The tastiest food in Greece: 10 yummy dishes to remember

You may go to Greece for beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, but the food will make you never want to leave. If it’s your first time in Crete, one of the best places to visit is a taverna — a place that invites you to slow down and savor the fresh flavors of Greek dishes.

Get ready to imagine yourself eating fresh Greek salad on the beach or treating yourself to honey-soaked donuts like an Olympic champion. This guide to the best food in Greece will take you on a culinary journey that will have you salivating at every stage.

1. Tzatziki

A Greek dinner table isn’t complete without tzatziki, a universally loved dip across all of Greece. It’s a refreshing mixture of strained Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill or mint. The best thing about tzatziki is its versatility — it can be enjoyed spread across bread or as a dip for vegetables and grilled meats. It’s the perfect dish to start with if it’s your first time in Greece.

How to eat the best tzatziki in Greece?

There’s no better group activity in Greece than sharing a delicious meal. Fortunately, the best way to enjoy tzatziki is by ordering it as a side everywhere you go and tasting it with many different Greek staples — you’ll quickly discover it’s delicious with just about anything.

2. Dolmades

The perfect start to any Greek meal is dolmades, a traditional appetizer of grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, onions, pine nuts, and sometimes minced meat. The grape leaves are blanched to make them tender, then wrapped around the filling to form small, bite-sized rolls.

How to eat the best dolmades in Greece?

While the basic recipe for dolmades is consistent, different regions in Greece have their own variations. In northern Greece, such as East Macedonia and Thrace, raisins and currants are added for sweetness, whereas in the Ionian Islands, they are served with a tangy egg and lemon sauce on top.

3. Horiatiki

Nothing screams summer in Crete like horiatiki, the iconic Greek salad. This vibrant and refreshing dish celebrates the deliciousness of simplicity. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of the salad, combined with cucumbers, red onions, green bell peppers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. To top it all off, it’s finished with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano. What started as a staple for farmers and villagers is now one of the most popular foods in Greece.

How to eat the best horiatiki in Greece?

Order horiatiki with a side of crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious juices from the tomatoes and olive oil.

4. Souvlaki

Meat lovers can’t miss out on trying souvlaki, or Greece’s famous grilled meat skewers. You can find pork, chicken, lamb, or beef variations, but the defining flavors come from the unique marinade made of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs. Grilled to the perfect combination of a slightly charred exterior with a juicy and flavorful interior, it’s no wonder they are a crowd-pleaser.

How to eat the best souvlaki in Greece?

Souvlaki is the perfect snack on the go, and the best place to try it is at local food markets such as Varvakios Central Market in Athens or Chania Municipal Market in Crete. Join a street food tour in Greece to discover the best spots around the country.

5. Gyro

It’s no wonder why gyro has gained worldwide popularity. Thinly sliced marinated meat, tangy tzatziki, fresh tomatoes and onions come together in soft pita bread to make a mouthwatering masterpiece. The modern gyro has its roots in the Middle Eastern shawarma and Turkish döner kebab, only introduced to Greek cuisine in the mid-20th century. Over time, it evolved into a distinct Greek dish and is one of the top foods to try around the country.

How to eat the best gyro in Greece?

Whether you’re in Athens, Thessaloniki, or on the islands, you won’t have a hard time finding a gyro shop. It’s common to add crispy French fries inside the pita, which makes for a more filling meal.

6. Moussaka

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to eat, moussaka is your answer. Likened to lasagna, this hearty, baked casserole includes layers of fried or roasted eggplant, thinly sliced potatoes, a savory ground meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and grated cheese. While it has its roots in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the modern Greek version was popularized by Greek chef Nikólaos Tselementés in the early 20th century.

How to eat the best moussaka in Greece?

The best way to enjoy classic moussaka is to find a local family-run taverna or take a Greek cooking class to learn the secrets of making this beloved dish yourself.

7. Spanakopita

Pies have been a beloved part of Greek cuisine since ancient times, with spanakopita said to be at least 400 years old. Believed to have originated from Epirus in northwest Greece, this savory spinach and feta pie is now a famous food all over the country. Thin, flaky layers of phyllo dough encase the spinach and feta filling before being baked until golden brown. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.

How to eat the best spanakopita in Greece?

There are many local bakeries in Greece that specialize in savory pies, and spanakopita will always be on the menu. For a traditional touch, enjoy it with a glass of ouzo, the iconic Greek anise-flavored spirit.

8. Kleftiko

This legendary lamb dish is steeped in history. The name kleftiko means “stolen” in Greek and refers to the way the dish was originally prepared by “klephts,” or anti-Ottoman insurgents from the 14th to 19th centuries, who would cook their stolen meat in sealed pits to avoid detection. Kleftiko is now one of Greece’s staple meals, famous for its tender consistency and aromatic flavor resulting from the lamb being slow-cooked in a tangy marinade.

How to eat the best kleftiko in Greece?

For a truly romantic night out in Athens, go for some kleftiko at a family-run taverna such as Filippou in the Kolonaki neighborhood. Complete the meal with a bottle of Greek wine — a robust red like Agiorgitiko or a full-bodied white like Assyrtiko will pair perfectly.

9. Loukoumades

You’ve heard of baklava, but what about a dessert that traces back to the first Olympic Games in Greece? Said to have been served to the first Olympic winners as a reward, these deep-fried dough balls, soaked in honey syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts, have stood the test of time. The result is a dessert that is crispy and sweet on the outside and soft and airy on the inside.

How to eat the best loukoumades in Greece?

A zacharoplasteio, or traditional pastry shop, is the best place to try many traditional Greek foods, including loukoumades. Pair them with a cup of strong Greek coffee, which perfectly balances their sweetness.

10. Bougatsa

Believed to have its roots in the Byzantine era, bougatsa gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century. This delicious pastry features delicate layers of phyllo dough filled with options like sweet semolina custard, cheese, or meat. The sweet version, in particular, is often topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Its irresistibly soft and flaky texture has made bougatsa a beloved treat.

How to eat the best bougatsa in Greece?

Thessaloniki and Crete are both renowned for their bougatsa. Cretan bougatsa features a unique twist, such as the use of local cheese — try it at Iordanis in Chania, one of the most famous places to try it in Crete.

FAQs: Food in Greece

Generated with the help of AI.

What is the national dish of Greece?

Moussaka is often considered the national dish of Greece. This iconic casserole includes layers of eggplant, potatoes, and a savory tomato meat sauce, making it a staple in many Greek restaurants.

What is a popular drink in Greece?

Ouzo, tsipouro, and raki are iconic Greek spirits known for their strong flavors and distinctive aromas. These clear liquors are often enjoyed during celebrations and social gatherings across the country.

What is a typical Greek snack?

Tiropita, a beloved Greek snack, features phyllo dough filled with eggs and cheese, often feta. These savory pastries are shaped into triangles, brushed with melted butter, and then baked to perfection.

Why is Greece famous for its food?

Greek cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients, creating flavorful dishes with herbs, grains, olive oil, lemon juice, Mediterranean vegetables, and a variety of fish and meats. This combination of ingredients highlights the Mediterranean diet, making Greek food both delicious and healthy.

What is Greek street food?

Greek street food offers a delicious way to experience local flavors as you explore the country. Must-eat items include souvlaki, gyros, bougatsa, loukoumades, koulouri (sesame seed bread), spanakopita, and revithokeftedes (chickpea fritters). These are perfect options for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.