Tips for eating out in Greece: the 10 most important things to know about the way things go in Greek restaurants

This is how the Greeks do it: what you need to know about how it works when going out for food and drinks in bars and restaurants in Greece

Of course Greece is a country that is visited because of its ancient history with amazing ruins, blue waters and fantastic beaches. But Greek food is definitely the next best part of a Greece trip (and for some the primary). It would be deemed illegal to leave Greece without having tried a bunch of traditional dishes, coffees and more. However, eating and drinking out in Greece can be experienced different from going to a restaurant or bar in your home country. To help you make the most of your culinary journey and help you understand the culture and ‘etiquette’, I wrote this blog “Tips for eating out in Greece: the 10 most important things to know about the way things go in Greek restaurants”.

1. Share smaller dishes called ‘mezes’: Instead of opting for a single main dish, embrace the Greek tradition of ordering multiple starters or ‘mezes’ to share amongst everyone sitting at the table. Sharing these dishes allows you to taste and try more food on te menu and often turns out to be cheaper as well. It happens often that we leave the restaurant with a larger group after sharing mezes, having to pay only € 15 per person. There are restaurants that specialize in this, called ‘mezedopoleio’ or ‘tsipouradiko’. In those restaurants, the portions are all of ‘sharable size’. But in other restaurants, it is common as well to order different dishes from different pages on the menu and share it all.
2. Expect a complimentary dessert or shot: It’s a common gesture for Greek restaurants to offer a complimentary shot or sweet when you’re about to pay. Enjoy, and remember, these gestures are on the house!
3. Beware of unasked additions: If you’re served bread or bottled water without requesting them, they might be free, but many times they will appear on your bill. It won’t be much, just a couple of euros. But of course, if you haven’t requested it, you do not have to go along with it. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter before touching it.
4. Take leftovers home: Leaving food on your plate? No problem. In Greece, it’s perfectly normal to pack up leftovers in a ‘doggy bag’.
5. Opt for takeaway: If you’re not in the mood to dine in, many restaurants are happy to prepare takeaway meals. Just step in and ask. Places that offer only takeaway traditional Greek homecooked food are called ‘mageireio’. Easy to find on Google Maps. They are open mostly during the day, so you can take away food for the night.
6. Look beyond appearances: Some of the best Greek tavernas might not look fancy from the outside. Or from the inside, for that matter. But traditional spots, often run by families with the matriarch in the kitchen, serve the most authentic and affordable Greek dishes.
7. Be patient with service: Greek restaurants have a relaxed approach. They might serve dishes as they’re ready, which means not everything arrives at once. They do not wait for all the meals to be ready, they also do not care whether it is a starter or main course. They just bring whatever is ready to the table. If you have specific preferences, like receiving all dishes simultaneously, communicate it upfront.
8. Choose your restaurant wisely: A good Greek taverna doesn’t need aggressive tactics to attract customers. If someone is persistently trying to usher you in, it might be a sign to look elsewhere.
9. Understand Greek dining hours: Greeks typically dine late. Dinner starts post 9 pm, and on Sundays, lunch is around 2-3 pm. Tourists might prefer earlier hours, but remember, the busiest time is around 9-10 pm. So if you want a table in a popular spot, avoid the times above. Cause believe it or not, not all Greek restaurants take reservations and many times it is first come, first serve. The good news? Kitchens stay open late.
10. Tipping etiquette: While tipping isn’t mandatory in Greece, it’s a customary way to show appreciation for good service. A few Euros or a small percentage of the bill is a kind gesture.

Thank you for reading this blog Tips for eating out in Greece: the 10 most important things to know about the way things go in Greek restaurants. Happy Travels! 🌊🌞🇬🇷, enjoy your holiday in Greece!
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And check my other Greece blogs if you need more info for your travels to Greece.