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Eating off the beaten track traveling in Greece?

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ssherie_

ssherie_

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I have heard magical stories of people finding out of the way eating establishments in Greece and having the best, no menu meals that Greece has to offer. I've dined in Greece and my culinary experience has been different. Delicious, just different.

How does one find these wonderful, hidden gems to eat at? Do I have to spend time in a village? What if I am mostly in Athens or Thessaloniki while in Greece? I think I am looking for general tips for throughout Greece, but I do know I will be going to Athens next time I am in Greece so if you have recommendations that would be good, too.
 
ssherie_ said:
I have heard magical stories of people finding out of the way eating establishments in Greece and having the best, no menu meals that Greece has to offer. I've dined in Greece and my culinary experience has been different. Delicious, just different.

How does one find these wonderful, hidden gems to eat at? Do I have to spend time in a village? What if I am mostly in Athens or Thessaloniki while in Greece? I think I am looking for general tips for throughout Greece, but I do know I will be going to Athens next time I am in Greece so if you have recommendations that would be good, too.
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When in Thessaloniki drive west about 30 miles Kymini. There is a great restaurant, Georges, in this little village that is excellent. NO MENU. We stayed in the town at an AIR BnB while visiting relatives in Alexandria. Just sit back and enjoy the food and hospitality of him and his wife.
 
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Xpisto said:
When in Thessaloniki drive west about 30 miles Kymini. There is a great restaurant, Georges, in this little village that is excellent. NO MENU. We stayed in the town at an AIR BnB while visiting relatives in Alexandria. Just sit back and enjoy the food and hospitality of him and his wife.
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Oh forgot, the restaurants in Kymini sell meat of fish but not both.
 
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The quick answer to this is to get out of Plaka/Monastiraki/Psirri and head to a less touristy area. Exarcheia is my favourite suburb and although it is becoming more touristy, it still maintains some good traditional restaurants. Here is my guide to Exarcheia: Exarcheia Guide

Another good traditional Greek Restaurant (don't let the name fool you, it is a full restaurant) to add to the list that I discovered last year is: Ouzeri Lesvos
 
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We have found restaurants like this by befriending a taxi driver! On Crete, my family bonded early with the taxi driver that took us from the airport to the hotel. He gave us his card and we called him exclusively for rides. We hired him over the course of the trip for two tours. On one, who took us to his favorite place, a restaurant like this and ate what they had to offer. You basically need to talk to locals. There is some great, local advice from this thread alone!
 
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While visiting the monasteries, remember you are in a sacred place. Dress modestly, with legs and shoulders covered, to show respect for the local customs and faith. Keep your voice low to preserve the peaceful ambiance and adhere to any photography restrictions to respect the privacy of the monks.

I've had some people ask me, so I thought I'd start a post about etiquette. If you are out taking tours and you don't dress properly, be sure to look for a scarf or skirt (for the ladies) that they may provide to make you respectable enough to enter the space. It's far better, though, to dress properly in your own wardrobe!

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