A Food Lover’s Guide to Greece: Top 10 Dishes and Where to Try Them
Greece is a food lover’s paradise.
From mouthwatering seafood to comforting pastries and the best olives you’ll ever taste, Greek cuisine reflects the country’s rich cultural history and connection to the land and sea.
But as a traveler, where do you even start?
Each region offers unique flavors, and there’s so much more to Greek cuisine than just souvlaki and feta.
In this food lover’s guide to Greece, I’ll take you through some must-try dishes, along with the best spots to enjoy them.
Whether you’re dining in a seaside taverna on the islands, sampling street food in Athens, or experiencing authentic flavors in a rural village, these culinary experiences will bring Greece’s vibrant food culture to life.
1. Moussaka: The Greek Comfort Food
Moussaka is one of Greece’s most iconic dishes and a staple you’ll find throughout the country.
This layered casserole dish typically combines minced meat, eggplant, potatoes, and béchamel sauce.
Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures, with the creamy top layer contrasting beautifully with the rich, savory filling.
Where to Try It: You’ll find moussaka in nearly every taverna in Greece, but head to Ouzeri Lesvos in Athens for a standout version.
Known for its traditional flavors and cozy atmosphere, this spot in the Plaka neighborhood serves one of the most authentic moussakas in the city.
2. Souvlaki and Gyro: Classic Greek Street Food
No trip to Greece is complete without trying souvlaki or gyros.
These dishes are similar, with the main difference being how they’re served.
Souvlaki consists of skewered, grilled meat, while gyros are slices of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Both are often served with pita, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and sometimes fries, making them the ultimate Greek street food experience.
Where to Try It: For a gyro that’s often called the best in Athens, visit Kostas Souvlaki near Syntagma Square.
It’s a small, no-frills spot that’s been serving up this iconic dish for decades, and the line of locals is proof that it’s worth the wait.
3. Spanakopita: The Perfect Snack or Breakfast
Spanakopita, or spinach pie, is a flaky pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs.
Wrapped in buttery phyllo dough, this savory pie is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Each region has its twist on spanakopita, but it’s always a delicious way to enjoy Greece’s famous cheese and fresh greens.
Where to Try It: Head to Ariston Bakery in Athens, which has been serving spanakopita and other pastries for over a century.
They offer different variations of this classic pie, including vegan and gluten-free options, all packed with flavor.
4. Fresh Greek Salad: The Essence of Greek Cuisine
The traditional Greek salad, known as horiatiki, is a refreshing and simple combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, and a generous slab of feta cheese.
Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, Greek salad embodies the country’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Where to Try It: Almost any taverna in Greece will serve a good Greek salad, but if you’re in Crete, Taverna To Maridaki in Chania is known for its ultra-fresh ingredients and hearty portions.
5. Dolmades: Stuffed Vine Leaves with a Greek Twist
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.
They’re a perfect mix of savory and tangy, thanks to the lemon used in the cooking process.
Dolmades can be enjoyed warm or cold and are often served as a meze (appetizer) with a side of tzatziki.
Where to Try It: For dolmades that are simply unforgettable, visit Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani in Athens.
This popular deli-meze bar serves a variety of traditional Greek appetizers, including some of the best dolmades in the city.
6. Baklava: Sweet Layers of Phyllo and Honey
Baklava is a famous Greek dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and honey or syrup.
Each bite is crunchy, sticky, and incredibly satisfying.
While baklava is found across the Middle East, Greece’s version is a unique treat, especially when enjoyed with a glass of Greek coffee.
Where to Try It: Karakoy Gulluoglu in Athens specializes in Turkish-style and Greek-style baklava, giving you a chance to taste the delicious variations.
Known for its high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes, this spot is a must-visit for baklava lovers.
7. Feta Cheese with Honey and Sesame
Feta is Greece’s most famous cheese, but have you tried it fried with honey and sesame?
Known as “saganaki,” this dish features a block of feta or other cheese, fried until crispy and drizzled with honey.
The result is a perfect mix of salty, sweet, and creamy—an appetizer you won’t forget.
Where to Try It: Avli Taverna in Santorini serves a mouthwatering version of this dish with local honey.
The ambiance and view make it a memorable dining experience, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a modern twist on Greek cuisine.
8. Kleftiko: A Dish with a Story
Kleftiko, meaning “stolen meat,” dates back to the time of the klephts, or mountain rebels, who would cook stolen meat in underground ovens to avoid detection.
This slow-cooked lamb dish is infused with garlic, lemon, and oregano, creating tender, fall-off-the-bone meat packed with flavor.
Where to Try It: Taverna O Nikos in Mykonos is well-known for its kleftiko.
Located in the heart of Mykonos Town, it’s a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional recipes passed down through generations.
9. Loukoumades: Greek-Style Donuts
Loukoumades are small, fluffy donuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts.
These golden bites are a popular Greek dessert or snack, often found at festivals and markets.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Where to Try It: Krios Loukoumades in Athens specializes in these Greek-style donuts, with a variety of toppings like chocolate and powdered sugar.
Grab a few and enjoy them with a view of the Acropolis for a sweet end to your culinary adventure.
10. Pastitsio: Greece’s Answer to Lasagna
Pastitsio is a hearty baked pasta dish that’s layered with ground meat (typically beef or lamb), tubular pasta, a creamy béchamel sauce, and topped with a cheesy crust.
It’s similar to Italian lasagna but with its own distinct Greek flavors, thanks to seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg.
This comforting meal is perfect for anyone craving something rich and filling.
Where to Try It: To Kati Allo in Athens, located near the Acropolis, is a cozy family-run taverna that serves an authentic, homestyle pastitsio.
Their version is known for its generous béchamel layer and perfectly spiced meat filling, making it a true Greek classic you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
From ancient recipes to creative twists on classics, Greece offers an incredible variety of dishes that reflect its history, climate, and way of life.
A journey through Greek cuisine is one of the best ways to experience the culture and feel a connection to the land and its people.
Whether you’re savoring freshly grilled seafood by the sea, tasting traditional cheese pies in the mountains, or enjoying loukoumades in a lively market, each meal is a part of the adventure.
So bring your appetite and dive into the delicious world of Greek food—because in Greece, every meal is a celebration!
