Greece Cuisine
Europe • Southern Europe
71 iconic dishes
Signature Greece Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(16)
Arnaki Kleftiko (Greek Bandit's Lamb)
A traditional Greek dish where lamb shoulder is slow-cooked with potatoes, garlic, and lemon, sealed in parchment paper to trap moisture and flavor. The result is incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb.
Bamies Latheres (Greek Okra in Olive Oil and Tomato)
A classic Greek summer dish where tender okra pods are gently braised in a rich, flavorful sauce of olive oil, tomatoes, and aromatics. This preparation method minimizes the okra's natural sliminess, resulting in a delicious and healthy vegetable side dish.
Briam
Briam is a rustic and flavorful Greek dish of mixed summer vegetables baked in olive oil and tomato. It's a staple of Greek home cooking, celebrated for its simplicity and delicious, tender results.
Giouvetsi (Greek Lamb and Orzo Bake)
A comforting and flavorful Greek classic, Giouvetsi features tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with tomatoes and aromatic spices, then baked with orzo pasta until perfectly al dente. Traditionally prepared in a clay pot, this dish is ideal for Sunday dinners and special occasions.
Hilopites me Kota (Greek Chicken with Egg Noodles)
A comforting and homestyle Greek dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices, served over square egg noodles (hilopites). Perfect for a Sunday family meal.
Kleftiko (Greek Slow-Roasted Lamb)
Kleftiko, meaning 'stolen', is a traditional Greek dish where lamb shoulder is slow-cooked in parchment paper, traditionally in a pit oven by bandits. This method ensures the lamb becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor, falling off the bone. The dramatic unsealing at the table is part of the experience.
Kokoretsi
A quintessential Greek Easter delicacy, Kokoretsi features lamb offal (heart, liver, kidneys, sweetbreads) meticulously wrapped in lamb intestines and slow-spit roasted over charcoal until golden and crispy. This dish is a cherished tradition, often prepared for Easter Sunday feasts.
Koliva
Koliva is a traditional Greek Orthodox memorial dish made from boiled wheat berries, nuts, and pomegranate seeds, symbolizing the resurrection and the seeds of life. It is often prepared for memorial services and feasts.
Lahanodolmades (Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Avgolemono)
Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs, then gently simmered and finished with a rich, creamy avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce. This is a classic Greek comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal.
Moussaka
Greece's beloved layered casserole featuring tender slices of eggplant, a rich, spiced lamb and tomato filling, and a creamy, decadent béchamel sauce, baked until golden brown and bubbling.
Paidakia (Greek Grilled Lamb Chops)
Authentic Greek lamb chops (paidakia), marinated in a simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. A quintessential taverna dish, best enjoyed with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant)
Papoutsakia, meaning 'little shoes' in Greek, are a comforting and classic dish of tender eggplant halves filled with a savory spiced ground meat and tomato mixture, then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. A true taste of Greek home cooking.
Pastitsada (Corfiot Braised Rooster with Pasta)
A traditional Corfiot dish featuring tender rooster (or chicken) slow-braised in a rich, aromatic tomato and red wine sauce, infused with warm spices. Served over thick pasta and finished with grated Kefalotiri cheese, this dish showcases a distinct Venetian influence on the island of Corfu.
Pastitsio
A classic Greek baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente tubular pasta, a rich, spiced ground meat sauce, and a creamy, decadent béchamel, all baked to golden perfection. Often referred to as 'Greek lasagna'.
Psari Plaki (Greek Baked Fish)
A classic Greek dish where a whole fish is baked on a bed of tomatoes, onions, and herbs, creating a flavorful and tender meal. Simple yet elegant, perfect for any occasion.
Revithada (Sifnian Baked Chickpeas)
Revithada is a cherished Sifnian specialty, a hearty and flavorful dish of chickpeas slow-baked overnight in a traditional clay pot. This method results in incredibly tender chickpeas infused with aromatic flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(20)
Dolmades (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves delicately wrapped around a flavorful mixture of herbed rice, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants, all gently simmered and served with a bright lemon finish. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.
