Greek Salad and shrimp saganaki by the sea in Zakynthos, Greece
If you’re heading to Greece, make sure your itinerary includes more than just the views—because the food here is just as unforgettable. Here are the must-try dishes and drinks I recommend everyone experience during their Greek adventure.
Souvlaki
If there’s one thing I never pass up in Greece, it’s souvlaki. You have two main options: skewers, where perfectly seasoned meat is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, or gyros wrapped in warm, fluffy pita. Either way, it’s stacked with juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and a hefty spoonful of creamy tzatziki that ties everything together.
Pastitsio
Consider this Greece’s answer to lasagna, with thick pasta, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. It’s hearty, comforting, and showcases the subtle spice combinations that make Greek cuisine so distinctive. My Greek grandmother used to make this for me every time I came to visit, and it’s by far my favorite Greek comfort food.
Horiatiki (Greek Salad)
The authentic Greek salad is a masterpiece of simplicity: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, purple onions, olives, and thick slabs of feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and dusted with oregano. No lettuce, no fancy dressing—just fresh ingredients that let the Mediterranean flavors shine through.
Moussaka
Layers of silky eggplant, perfectly spiced meat, and a cloud-like béchamel sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Each bite tells a story of Greece’s rich agricultural history, where vegetables grow with an intensity of flavor that transforms this traditional casserole into something extraordinary.
A local meal of Moussaka, lamb meatballs and red wine in Paros, Greece
Local Lamb
Whether it’s slow-roasted with lemon and oregano, grilled as chops, or braised until falling apart, Greek lamb is exceptional. The animals often graze on wild herbs, giving the meat a distinctive flavor you won’t find elsewhere.
Loukoumades
Think Greek-style doughnut holes, but better. These little bites of heaven are deep-fried until golden, then drenched in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed nuts. Grab a plate (seek out a restaurant that makes them fresh, not reheated!) and enjoy them while they’re still warm—you won’t regret it.
Must-Try Greek Drinks
Assyrtiko Wine
Santorini’s signature white wine is crisp, mineral-rich, and pairs perfectly with just about everything. Grown in volcanic soil and trained into basket-shaped vines to survive the island’s winds, it’s as unique as the landscape itself. Order a glass (or a bottle) with fresh seafood for a light, delicious meal.
Ouzo
If you haven’t tried ouzo in Greece, have you even been? This anise-flavored spirit is best served over ice, turning cloudy as it mixes with water. It’s strong, it’s aromatic, and it’s meant to be sipped slowly alongside mezedes (small plates). Be warned—it’s a strong spirit.
Eating by Season in Greece: What to Try Year-Round
Eating in Greece is all about what’s fresh and in season. Whether you’re here in the middle of summer or during the quieter winter months, there’s always something worth seeking out.
Spring
Spring in Greece means fresh greens, citrus, and lighter dishes that celebrate the new season.
- Horta (Wild Greens) – You’ll see these on nearly every taverna menu, simply boiled and drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
- Fava (Yellow Split Pea Purée) – Santorini’s signature dish, smooth and rich, perfect with a squeeze of lemon and fresh bread.
- Lamb with Lemon & Oregano – If you’re here for Easter, expect slow-roasted lamb packed with flavor. The kind of meal you’ll think about long after it’s gone.
- Strawberries & Citrus – Oranges, lemons, and strawberries are at their peak. Freshly squeezed juice in Greece just hits different.
Summer
Hot days call for fresh produce, grilled seafood, and dishes that don’t weigh you down.
- Grilled Fish & Octopus – The kind of simple, fresh seafood that reminds you why Greek island life is unbeatable.
- Horiatiki (Greek Salad) – Juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and thick slabs of feta. No lettuce, no nonsense.
- Watermelon & Feta – Sweet, salty, and ridiculously refreshing. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
- Loukoumades – Golden, honey-drenched doughnuts. Best enjoyed after a long beach day, preferably with an espresso freddo.
Fresh Octopus, fava bean dip, and a greek salad in Oia, Santorini
Autumn
Harvest season means deeper flavors, richer dishes, and the start of heartier meals.
- Moussaka – Layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel, baked until golden. Comfort food at its finest.
- Pastitsio – Greece’s answer to lasagna, with thick pasta, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping.
- Roasted Chestnuts – Found in street markets and best eaten straight out of a paper bag.
- Grape Must Pudding (Moustalevria) – A silky, fall-season dessert made from freshly pressed grapes.
- Fresh Figs & Pomegranates – Autumn means peak fig season and the first pomegranates of the year. Perfect for snacking or tossed into salads.
Winter
Cold weather means slow-cooked dishes, warming drinks, and plenty of reasons to linger at the table.
- Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup) – Simple, hearty, and known as Greece’s national dish for a reason.
- Kleftiko (Slow-Cooked Lamb) – Cooked in parchment paper with herbs, garlic, and potatoes until it falls apart with a fork.
- Hilopites (Handmade Egg Pasta) – Found in mountain villages, usually served with braised meat or tomato sauce.
- Ouzo & Tsipouro – Strong, anise-flavored spirits that warm you up fast. Best sipped slowly alongside mezedes.
- Baklava – Flaky layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey. It’s good year-round, but something about it just feels right in winter.
If you’re heading to Greece, make sure your itinerary includes more than just the views—because the food here is just as unforgettable. Whether it’s fresh seafood in Sifnos, perfectly charred souvlaki in Athens, or a simple greek salad with freshly picked capers in Folegandros, don’t be surprised if you return home a Mediterranean food convert.
If you enjoyed this travel guide, don’t miss my Seasonal Guide to Visiting the Greek Islands to find the best time to plan your trip. Also check out my Guide to Choosing the Best Greek Island to narrow down your perfect destination.
