Greek cuisine is one of the biggest joys of traveling through the country. Every region brings something unique to the table, from slow-cooked meats in the mountains to fresh seafood on the islands. Whether you’re dining at a seaside taverna or grabbing a snack from a street vendor, you’re never far from something delicious. This list brings together the essential Greek dishes and drinks you’ll want to seek out, so you can taste the full spectrum of what makes Greek food so unforgettable.
1. Moussaka
This rich, oven-baked dish is one of Greece’s most iconic comfort foods. It’s made with layers of sautéed eggplant (sometimes potatoes or zucchini), ground meat—usually beef or lamb—and topped with a thick, creamy béchamel sauce. Each bite is warm, hearty, and full of deep Mediterranean flavor.
2. Gyros
You’ll find gyros at nearly every street corner in Greece, wrapped in warm pita bread and packed with meat shaved from a vertical rotisserie. It’s typically pork or chicken, served with tomatoes, onions, fries, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. It’s quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.
3. Greek Salad
A proper Greek salad doesn’t mess around with lettuce. It’s all about juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, green bell pepper, briny Kalamata olives, and a thick slab of feta on top, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. Simple and fresh, it’s a must with every meal.
4. Saganaki
If you love cheese, saganaki is non-negotiable. It’s a thick slice of hard cheese, usually kefalotyri or graviera, pan-fried until golden and bubbly on the edges. Served hot with a squeeze of lemon, it’s salty, crispy, and completely indulgent.
5. Greek Bouyourdi
This spicy, baked appetizer combines feta cheese, tomatoes, and hot peppers, baked together until melty and flavorful. It’s sometimes topped with olive oil or oregano and served with fresh bread. Bouyourdi is bold and tangy, offering a delicious kick to start your meal.
6. Soutzoukakia me Hilopitakia
These oblong Greek meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served over small square egg noodles called hilopitakia. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for a cozy dinner. The flavors are warm and comforting, especially when sprinkled with a bit of grated cheese.
7. Dolmades
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, then simmered in broth or lemon sauce. They’re often served as part of a mezze platter and can be eaten warm or cold. The leaves are tender, the filling is flavorful, and the lemony finish ties it all together.
8. Souvlaki
These grilled meat skewers are a Greek classic, typically made with pork or chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs. They’re served on a plate with pita, fries, and salad, or tucked into a wrap for eating on the go. Souvlaki is simple, flavorful, and always satisfying.
9. Loukoumades
Loukoumades are tiny balls of fried dough, crisp on the outside and airy inside, drenched in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed nuts. You’ll often see them served at festivals or cafes as a dessert or snack. They’re sticky, sweet, and dangerously addictive.
10. Koulouria
These round sesame bread rings are sold by street vendors throughout Greece, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki. Soft on the inside with a slightly crunchy crust, they’re a quick and affordable breakfast or mid-day bite. Grab one with a Greek coffee for the full experience.
11. Lamb Kleftiko
This dish dates back to the time of Greek resistance fighters who slow-cooked stolen lamb in hidden pits. Today, it’s lamb marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, then wrapped in parchment paper and baked until fall-apart tender. The result is flavorful, juicy meat with every bite infused with Greek countryside aromas.
12. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is more than just a dip—it’s a Greek essential. Made with thick Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill, it’s cool, creamy, and perfect alongside grilled meats or fresh bread. You’ll find it everywhere, and it never disappoints.
13. Tyropita (Savory Hand Pies)
These flaky cheese pies are a staple in bakeries and homes across Greece. Filled with feta or other local cheeses and wrapped in buttery filo dough, tyropita is ideal for breakfast or a midday snack. Each bite delivers salty, cheesy richness wrapped in delicate layers.
14. Greek Coffee
Served in small cups and brewed unfiltered with finely ground beans, Greek coffee is strong, thick, and meant to be sipped slowly. It often has grounds settled at the bottom, so don’t drink the last drop. Enjoy it with a sweet on the side, and always take your time.
15. Greek Wine
Greece produces some fantastic wines, and Assyrtiko from Santorini is a standout. Grown in volcanic soil and shaped by salty winds, this white wine is crisp, mineral-forward, and pairs beautifully with seafood. It’s one of many local wines that deserve a taste.
16. Taramasalata
Taramasalata is a creamy dip made from fish roe blended with olive oil, lemon juice, and bread or potatoes. It’s pale pink, silky smooth, and has a briny, savory flavor that’s unlike anything else. Spread it on bread or dip veggies for a salty, satisfying bite.
17. Baklava
Layers of paper-thin filo dough are stacked with chopped nuts, baked until golden, and soaked in honey or syrup. Baklava is sticky, sweet, and rich, with a perfect balance of crunchy texture and sugary depth. You’ll find it in nearly every Greek pastry shop.
18.Tomatokeftedes
These tomato fritters are a Santorini specialty, made with ripe tomatoes, herbs, and onions fried into savory patties. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re usually served with a side of yogurt or tzatziki. They’re fresh, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or light lunch.
19. Revani
Revani is a moist semolina cake soaked in citrusy syrup, often flavored with lemon or orange. It’s sweet but not overpowering and has a lovely, grainy texture that sets it apart from flour-based cakes. Often served with a dollop of cream or plain, it’s a delightful end to any Greek meal.
20. Retsina
Retsina is a white or rosé wine infused with pine resin, a method that dates back thousands of years. It has a very distinct taste that can be polarizing, but locals love its herbal, earthy character. Try it chilled with mezze to appreciate its place in Greek wine culture.
21. Ouzo
Ouzo is Greece’s signature anise-flavored spirit, usually served with ice or water that turns it milky white. It’s sipped slowly alongside plates of seafood or small bites, especially in social settings. The licorice flavor is strong, but it’s a true taste of Greek hospitality.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.