First Trip to Greece? Here Are 20+ Delicious Foods (& Drinks!) You Can’t Miss🍋🍷🧿

So if you’re heading to Greece for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. Because enjoying all those fabulous Greek meals is one of the most memorable parts of a trip to Greece.

Trust me, when you come home after your trip you’ll be searching out local Greek restaurants for more delicious Greek food. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find anything comparable stateside (and believe me, I’ve tried!).

Today, I’m going to break down a traditional Greek meal, highlight some of my favorite Greek foods and drinks to try, and help you make the most of every bite. So whether you’re exploring Athens, lounging on a beach in Crete, or sipping wine on a balcony in Santorini, I’ve got you covered.

And just like with Italian meals, a full Greek meal is more than just food. It’s about Greek culture, connection, and slowing down to savor the good stuff.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Read More: First Trip to Italy? Here Are 20+ Iconic Foods (& Drinks!) You Can’t Miss 🍋🍝🍷

Now let’s dive in!

Starters (Mezedes)🍅

In Greece, the appetizer course isn’t just a warm-up—it’s an experience of its own. Known as mezedes, these small plates are often shared family-style and paired with ouzo, wine, or raki. You’ll find them everywhere from beachside tavernas to bustling city cafés.

Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

Tzatziki

This classic Greek dip is made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. Served chilled with warm pita, it’s creamy, refreshing, and a staple on nearly every table. Perfect as a side dish, spread, or snack.

Fair warning, Costco sells giant tubs of tzatziki and you’ll probably need it when you get home.

Horiatiki (Greek Salad)

The real-deal Greek salad skips the lettuce entirely. Because in Greece, it’s entirely unnecessary.

A proper horiatiki is a chunky mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, and a thick slab of feta cheese. It’s seasoned with fresh herbs and doused in extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. It’s best served at room temperature and pairs perfectly with grilled meat, seafood, and the next item on this list…

Saganaki (& Shrimp Saganaki)

My go-to starter in Greece, this magical dish is simply a small block of firm Greek cheese (like kasseri or kefalotyri) that is pan-fried in a small pan and often flambéed (that’s code for set on fire) with brandy or ouzo. Opa!

It’s served sizzling hot, often in a small skillet, and best enjoyed with crusty bread to mop up every last drop. And yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

Seafood lovers, there’s also a delightful version topped with shrimp sautéed in a garlicky tomato sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese.

Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

These little parcels of goodness are made with grape leaves wrapped around rice, ground meat, and herbs. Served cold or warm, they’re one of the most traditional Greek dishes and often drizzled with olive oil or a light lemon sauce.

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

Made with phyllo dough and stuffed with wild greens, spinach, and feta, this savory pie is flaky, salty, and totally crave-worthy.

There’s also a cheese pie version called tiropita, which swaps the greens for even more creamy cheese. Both are served in small pieces and are a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or snack time.

Fava

Not to be confused with fava beans, this creamy dip is a specialty of Santorini and made from yellow split peas. It’s typically topped with chopped onions, olive oil, and capers. Simple, hearty, and bursting with unique flavor.

Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)

These Greek meatballs are made with ground beef, onion, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts. They’re often fried until golden brown and served with tzatziki or tomato sauce. You’ll spot them on many appetizer menus and they’re often served at special occasions or as part of a meze platter.

Tip: The best Greek meatballs I’ve ever had were at an amazing restaurant on the tiny island of Milos.

Read More: 5 Best Things to Do on the Marvelous Greek Island of Milos

Main Dishes (Kyria Piata) 🥘

Greek meals are meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed slowly—and the main course is where things really shine. These traditional Greek dishes often feature grilled meats, fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, and rich sauces that reflect centuries of Greek culture and influence from surrounding Mediterranean cuisines.

Here are a few must-try mains:

Moussaka

Arguably the most classic Greek dish, moussaka is a hearty baked casserole made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, spiced ground meat, and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.

Think of it as Greece’s answer to lasagna—but with way more flavor. It’s often served at room temperature and is considered a comfort food across Greece.

Pastitsio

This is my favorite main dish in Greece and I’ve never found a restaurant outside of Greece that does it well. That’s why I’ve been known to go from restaurant to restaurant on vacation until I find one with pastitsio on the menu for dinner (my husband is a patient man).

Sometimes called “Greek lasagna,” pastitsio is another baked pasta dish layered with tubular noodles, ground beef, cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce, and—you guessed it—a layer of creamy béchamel on top. Rich, satisfying, and hands-down my personal favorite.

