Greek Islands’ signature dishes include Moussaka, Souvlaki, Greek Salad, and Baklava. The food scene is a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and fresh seafood, making it a paradise for foodies.
The 8 Dishes You Must Try Before You Leave
- Giouvetsi (yioo-vet-see), a hearty lamb and orzo stew, can be found at Taverna tou Psara in Mykonos, costing around 15 EUR ($17 USD) per serving.
- Souvlaki (soo-vlah-kee), skewers of marinated pork or chicken, are best tried at Souvlaki Tou Kostas in Athens, priced at 5 EUR ($5.50 USD) per stick.
- Galaktoboureko (gah-lahk-toh-boo-reh-koh), a semolina custard pie, is a must-try at Cafe Avyssinia in Athens, costing 8 EUR ($9 USD) per slice.
- Grilled Octopus, a seafood delicacy, can be found at Seafood Restaurant in Santorini, priced at 20 EUR ($22 USD) per serving.
- Stifado (stee-fah-thoh), a beef stew with onions and garlic, is served at Taverna tou Lakis in Crete, costing 12 EUR ($13.50 USD) per serving.
- Dolmades (thoh-lmah-dehs), stuffed grape leaves, are best tried at Meze Restaurant in Rhodes, priced at 10 EUR ($11 USD) per serving.
- Feta and Honey, a classic Greek combination, can be found at Cheap Street Food in Athens, costing 5 EUR ($5.50 USD) per serving.
- Baklava (bahk-lah-vah), a sweet pastry dessert, is a must-try at Patisserie in Mykonos, priced at 8 EUR ($9 USD) per piece.
Street Food Guide: Where, What & How Much
Head to Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens (Sunday, 8am-3pm) for affordable street food, such as souvlaki (5 EUR/$5.50 USD) and grilled corn (2 EUR/$2.20 USD). Visit Navagio Beach in Zakynthos (10am-6pm) for fresh seafood and Greek salads (15 EUR/$17 USD). Explore Chania Old Town in Crete (10am-10pm) for traditional Cretan cuisine, such as stifado (12 EUR/$13.50 USD) and moussaka (15 EUR/$17 USD).
Where to Eat: By Budget
Street Food & Markets
Cost per meal: 5-10 EUR ($5.50-$11 USD). Example dishes: souvlaki, gyro, grilled corn. Neighborhoods: Monastiraki, Psirri, and Gazi in Athens.
Local Neighborhood Spots
Cost per meal: 15-25 EUR ($17-$28 USD). Example dishes: moussaka, stifado, Greek salad. Neighborhoods: Koukaki, Pangrati, and Kypseli in Athens.
Tourist-Friendly Mid-Range
Cost per meal: 25-40 EUR ($28-$44 USD). Example dishes: seafood, traditional Greek cuisine. Neighborhoods: Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma in Athens.
Worth-the-Splurge Restaurants
Cost per meal: 50-100 EUR ($55-$110 USD). Example dishes: fine dining, gourmet Greek cuisine. Neighborhoods: Kolonaki, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni in Athens.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Options
Greek cuisine offers moderate vegetarian and vegan options. Useful phrases: “Είμαι χορτοφάγος” (I’m a vegetarian) and “Είμαι βέγκαν” (I’m a vegan). Safe dishes: Greek salad, dolmades, and grilled portobello mushrooms. Apps: Happy Cow and Vegan Guide.
What Locals Actually Drink
Traditional drinks: ouzo (5 EUR/$5.50 USD), metaxa (8 EUR/$9 USD), and Greek coffee (2 EUR/$2.20 USD). Local beer: Mythos (5 EUR/$5.50 USD) and Alfa (4 EUR/$4.40 USD). What not to drink: tap water.
Food Etiquette & Practical Tips
Tipping norms: 5-10% in restaurants and cafes. Dining hours: 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Reservation culture: not necessary, but recommended for popular restaurants. Cultural rules: keep your hands visible, and don’t leave your plate empty.
Pro Tip: Always ask for the daily specials and fresh catches to ensure the best quality and price.
Pro Tip: Learn some basic Greek phrases, such as “Γεια σας” (Geia sas) – cheers, to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular restaurants and street food stalls, especially during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Greek Islands for food?
The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) for fresh seafood and outdoor dining.
Are there any food allergies or dietary restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, be aware of gluten, dairy, and seafood allergies, and inform your server or chef about any dietary restrictions.
Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in the Greek Islands?
Yes, Greek cuisine offers moderate vegetarian and vegan options, and many restaurants now cater to these dietary needs.
How can I plan a foodie trip to the Greek Islands?
Use our free AI trip planner to customize your itinerary and discover the best food spots: Destinexa’s free AI trip planner.
Plan your culinary adventure with Destinexa’s free AI trip planner and indulge in the rich flavors of the Greek Islands.