What to Eat in Greece: 25 of the Best Dishes in Greek Gastronomy

In almost any seaside taverna or restaurant, Kalamarakia, or fried squid, is a beloved Greek seafood dish. Yet, it’s a delicate dish that requires careful steps and timing. To make it perfect, the cook has to find fresh squids and clean them carefully before frying them to crispy perfection in Extra Virgin olive oil. 

Fava is a traditional dish from the Greek island of Santorini. It is made from yellow fava beans, onions, garlic, and olive oil. You usually sample this simple yet flavorful dish as a dip or a side dish. The plant (Lathyrus Clymenum) is found on the island of Santorini, where people have been using it to make Fava for over 3,500 years. 

Dolmades is a typical Greek side dish. They are grape leaves filled with herby, lemony rice, folded into small parcels, and steamed. Some variations also include meat, making them a versatile complement to any Greek meal.

A trip to Greece is incomplete without trying a Greek salad (or, as locals call it, horiatiki salata). This iconic dish combines fresh tomatoes, crunchy onions, salty Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and a large piece of feta cheese. It’s the perfect way to start a meal, especially on a hot day.

Ntakos is a traditional Cretan dish with a twist. Although it was created to use leftover bread, Greeks have enjoyed it for generations—and for a reason! It’s a salad served on a large, crunchy rusk made of barley or wheat bread. The rusk is then topped with diced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, sometimes also with sliced onions, and always drizzled with olive oil.

Koulouri is a popular Greek street food. These large, soft bread rings are generously coated in sesame seeds and typically enjoyed on the go with a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a classic breakfast item that encapsulates the simplicity and deliciousness of Greek food culture.

Bougiourdi is a traditional Greek appetizer known for its fiery flavor. This simple yet delicious dish harmoniously blends feta cheese, tomato sauce, onions, and spices. And the best part? They are baked together in the oven until they become gooey and bubbly. Yummy!

Souvlaki, grilled meat skewers, are famous worldwide and a local delicacy in Greece. Typically served hot off the grill, these pork skewers fit great with tzatziki, pita bread, salad, and tomato. An easy way to try this delicacy is to choose the marinated version, known in Athens as Kalamaki.

No Greek meze platter is complete without saganaki. This famous Greek appetizer contains various cheeses, including feta, kefalotyri, and halloumi. The cheese is fried in a hot saganaki, a small frying pan, until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining gooey on the inside. It’s a dream come true for every cheese enthusiast! 

Keftethes, or Greek meatballs, are usually made with lamb meat and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. You’ll love them because they’re crispy and juicy, perfect for enjoying with salad or rice on the side.

Tzatziki, made with Greek yogurt and cucumber, is often served as an appetizer or meze. It can also be enjoyed as a sauce to accompany other dishes. Its tangy lemon and dill flavors will be a refreshing addition to any meal.

Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that combines lamb, potatoes, and tomatoes, all cooked together for hours. Traditionally, Greeks cooked this dish in an underground fire pit, sometimes wrapped in parchment paper.
A variety of this dish is also a staple in Cypriot gastronomy.

Stifado is a Greek meat stew perfect for colder months. It typically includes beef or rabbit, tomatoes, and small whole onions. Stewed for hours, this traditional Greek comfort food is a must-try on your culinary adventure.

Gyros is one of the first words you’ll learn in Greece. They consist of rotisserie-cooked meat pieces (usually chicken, pork, lamb, or beef) wrapped in flatbread or pita, lettuce, onions, and various sauces. Vegetarian versions often include grilled halloumi or feta cheese. This is the king of Greek street food!

Like Italian lasagne, Pastitsio is a comforting dish made by layering ground beef or lamb with small macaroni and béchamel sauce, often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and Greek herbs. Although you won’t always find it in taverns, keep an eye on daily menus. If luck strikes you, prepare for a treat of the senses!

Giouvetsi is a baked dish with Kritharaki pasta (similar to orzo) and lamb meat or seafood. To make it, stew pasta and meat in a clay pot and add cheese before serving.

Moussaka is arguably the most famous dish in Greek cuisine. It’s a layered casserole that typically includes thin slices of eggplant, minced meat, and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. The vegetarian version is equally delicious, replacing the meat with various vegetables. Here, you can find my recipe!

Papoutsakia, which means Little Shoes in Greek, are eggplants scooped out and stuffed with eggs, bell peppers, minced meat, tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil. To make the most of this hearty dish, top it with local salty cheeses and let your taste buds explode!

Fasolatha might not be well-known globally, but it’s a staple in Greek households. This traditional bean soup is simple yet hearty, featuring white beans, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves add a unique flavor.

Yemista (or Gemista), which in Greek means Filled With, features fresh local vegetables like tomatoes or peppers stuffed with rice and roasted until tender. Some versions also include minced meat, making it a versatile dish for vegetarians and meat lovers.

Spanakopita is one of the most classic Greek pies. It features layers of phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese and spinach, flavored with dill. Another favorite is Tyropita, a savory cheese pie wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry.

Baklava, found all over Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East, is a sweet pastry soaked in honey-like syrup and layered with crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Amygdalota, or Greek Macaroons, are crunchy and chewy almond cookies. They are typically sweetened with orange blossoms or rose water and pair perfectly with coffee in the afternoon.

Loukoumades are one of Greece’s most beloved sweet treats. These small, fried doughnut-like balls are drenched in honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed walnuts, and typically shared among friends and family. 

Galaktoboureko is a sweet custard pie served in slices, made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon. Best eaten warm and straight from the oven, it’s a dessert worth traveling to Greece for.