Garides Saganaki (Greek Shrimp with Feta)
A classic Greek dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the distinct anise flavor of ouzo, and topped with salty feta cheese that melts into a bubbling, irresistible topping. Perfect as a starter or a light main course.
Imam Baildi (Greek Stuffed Eggplant)
A classic Greek dish of tender eggplants stuffed with a rich mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in olive oil. The name translates to 'the imam fainted,' supposedly due to its exquisite richness.
Kalamarakia Tiganita (Greek Fried Squid)
Authentic Greek fried squid rings, known as Kalamarakia Tiganita, are a quintessential taverna dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best enjoyed with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. A taste of the Greek seaside.
Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Authentic Greek keftedes are flavorful, herb-flecked meatballs, traditionally pan-fried to a golden crisp. This taverna classic is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, best served with a cooling tzatziki sauce.
Kolokythakia Tiganita (Greek Fried Zucchini)
Crispy, golden-fried zucchini rounds coated in a light, airy beer batter. A quintessential Greek summer mezze, perfect for sharing.
Kolokythokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
Deliciously crispy and savory Greek zucchini fritters, a popular Cretan specialty. These patties are packed with fresh zucchini, salty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs like mint and dill. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Manitaria Scharas (Greek Grilled Mushrooms)
A simple yet flavorful Greek mezze featuring large mushrooms grilled to perfection with a zesty olive oil, garlic, and herb marinade. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
A classic Greek appetizer, Melitzanosalata is a smoky and flavorful roasted eggplant dip, distinct from Baba Ghanoush due to its simpler preparation and fewer ingredients. It's typically made with roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
Ntakos (Dakos)
A classic Cretan meze, Ntakos features crunchy barley rusks (paximadia) topped with juicy grated tomatoes, creamy feta or mizithra cheese, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and fragrant oregano. It's a refreshing and simple dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer, especially during the summer months.
Prasopita (Greek Leek Pie)
A savory and comforting Greek leek pie featuring tender leeks and salty feta cheese encased in layers of crisp phyllo dough. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, and delicious served at room temperature.
Saganaki
A classic Greek appetizer, Saganaki features a thick slice of cheese pan-fried to a delightful golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining wonderfully gooey and melty within. Served with a bright squeeze of lemon, it's a simple yet impressive dish. Opa!
Skordalia
A classic Greek garlic and potato purée, Skordalia is known for its potent garlic flavor and creamy texture. It's a versatile accompaniment, often served with fried fish, boiled or fried vegetables like beets, or as a dip.
Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
A classic Greek savory pie featuring layers of crisp, golden phyllo dough encasing a flavorful and herbaceous filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs.
Spanakopitakia (Greek Spinach Triangles)
Delicate, crispy phyllo pastry triangles filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, fresh dill, and green onions. These bite-sized pies are a classic Greek appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)
A classic Greek meze, Taramosalata is a creamy and briny dip made from cured fish roe, bread, lemon juice, and olive oil. Its distinctive pale pink hue and rich flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crusty bread.
Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)
A classic Greek dip made from cured fish roe (tarama), blended with bread, olive oil, lemon juice, and onion. It's a smooth, pale pink spread, often enjoyed as a meze or appetizer, especially during Lent.
Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes)
Tirokroketes are delightful Greek cheese croquettes, featuring a crispy fried exterior and a warm, savory cheese filling, perfectly complemented by a drizzle of sweet honey. They make an excellent appetizer or mezze.
Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)
A classic Greek savory pie featuring layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a creamy mixture of feta cheese, eggs, and fresh dill. Perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying snack.
Tzatziki
A classic Greek yogurt and cucumber dip, essential for any meze platter. This thick, refreshing dip is packed with fresh cucumber, pungent garlic, and fragrant dill, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of lemon.
