Tourists Must Dine At This Type Of Restaurant In Greece For A Deliciously Authentic Experience
It's no surprise that Greece's ancient cities, sun-drenched islands, and cultural landmarks draw millions of tourists each year. From visiting the Acropolis in Athens to exploring whitewashed villages and finding the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini, there are plenty of sights to explore that will allow you to immerse yourself in thousands of years of history that helped shape Western civilization as we know it.
But beyond the ancient ruins and popular attractions, there's an even more authentic cultural experience waiting for curious travelers: Dining out at a local taverna. A common staple across Greek neighborhoods, these family-run establishments come alive with conversation as soon as the sun starts to set — and go well into the night and, sometimes, even the early morning. Accompanied by the clinking of glasses typically filled with ouzo — a traditional anise-flavored spirit — or local wine, there's no better way to actually "do as the locals do" than to visit a taverna.
Better yet, unlike most formal restaurants, these casual eateries are also, generally, a lot more budget-friendly and laid-back. And by encouraging guests and patrons to linger for hours, their ethos is all about connection and good food — bringing friends and family together over shared plates of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek dishes that have been passed down through generations.
What it's like to dine at a taverna
Featuring simple décor — typically adorned with checked tablecloths and basic wooden chairs and tables — tavernas create an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere. This means that, instead of trying to wow patrons with fancy trimmings or theatrics, they shine the spotlight on the food. And, boy, is that food good.
A great option if you're visiting Greece on a budget and want to try as much of the local cuisine as possible, tavernas are ready to deliver in terms of quality and quantity for a much lower price tag. Plus, when it comes to ordering, individual plates are usually rare — and will likely take away from the whole community experience. Instead, you'll want to fill your table up with various mezedes — aka, a selection of small plates or appetizers — that have been designed to be shared (along with the final bill) with everyone else at your table.
@gooddrinkandfood If your looking for authentic & affordable Greek food then this is a must visit when in Mykonos town. From its traditional design to fresh local food, we were impressed from the get go. We recommend their: • Thick & creamy Tzatziki • Homemade Moussaka – first time trying and I'm obsessed • Fish Soup – Amazing •Saganaki (Fried Cheese) – if you love halloumi & mozzarella you will LOVE this • Or just take a pick from their meat / fish on display We will definitely return if we go to Mykonos again ❤️ #mykonos #nikos #nikostavernamykonos #nikostaverna #mykonosgreece #mykonoseats #mykonosrestaurant #mykonosrestaurants #mykonosfood #mykonosfoodguide #mykonostown #foodblog #foodie
As a heads-up, don't be surprised if the taverna of your choice doesn't feature a menu — it's actually pretty common. In cases like that, your best bet is to ask the waiter what's fresh that day and go with their recommendations. In most cases, this might look a little like starting with the classics — think tzatziki, dolmades (grape vine leaves stuffed with rice), and a variation of a fresh salad — and, for your main dishes, ordering a share-size batch of local favorites. For these, we're talking options like moussaka, a layered eggplant and meat dish; grilled souvlaki, tender marinated meat skewers; and any fresh-caught fish, which is a must-have at seaside tavernas or "psarotaverna." Top it all off with a slice of baklava, and you'll be at the center of a feast that would make Dionysus himself proud.