Anise-flavored spirit, usually diluted with water and sipped during meals.
Raki
A strong spirit from Crete, often served after meals as a digestif.
Tsipouro
Similar to grappa, served neat or over ice.
Retsina
White wine flavored with pine resin. Distinctive and very greek!
Save this guide for your next Greek vacation and let me know in the comments if you’ve discovered another traditional Greek dish worth trying!
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