Γειά σας (Yia sas), language learners and food enthusiasts! Gina here, your guide to all things Greek, especially when it comes to good food. You’ve mastered “Yia sas” and “Efharisto”, but now it’s time to dive into the truly important stuff: Greece’s incredible food scene.

You might be thinking, “A restaurant is a restaurant, right?” Wrong! Greece offers a delicious dining experiences, each with its own vibe, menu, and linguistic twists. So, grab a fork (or a small plate), and let’s explore the wonderful world of Greek diet.

The Classic Comfort: The Taverna (Ταβέρνα)

Imagine a cozy, often family-run spot, perhaps with paper tablecloths and the aroma of moussaka coming from the kitchen. Welcome to the Taverna! This is your go-to for traditional Greek comfort food, perfect for a meal with friends or family.

What to expect:

• Home-style dishes: Traditional plates like moussakas (μουσακάς), pastitsio (παστίτσιο), souvlaki (σουβλάκι), paidakia (παϊδάκια – lamb chops), and a wide array of delicious salads and appetizers (mezedes – μεζέδες).
• Relaxed atmosphere: Tavernas are generally casual and inviting, often buzzing with lively conversation.
• Wine or retsina: Expect house wine (κρασί) or traditional retsina (ρετσίνα) to flow freely.

What to say:

• “Ένα τραπέζι για δύο/τέσσερις, παρακαλώ.” (Ena trapezι gia dyo/tesseris, parakaló.) – “A table for two/four, please.”
• “Θα ήθελα…” (Tha íthela…) – “I would like…” (followed by what you want to order)
• “Λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.” (Logariasmós, parakaló.) – “The bill, please.”
• “Ήταν όλα πεντανόστιμα!” (Ítan óla pendanóstima!) – “Everything was delicious!”

The Small Plates Paradise:

The Ouzeri (Ουζερί)

Next up, the Ouzeri. This is where things get a bit more focused on small plates and specific drinks. While tavernas offer mezedes, ouzeris specialize in them, designed to be shared and savored alongside your drink of choice.

What to expect:

• Mezedes! You’ll find a huge variety of small dishes like saganaki (σαγανάκι – fried cheese), octopus (χταπόδι), fried zucchini (κολοκυθάκια τηγανητά), tzatziki (τζατζίκι), and various seafood options.
• Ouzo is key: As the name suggests, ouzo (ούζο) is the drink of choice here. This anise-flavored drink is typically mixed with water, turning cloudy, and is meant to be drunk slowly while you eat your mezedes.
• Social and lively: Ouzeris are fantastic for a pre-dinner snack, a light lunch, or a long evening of chatting and sharing.

What to say:

• “Ένα ούζο, παρακαλώ.” (Ena ouzo, parakaló.) – “One ouzo, please.”
• “Τι μεζέδες έχετε σήμερα;” (Ti mezedes éhete símera?) – “What mezedes do you have today?”
• “Θα πάρουμε λίγα…” (Tha pároume líga…) – “We’ll take a few…”
• “Στην υγειά μας!” (Stin ygeiá mas!) – “Cheers!”

The Tsipouradiko (Τσιπουράδικο)

Last but certainly not least, we have the Tsipouradiko. These are particularly popular in certain regions of Greece, like Volos. The concept is similar to an ouzeri, but with a focus on a different drink: tsipouro.

What to expect:

• Tsipouro (τσίπουρο) can be served with or without anise. Often, you order a small carafe of tsipouro, and accompanying mezedes magically appear!
• “Mezedes on the house” culture: In many tsipouradika, especially in places like Volos, you don’t order individual mezedes. Instead, with each carafe of tsipouro you order, a small, often unique dish of mezedes arrives at your table. It’s a delightful surprise with every round.

What to say:

• “Ένα καραφάκι τσίπουρο, παρακαλώ.” (Ena karafáki tsípouro, parakaló.) – “A small carafe of tsipouro, please.”
• “Τι μεζέδες έχετε φέρει;” (Ti mezedes éhete ferei?) – “What mezedes have you brought?” (Said with a friendly, curious tone)
• “Άλλο ένα τσίπουρο!” (Állo ena tsípouro!) – “Another tsipouro!” (When you’re ready for more mezedes!)
• “Γεια μας!” (Yia mas!) – “To our health!”

So there you have it! From the comforting embrace of a taverna to the delightful surprises of a tsipouradiko, Greece’s food scene is a journey in itself. Don’t be afraid to try them all, practice your Greek, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!

See you in the next one!