Souvlaki

This popular dish is simple but so good: marinated pork, lamb, or chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served either as a plate or wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomato, and onion.

Souvlaki is one of Greece’s most popular street foods, often enjoyed with a side of French fries.

Gyros

Pronounced “yee-ros,” this fast food favorite features spit-roasted meats (pork, lamb, or chicken) sliced into savory chunks, tucked into a warm pita with tzatziki, onions, and fries. It’s the kind of food you grab between beach swims or while wandering a busy town square.

Cheap, satisfying, and wildly delicious, gyros were a staple of my early trips to Greece when I was a broke 20-something. And they’re still a must for lunch at the beach on every visit today.

This is another one of those “only in Greece” kind of treats that just isn’t as good anywhere else in the world.

Fresh Fish & Grilled Octopus

In the Greek islands, especially in coastal tavernas, fresh fish is often the star of the show. Many Greek restaurants will invite you into the kitchen or to a display case filled with the daily catch—fish that was probably swimming just hours earlier.

One thing that might catch you off guard if it’s your first time in Greece: the fish is usually served whole. That means with the head still on… and the eyes staring right at you.

I’ll never forget the first time I ordered fish in Greece many years ago. I was on the island of Mykonos and it was my first ever trip overseas. So when my lunch arrived looking like it might swim right off the plate it was a bit of a culture shock!

Read More: A Visit to The Picture-Perfect Greek Island of Mykonos Inspired a Lifetime of Wanderlust

It was absolutely delicious, but definitely not what I expected. If you’re used to neat, boneless filets, this is one of those fun little cultural curveballs to prepare for.

Typically grilled with just olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, the preparation is simple and highlights the quality of the fish.

Grilled octopus and squid (calamari) are another specialty of the Greek Islands that’s one of my absolute favorites when I visit Greece.

You’ll find it lightly fried like you’ve probably seen it on restaurant menus across the U.S. But don’t miss the chance to try it grilled and served with just lemon. This simple preparation showcases the unique flavor of the squid and the fact that it probably came off the boat earlier that morning.

Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Tomatoes and bell peppers stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, then baked until tender. A go-to main dish for vegetarians, but hearty enough for any appetite.

Greek Desserts & Sweet Treats 🍰

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Greek desserts do not mess around. Expect layers of flaky phyllo dough, drizzles of sweet syrup, and the unmistakable flavor of sweet honey. Whether you’re at a family-run bakery or a seaside café, these are the best Greek foods to cap off your meal.

Loukoumades

Often described as Greek donuts, loukoumades are crispy, golden brown dough balls, fried and soaked in honey or syrup, then topped with sesame seeds or cinnamon. These sweet treats are usually served piping hot and are especially popular at festivals and fairs.

Baklava

This beloved Greek dessert is made with layers of phyllo dough, crushed nuts, sweet honey, and spices. It’s sticky, flaky, and decadent—everything a dessert should be. Baklava is common across the Middle East, but the Greek version is often spiced with cinnamon and made with walnuts or pistachios.

Galaktoboureko

A rich custard pie made with semolina and layered with phyllo, galaktoboureko is soaked in sweet syrup and served in squares. It’s creamy, buttery, and impossible to stop at one bite.

Spoon Sweets (Glyka tou koutaliou)

These traditional Greek sweets are made by preserving fruit, nuts, or even vegetables in syrup. Served in small pieces on a spoon with a glass of cold water, they’re often offered to guests as a symbol of hospitality. It’s a culinary tradition with roots in ancient Greece.

Greek Yogurt with Honey & Nuts

Thick, creamy Greek yogurt, topped with sweet honey and chopped walnuts or almonds, is a lighter dessert option (but just as satisfying).

And though I’m listing it under sweets, you’ll probably try it first for breakfast topped with drizzled honey and fresh fruit. If you’ve only had store-bought Greek yogurt, trying the real thing in Greece is a revelation.

Drinks to Try in Greece 🍷☕

Now, let’s talk drinks. Like everything else in Greece, drinking is a cultural ritual—whether it’s clinking glasses of crisp white wine at sunset or sipping Greek coffee slowly in the morning light.

Ouzo

No list of Greek drinks is complete without ouzo, a strong, anise-flavored aperitif. It turns cloudy when mixed with water or ice and is often served with salty mezedes (small bites like olives, cheese, chips, or nuts).

It’s an acquired taste, but worth trying at least once during your trip.