🍲Soup Dishes(11)
Arnaki me Bamies (Greek Lamb with Okra)
A classic Greek summer dish featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb and okra simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The vinegar soak for the okra is key to preventing sliminess.
Avgolemono Soup
A classic Greek comfort food, Avgolemono is a silky, bright, and deeply satisfying chicken soup thickened with a delicate mixture of eggs and lemon. It's sunshine in a bowl.
Fakes Soupa (Greek Lentil Soup)
A comforting and hearty Greek lentil soup, traditionally flavored with bay leaf and finished with a bright splash of red wine vinegar. This is an everyday staple, perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Fasolada (Greek White Bean Soup)
Fasolada is considered the national dish of Greece, a hearty and comforting white bean soup simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. It's a simple yet deeply flavorful dish, perfect for a chilly day.
Giouvarlakia (Greek Meatball Soup)
Giouvarlakia are tender, rice-filled meatballs simmered in a rich, lemony egg-and-rice broth (avgolemono). This is a classic Greek comfort food, perfect for a chilly day.
Greek Lamb Fricassee with Avgolemono Sauce
A comforting and classic Greek stew featuring tender lamb shoulder simmered in a rich broth, then finished with a delicate avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce and wilted romaine lettuce. Perfect for spring.
Patsas (Greek Tripe Soup)
A hearty and comforting Greek tripe soup, traditionally enjoyed as a late-night restorative meal or a potent hangover cure. This rich broth, made tender with slow-cooked tripe and pork feet, is finished with a creamy avgolemono sauce. The pungent garlic and tangy vinegar provide a sharp contrast to the richness.
Psarosoupa (Greek Fish Soup)
A comforting and flavorful Greek fish soup, featuring a whole fish simmered with aromatic vegetables. The soup is enriched with a silky avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce) for a truly authentic taste.
Spetzofai
A hearty and flavorful Greek sausage stew, originating from the Pelion mountain region. Spicy country sausages are simmered with colorful bell peppers and a rich tomato sauce, infused with oregano. It's a rustic dish perfect for a comforting meal.
Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)
A rich and warming Greek beef stew, featuring tender beef braised with sweet pearl onions in a fragrant, cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food.
Youvetsi (Greek Baked Lamb with Orzo)
A comforting and flavorful Greek one-pot dish featuring tender lamb shoulder braised in a rich tomato and spice sauce, then baked with orzo pasta until perfectly cooked. Kefalotiri cheese adds a salty, savory finish.
🥔Side Dishes(6)
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Braised Green Beans)
Fasolakia Lathera is a classic Greek dish featuring tender green beans slowly braised in a rich, flavorful sauce of olive oil, tomatoes, and aromatics. The name 'lathera' translates to 'oily,' highlighting the generous use of olive oil which is essential for the dish's signature taste and texture. This dish is often served as a main course or a substantial side, perfect with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Gemista (Greek Stuffed Vegetables)
Gemista are vibrant, sun-kissed vegetables, typically tomatoes and bell peppers, generously stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and olive oil. Baked until tender and bursting with flavor, they are a quintessential summer dish in Greece, often accompanied by roasted potatoes that soak up the delicious juices.
Gemista me Kima (Greek Stuffed Vegetables with Meat)
A hearty and flavorful Greek classic, Gemista me Kima features ripe tomatoes and bell peppers generously filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, fresh herbs, and aromatics, then baked until tender. This version includes potatoes, which absorb the delicious juices during baking.
Gigantes Plaki (Greek Giant Baked Beans)
Gigantes Plaki are large, tender butter beans baked in a rich, aromatic tomato and herb sauce. This classic Greek taverna dish is hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, with the beans becoming incredibly creamy and flavorful as they bake.
Prasorizo (Greek Leek Rice)
A simple, creamy, and comforting vegetarian Greek rice dish featuring tender leeks, fragrant dill, and bright lemon. Perfect as a light main or a side.
