Taverna Guide

Greek gastronomy knows different types of establishments — and knowing the differences saves disappointments:

• Taverna: The standard restaurant. Simple, family-run, often with a terrace. Affordable. This is where Greece eats.
• Psarotaverna: Fish taverna — at the harbor, specializing in seafood. More expensive than a regular taverna.
• Psistaria: Grill restaurant — grilled meat, Souvlaki, Gyros. Often with a visible grill.
• Ouzeri/Mezedopolio: Ouzo/Tsipouro place with many small meze. The best way to eat Greek.
• Estiatorio: Upscale restaurant — tablecloths, menu, higher prices.
• Kafenio: Traditional coffee house — coffee, sometimes simple snacks, lots of gossip.
• Zacharoplasteio: Confectionery — pastries, cakes, ice cream, Greek sweets.
• Galaktopolio: "Milk shop" — Greek yogurt, rice pudding (Rizogalo), Bougatsa.

Ordering Food Like a Local

• DO NOT order one dish per person. Order 4-8 meze for the whole table and share everything.
• Bread comes automatically (and is charged, about 1-2 euros per basket — "cover").
• Ask the host what they recommend: "Ti protinete?" — often the best strategy.
• "Tis oras" means "freshly prepared" (for fish: fresh, not thawed).
• The food comes when it's ready — not simultaneously. That's normal, not bad service.
• Tip: 5-10% is customary, but not a must. For very good service up to 15%.
• Paying: "Ton logariasmo, parakalo." The bill is never brought unsolicited.
• Payment is usually together — "separately" is unusual and considered somewhat strange.

Meal Times

Greek meal times will surprise Germans:

• Breakfast: 9-11 am (or not at all)
• Lunch: 2-4 pm (the main meal)
• Dinner: 9-11 pm (in summer more like 10 pm)

Anyone who goes to a restaurant at 6 pm sits alone. The kitchen often opens only at 7:30 pm, and Greeks start arriving from 9 pm. In the height of summer, families with small children eat at 10 pm — completely normal.