Full disclosure, for many years, I didn’t really like ouzo. On my early trips to Greece with girlfriends (when I was on a tight budget), we would stroll the row of waterfront tavernas in Mykonos in the evenings until a restaurant owner lured us in with the offer of free ouzo shots.

Hey, free drinks were a hot commodity in our 20’s.

It wasn’t until I visited the beautiful island of Symi many years later with my husband that I really learned to enjoy ouzo as the Greeks do.

Read More: Sparkling Symi is the Best Greek Island You’ve Never Heard Of

We were visiting Greek friends on Symi and they schooled us in the right way to drink ouzo. Turns out, it’s not really meant to be a shot. It’s best enjoyed when served over ice and sipped slowly while enjoying an ocean view and a salty snack.

And you know what? These days a relaxing pre-dinner ouzo is a staple of our trips to Greece and something I look forward to when we visit.

Raki (or Tsikoudia)

On Crete, raki is the drink of choice. This potent spirit is made from grape pomace and served in tiny glasses. It’s stronger than ouzo and usually offered as a welcome drink or after a meal.

It’s a local tradition—and like many traditional Greek recipes, it has a long history tied to island hospitality.

Full disclosure, I didn’t like raki the first time I tried it. And many years later, I still don’t like it. Unlike ouzo, this one is an acquired taste I have yet to acquire. But my husband likes it, so I have proof that there are some people who don’t think it tastes like kerosene.

Read More: Heraklion or Chania? It’s an Easy Choice (PLUS: the Perfect 5 Day Crete Itinerary)

Kitron

Unique to Naxos, kitron is a lemon-flavored liqueur made from the leaves and fruit of the citron tree. It’s served chilled and comes in three varieties—green (sweet), yellow (strong), and clear (dry).

It’s Greece’s answer to Italy’s limoncello and while I love the island of Naxos for many reasons, kitron is definitely in the top 5.

Read More: 7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for pretty much everything)

Greek Wines

With a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, wine is central to the Greek dining experience. Every island and region produces its own recipe or varietal, but Assyrtiko from Santorini is a standout—a crisp white wine made from grapes grown in volcanic soil.

Other popular choices include Agiorgitiko (a smooth red from the Peloponnese) and Moschofilero (a floral white from northern Greece). For wine lovers, Santorini is ground zero for wine tasting in Greece.

Read more: Yes, Santorini is an Expensive Honeymoon Destination (but it doesn’t have to be!)

Mythos

This light, easy-drinking lager is Greece’s most popular beer—you’ll find it everywhere from ferry snack bars to beachfront cafés. It’s not fancy, but it’s cold and refreshing, especially after a hot day of sightseeing.

Greek Coffee

Greek coffee is strong, aromatic, and served in small demitasse cups. It’s made by slowly heating finely ground coffee with water (and sugar, if desired) in a briki (a traditional copper pot). Once it begins to foam, it’s poured straight into the cup—grounds and all. Let it sit for a few minutes before sipping to allow the grounds to settle at the bottom.

And here’s something you won’t want to miss: the Freddo Cappuccino.

This icy, frothy, espresso-based drink is a Greek specialty and my personal favorite when visiting Greece. It’s made by blending chilled espresso with a creamy cap of cold, frothed milk and served over ice.

It’s rich, energizing, and the perfect refreshment on a hot island afternoon. You’ll find it at cafés all over the country—and once you’ve had one, you may never go back to your usual iced coffee.

Savor the Flavors of Greece!

Are you starving yet? I know I am.

The beauty of Greek cuisine is how it shifts from island to island, village to village—each with its own recipe, its own oil, and its own way of welcoming you to the table.

And while you can certainly stick to the classics, I encourage you to be curious. Try something unfamiliar. Ask your server what they recommend. It might turn out to be your favorite meal of the trip.

Because at the heart of Greek culture, food is celebration. It’s family. It’s history. And it’s one of the absolute best things about traveling through this incredible country.

So go ahead—order the moussaka and the pastitsio. Say yes to another glass of Assyrtiko. And don’t skip the Freddo Cappuccino.

Kali orexi (bon appétit)! 

Looking for more islands to add to your Greece itinerary? Start here:

10 Irresistible Greek Islands to Visit This Summer (#8 is Greece’s Best-Kept Secret) ☀️

The 7 Best Greek Islands for Beaches (You’ve Never Heard of #4)

Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)

Car-Free Hydra is This Summer’s Chic Greek Island Escape

The Little-Known Island of Spetses is Greece’s Most Sophisticated Summer Escape

Forget Santorini: Stunning Syros is the True Cyclades Gem in the Greek Islands