Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Advice for Finding Local Tavernas with Great Food Anywhere in Greece?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
A

acamp7

Active member
I am going to Greece soon and my itinerary isn't quite set. We have a few days scheduled in Athens and then after that, we thought we'd play things a bit by ear. I love traveling this way.

When I think about my experiences in Greece, all the good memories are centered around food. Most involve tavernas with delicious menus that someone (family member or friend) who lives in Greece brought me to. They know they family, they're regulars, etc.

I won't necessarily be going to places where I know people this time around. I am trying to see some different spots. How do I find these fabulous tavernas without knowing anyone?
 
acamp7 said:
I am going to Greece soon and my itinerary isn't quite set. We have a few days scheduled in Athens and then after that, we thought we'd play things a bit by ear. I love traveling this way.

When I think about my experiences in Greece, all the good memories are centered around food. Most involve tavernas with delicious menus that someone (family member or friend) who lives in Greece brought me to. They know they family, they're regulars, etc.

I won't necessarily be going to places where I know people this time around. I am trying to see some different spots. How do I find these fabulous tavernas without knowing anyone?
Click to expand...
maps.app.goo.gl

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
maps.app.goo.gl maps.app.goo.gl
Search in Restaurants.... some with Thousands of reviews,yes you read it right...I saw one with just under 8000 reviews!!?.... Enjoy, write about your experiences after your visits!
 
That sounds like an amazing way to travel! In Greece, the best tavernas are often tucked away from the main tourist spots, so a bit of exploration can lead to some delicious discoveries. Here are a few tips to help you find those hidden gems:
  1. Follow the locals: Look for places bustling with locals rather than tourists. If a taverna is packed with Greeks, it's usually a good sign of authenticity and great food.
  2. Use food apps and local forums: Apps like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare can be helpful, but local food forums or social media groups often have recommendations from locals who know the best spots.
  3. Ask around: Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel staff, shop owners, or even other travelers. They can often point you to their favorite neighborhood spots.
  4. Wander off the beaten path: The most memorable tavernas are often found on quiet streets or in small villages, so take some time to explore and trust your instincts. Enjoy your culinary adventures in Greece!
 
I usually point friends to https://feniansirishpub.com.au/ whenever they want a spot with good food, live music, and enough space for a casual meetup or even a small celebration. I’ve booked their private area before and it was easy, plus the outdoor terrace is handy if you’ve got pets tagging along.
 
Last edited:
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!

Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top