How Does Restaurants & Food Work in Greece?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Greek food culture centres on shared meze, very late dinners, and fresh fish priced by weight — always confirm fish prices before ordering.
2What You Need to Know
Greek dining is a leisurely, social affair; dinner typically starts at 9–10pm and locals rarely eat before then. Tavernas serve shared meze (small dishes) and this is the recommended way to eat. Fresh fish is displayed on ice and sold by weight — always ask the waiter to weigh and quote the price before it is cooked to avoid bill shock. Gyros and souvlaki from street kiosks are excellent, cheap (around €2.50–3.50), and a staple for lunch. House wine (hima) served in carafes at tavernas is often locally produced and very affordable.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Always confirm the price per kilo of fish before ordering — a sea bream can cost €10 but a larger fish can run to €40 or more.
- 2Eat gyros and souvlaki for lunch at local kiosks rather than tourist restaurants — same quality, a fraction of the price.
- 3Arrive at a taverna at 9pm or later to eat alongside locals rather than only tourists, and service will generally be more attentive.
Important Warning
Fish prices at tavernas are listed per kilo and the final cost can surprise unprepared diners — always ask for the weight and price before the fish is prepared.
How does this compare?
Restaurants & Food rules in nearby and similar countries:
German food is hearty and regional — bread, sausages, pretzels, and Schnitzel are staples, and lunch is often the main meal of the day.
VAT is included in displayed prices; service charge may be added separately; and British food culture spans the Full English, fish and chips, Sunday roast, and a world-class curry scene.
Service is legally included in all French restaurant bills, bread and tap water are free, and the best value is always the lunchtime formule (set menu) at €12–18 for three courses.
Traveling to Greece?
You might also need:
More About Greece
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 5–10% for good service is the norm.
Updated 2025-06
Athens has an excellent metro, and ferries are the main way to travel between the islands.
Updated 2025-06
EU residents can use their EHIC card for public healthcare; all visitors should carry travel insurance, especially on the islands.
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are strict, removing archaeological artifacts is a serious criminal offense, and nudity is illegal on non-designated beaches.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for all emergencies (EU standard), 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, and 1572 for coast guard sea emergencies.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; there is no strict national dress code elsewhere.
Updated 2025-06
🍽️ See Restaurants & Food rules in all countries
Compare all countries →