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I’m really excited about exploring the local cuisine. I’ve heard so much about how delicious and diverse Greek food is, and I want to make sure I don’t miss out on any must-try dishes.

Could you please share your recommendations for Greek dishes that I should definitely try while I’m there? I’m particularly interested in both well-known classics and any regional specialties that might be a bit off the beaten path. Some questions:
  • What are the absolute must-tries that define Greek cuisine?
  • Are there any dishes specific to certain regions in Greece that I shouldn’t miss?
  • I love street food! Any Greek street food recommendations?
  • What sweet treats should I indulge in?
Also, if you have any restaurant or taverna recommendations where I can experience these dishes authentically, that would be amazing!
 
Try everything. Foods like souvlaki and gyros will be freshly made, and other dishes like pasititso and moussaka will be 1-2 days old. A helpful tip to find a restaurant/Cafe is to look at what people are drinking. Tourists drink whatever they want, but Greeks drink coffee, so id you see a lot of people drinking coffee then you know you're at a spot locals go to.

When people ask me for food recommendations:

  • Souvlaki (in Athens this is a gyros). It will not come with "gyro meat" (brown shaved meat). You will have the option of chicken or pork.
  • Kalamaki (in Athens this is souvlaki)
  • Grilled octopus
  • Amita Sour Cherry juice
  • Froolite (it's a juice. My favorite is the mandarine and grapefruit)
  • Freddo espresso / Freddo cappuccino (only kids drink frappes)
  • Pita - try everything that sounds good. My favorite is zamponotiropita (ham and cheese pie), but there are many others such as chicken pie, and mushroom pie
  • Ice cream - it's different. My favorite place is Da Vinci. I think the have the best strawberry ice cream ice ever had
  • Tzatziki
  • Tyrokauteri
  • Saganaki
  • Saganaki with honey and sesame seeds
  • Loukoumathes - get them with something other than honey. I like my loukomathes filled with Nutella
  • This list could go on forever. If you see something the looks/smells/sounds good then try it!
 
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Some dishes you can try:
  • Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
  • Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of meat, often served with pita and tzatziki.
  • Spanakopita: Spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in phyllo dough.
  • Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
  • Tzatziki: A refreshing dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
  • Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey syrup.
  • Horiatiki: Traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil.
  • Gyro: Rotisserie meat served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
 
I’m really excited about exploring the local cuisine. I’ve heard so much about how delicious and diverse Greek food is, and I want to make sure I don’t miss out on any must-try dishes.

Could you please share your recommendations for Greek dishes that I should definitely try while I’m there? I’m particularly interested in both well-known classics and any regional specialties that might be a bit off the beaten path. Some questions:
  • What are the absolute must-tries that define Greek cuisine?
  • Are there any dishes specific to certain regions in Greece that I shouldn’t miss?
  • I love street food! Any Greek street food recommendations?
  • What sweet treats should I indulge in?
Also, if you have any restaurant or taverna recommendations where I can experience these dishes authentically, that would be amazing!
Bamiez(okra),melitzana salada(Aubergine salad)
Stuffed peppers with rice!👍..... Fakes!(Lentil dish eaten with olive oil and dash of vinegar and toasted bread with olive oil, salt and oregano!... yummy! 😋😋..I make it better than a lot of Tavernas!😂😂
 

How much money to take to Greece?

I’m starting to plan the money side of my trip to Greece and was wondering—how much should I realistically bring with me? I know it depends on travel style, but I’d love to hear what others spent daily on average for things like meals, local transport, entrance fees, and small extras like coffee or souvenirs.

I’m staying in mid-range accommodations that are already paid for, and I’ll be visiting both Athens and a couple of islands. I’d like to enjoy the trip without worrying too much, but I also don’t want to bring way more than I need or rely too heavily on cards.

Do most places take credit cards now, or is cash still king? And how much should I carry on me at any given time? Any tips for ATMs, budgeting, or knowing what’s “enough” per day?

Appreciate any insight from recent travelers. Thanks in advance!

Best Greek Beaches for First Time Visitors?

I'm basically asking for a friend — it's been decades since I was a first-time visitor to Greece, so I don’t really remember what that fresh, wide-eyed perspective feels like anymore. I’m definitely biased when it comes to Greek beaches… Elafonissi in Crete is hands-down my favorite, and of course I already told my friend to put it on their list.

But I figured I’d ask you all: what are the best beaches in Greece for someone visiting for the first time?

They’re looking for something beautiful, memorable, and not too hard to get to. Bonus points for spots with nearby tavernas or charming villages. I’d love to pass along some of your suggestions so they can make the most of their trip.

So — what beaches made you fall in love with Greece the first time you went?

What does contemporary fine dining look like in Greece?

I’m planning a trip to Greece and, while I love traditional Greek food, I’m also curious about the modern fine dining scene. I know Greece has a deep culinary heritage, but I’ve heard that some chefs are taking classic flavors and giving them a contemporary twist.

For those who have experienced it, what does fine dining in Greece look like today? Are there any standout restaurants or chefs redefining Greek cuisine? Is it more focused on Michelin-starred establishments, or are there also smaller, innovative spots worth checking out?

I’m particularly interested in tasting dishes that blend tradition with modern techniques, maybe something with a creative take on seafood, local ingredients, or Greek wines. Any recommendations for restaurants in Athens, Thessaloniki, or the islands?

Would love to hear about your experiences and must-try dishes! Thanks in advance.

Getting Money from ATMs in Greece?

I have a friend who just came back from Greece and she told me she had issues using the ATM machines.

I have never had a problem, but I am curious as to what is going on.

Does anyone know why her ATM card, which works int he US, might not have worked in Greece? It is making me wonder if I need to also do something with my bank before I go to Greece again.

She said the machine kept giving her an error that said it wouldn't work because the card wasn't hooked up to a savings account?

Favorite Places to Visit in Greece for Authentic Culture

I’m of Greek descent and absolutely love visiting Greece, there’s nothing like being there. But I’ll be honest… I’m starting to feel a little burned out by the super touristy spots. I’ve done Santorini, Mykonos, and the major cities, and while they’re beautiful, I’m craving something different, places where the pace is slower, the food tastes like yiayia’s, and people still speak in local dialects.

I want to experience the heart of Greek culture, the village squares, panigyria under the stars, little churches tucked into the hills, and family-run tavernas where they don’t even have menus. I’m open to mountain towns, islands, or regions on the mainland, just something a bit more real. Where do you think it would be a good place to visit?
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