It is less touristy than many restaurants in Athens and has a more traditional Greek feel. If you have a problem with that, make sure it’s communicated before the first dishes arrive. You are expected to fillet and pick apart your or debone own cooked fish but don’t worry; nobody cares how you do it. Usually when you pick fish, the waiter will assume you know which the manner of cooking is that is considered best- usually grilled or fried. Not only do they boast of the freshness of their food that way, but you also may get to see what (once again) is not on the menu because it depends solely on what the catch was that day!
The tables will have cloth tablecloths sometimes, but you never get to eat on them. Keep in mind that the more a taverna resembles a restaurant, the more likely it is to be touristy and less authentic. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
You will usually be able to find some of them, like baklava, halva, fresh fruit, yoghurt with honey, or spoon sweets, at the local tavernas. Here is some more information on Ouzo, and some more of our local drinks in Greece. Those looking for something stronger should try some ouzo or raki – just make sure you don’t have to drive afterwards 🙂 Apart from the well-known retsina, there are dozens of different local varieties. Some tavernas might have one or two specialty beers, so ask your waiter.
- Some tavernas might have one or two specialty beers, so ask your waiter.
- You can just order a jug of a local wine, or opt for a bottle.
- Bear in mind that service might be slower than you are used to.
Taverna menus can vary a lot, depending on season, area and region of the country. As a rule, tavernas are exceptionally family-friendly, and they will go out of their way to cater for small children. As a rule, the more people you see, the better are the chances that the taverna is good. I’ve had meals lasting for several hours, as people were coming and going. People tend to spend a long time in the taverna, especially on weekends or public holidays. There are no rules – but it often depends on the time of the day you go.
Ταβέρνα Ακρογιάλι
You are expected to have your own main course in front of you, but everything else is shared! This is the standard way to eat in Greece, and this is the format the taverna follows. While the waiter will set the paper tablecloth and the plates and glasses, the forks and knives come in a bunch, often stuffed in the breadbasket. If the taverna is traditional enough, you may get to partially set your own table! Greeks eat the entire fish, and in fact, the head is considered a delicacy, which may put you off if you come from a country that tends to serve them headless, so be advised.
Most tavernas will have a menu in both Greek and English, and often in more languages. If you don’t want the water or bread, you can just tell them. Bear in mind that service might be slower than you are used to. Here is a quick Greek class, including the alphabet and a few useful words. You will also typically see the word ΤΑΒΕΡΝΑ / Ταβέρνα, which is how we spell “taverna” in Greek.
Paying and tipping at a tavern
Wherever you go in the country, you are bound to find dozens of these modest, no-frills eateries. When it comes to Greek food, miteran nothing beats the classic Greek taverna! And not "must see" "must taste" Definitely Tolo s best restaurant To be honest we first walked in the wrong restaurant that we plannend for If you want to know if you’re in a good restaurant, take the mousaka
The waiter is the menu
In addition, pies like cheese pie or spinach pie feature on pretty much every taverna menu. Drinks normally include beer, local wine, ouzo and tsipouro or raki. In some tavernas, you can actually go inside and have a look at all dishes of the day. Tavernas on the Greek islands have different menus than tavernas on the mountains of mainland Greece. In any case, you will often see large groups of Greek people sitting in a taverna to eat and socialize. As a rule, Greeks eat late in the day, especially when it comes to dinner.