Yemista (Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers)
Vibrant and flavorful Greek Yemista features ripe tomatoes and bell peppers generously stuffed with a fragrant herbed rice and pine nut filling, then baked until tender and golden. Potatoes absorb the delicious juices, making them a perfect accompaniment.
🍰Dessert Dishes(8)
Bougatsa (Thessaloniki Custard Pie)
A beloved Northern Greek breakfast pastry from Thessaloniki, featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough encasing a rich, creamy semolina custard. Best enjoyed warm and dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Diples (Greek Honey Scrolls)
Diples are traditional Greek honey scrolls made from thinly rolled fried dough, drenched in a sweet honey syrup, and often topped with crushed walnuts and cinnamon. They are a popular treat during holidays like Christmas and are also served at weddings.
Galaktoboureko
A classic Greek dessert featuring a rich, creamy semolina custard baked between layers of crisp, golden phyllo dough, all generously drenched in a fragrant citrus-infused syrup.
Greek Baklava
Authentic Greek baklava featuring delicate layers of buttered phyllo dough generously filled with a fragrant walnut and spice mixture, all bathed in a sweet honey-lemon syrup. A truly decadent dessert.
Kourabiedes (Greek Almond Butter Cookies)
Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, known for their incredibly crumbly texture and rich almond flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple during the Christmas holidays, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
Loukoumades (Greek Honey Puffs)
Loukoumades are delightful, bite-sized fried dough balls, a traditional Greek sweet, often referred to as 'honey tokens' or 'honey puffs'. They are known for their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and are generously drenched in a warm honey syrup infused with cinnamon, then sprinkled with crushed walnuts. This ancient treat was even enjoyed by athletes in the original Olympic Games.
Melomakarona (Greek Honey Walnut Cookies)
Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies, characterized by their soft, crumbly texture, warm spice notes, and a rich soaking in honey syrup. They are typically made with olive oil, making them suitable for fasting periods.
Revani (Greek Semolina Cake)
A delightful Greek semolina cake, Revani is soaked in a fragrant orange-scented syrup. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert, perfect for any occasion.
🥨Snack Dishes(2)
Authentic Greek Gyros
Experience the king of Greek street food with these authentic gyros. Tender, marinated pork shoulder is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie (or baked in a loaf pan for a home version) until golden and crispy, then thinly shaved and served in warm pita bread with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Souvlaki (Greek Grilled Meat Skewers)
Tender cubes of pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, then grilled to perfection on skewers until beautifully charred. Served traditionally in warm pita bread with fresh tomato, red onion, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
🍵Beverage Dishes(2)
Htapodi Krasato (Octopus in Red Wine)
A classic Greek taverna dish where octopus is slowly braised in red wine and aromatics until it's incredibly tender and flavorful. The resulting sauce is rich and perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Sofrito (Corfiot Beef with Garlic and White Wine)
A traditional Corfiot specialty, this Sofrito features thinly sliced beef simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce of white wine and abundant garlic, finished with fresh parsley. It's a testament to the island's Venetian culinary influences.
🫙Sauce Dishes(4)
Makaronada me Kima (Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce)
A comforting and flavorful Greek classic, Makaronada me Kima features spaghetti tossed with a rich, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce. Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty Sunday lunch.
Moschari Kokkinisto (Greek Braised Beef in Red Sauce)
A classic Greek comfort food, Moschari Kokkinisto features tender chunks of beef slow-braised in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with warm spices. This dish is deeply satisfying and perfect for a hearty meal.
Soutzoukakia (Smyrna Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Tender, cumin-spiced meatballs, traditionally elongated and originating from Smyrna, simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce. A comforting and classic Greek dish.
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika (Smyrna Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika are flavorful, cumin-spiced meatballs originating from Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) in Asia Minor, simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This dish carries a significant cultural heritage, often associated with Greek refugees from Asia Minor.