I have Greek lineage on my father’s side from the small village of Mani on the peninsula. We Maniots are the last known descendants of the Spartans.
Most people’s knowledge of Greek culture comes from aesthetic Pinterest boards full of white-and-blue buildings in Santorini.
While the island is beautiful, it doesn’t do justice to the vast landscape and cuisine of the European country.
Like the people, the food is full of depth that demands to be noticed. Each dish conveys the warmth, vibrancy and passion of mealtime conversation with a big Greek family.
We eat. All. The. Time. Oh, and vegetarians? Nonexistent.
We use honey, olive oil, feta or sea salt in almost every dish. We don’t measure. We estimate and taste.
You can always find us with a tray of homemade baklava or Greek salad.
During my visit to Athens this spring break, I probably ate closer to four or five meals a day, always complete with sweets at the end. Oh, and about three more shots of espresso than doctors recommend.
If you’re traveling to Greece this summer, let this be your ultimate guide to savoring every moment through your tastebuds.
The fresh ingredients and masterful technique of Greek cuisine is unmatched. If I ate that much in America, I’d be passed out on the floor from the inflammation of preservatives.
Even the McDonald’s chicken nuggets I ate tasted fresh.
In Greece, there is a café around every corner where friends gesture with animation over cigarettes and freddo cappuccinos. The key to my heart is found in a smoothly whipped Greek frappe or espresso mocha.
Ever wished for a food tour and a European summer? Buckle up for an immersive journey through the culinary gems of the Aegean.
Mamma Mia, here we go again.
1. Best overall: My family’s kitchen
Greek gatherings are full of feasting. Every Sunday, no matter where everyone is, my family gathers for a late lunch.
I know I’m biased, but there is nothing like a home-cooked bite in Greece. Hospitality is a huge part of the culture. If you make friends there, it’s likely a dinner invitation isn't far away.
Refreshing Greek salad with crunchy cucumbers and the smoky tang of Kalamata olives never got old. Tender chicken with honey dijon mustard marinade creates a sweet, creamy flavor.
Fresh tzatziki with yogurt and a healthy serving of olive oil gave a sharp, garlicky tang. Spreads of smoked Gouda and fresh feta were paired with baked bread.
Blackened chicken with an aromatic citrus flavor transported me to a cookout on a hot summer day. Spanakopita with mint and spinach added a savory pastry to the mix.
For dessert, I asked for a sliver of four different cakes from The Bread Factory. Instead, of course, I was handed a plate of full-sized slices of each. A rich chocolate mousse cake and a delightfully whipped fruit tart were a decadent finish to a satisfying meal.
2. Best Seafood: Αγκυροβόλί (Anchorage)
It doesn’t get fresher than seeing octopus tentacles hanging from a drying line outside a waterfront restaurant. The atmosphere doesn’t get better than seeing blue-green waters crash against the shore of the docks.
About 50 minutes from the center of Athens, the cozy coastal town of Porto Rafti provides breathtaking ocean views and delicious seafood.
My favorite appetizer was saganaki, or fried cheese with a lemony, caramelized crust and gooey interior.
Whether you’re a sushi fiend or an adventurous eater, this is the place for you.
I ordered the Anna Pearls special roll with eight pieces filled with shrimp, salmon, spicy crab, cucumber, avocado and passion fruit pearls.
The chef created an artistic flair with vibrant red chili threads and creamy orange salmon as a garnish. The passion fruit’s floral taste, with the crunchy cucumber and flaky crab, was balanced well with the spice.
3. Best Variety and Live Music: Ο Μπακαόγατος (The Grocery Cat)
This was one of my favorite places we visited. Lively notes of traditional bouzouki music flowed through the neighborhood restaurant.
Thick blocks of feta with oregano on Greek salad with onion and peppers. Tirokroketes, or fried cheese balls, have the same molten inside and golden-brown crispiness on the outside.
A massive meat platter with beef patties, sausage, pork ribs and chicken with slices of lemon was the main event. The simplicity of herbaceous seasonings and slightly bitter olive oil mixed with garlic made for a juicy, tender bite.
A crispy Coca-Cola with real cane sugar finished it off perfectly.
After I ate, I leaped up to learn a new dance in the middle of the restaurant, trying to keep up with my cousins’ footwork. We smiled and laughed as we rested our arms across each other’s shoulders, dancing in a circle and finding the beat of the bouzouki.
4. Best Dessert: Piazza Di Ritrovo & Larteceno Davinci Gelato
I couldn’t choose between these. Piazza di Ritrovo was a crepe spot with rich combinations. I chose a Kinder-filled dough with Straciatella ice cream and Lotus cookie crumbles. It was decadent, and I shared it with a friend.
Davinci Gelato was in Piraeus, the largest port area in Attica. A late-night sweet treat run and a twilight walk by the marina were magical.
I ordered a scoop of tiramisu with espresso mascarpone, layered with Kinder Bueno chunks in sweet gelato. My wavy waffle cup was decorated with crunchy chocolate sprinkles. It was truly some of the best gelato I’ve ever had.
5. Best Gyro: Thanassis
Thanassis is world-renowned for a reason. Established in 1964, the famous restaurant in the middle of Monistiraki Market is peppered with handwritten customer notes and drawings.
It is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists with cheap prices for gyros and souvlaki to-go. One of my biggest tips to visitors is to get street food to go. If you sit down, the price will triple or quadruple.
The soft, chewy pita bread was complemented by thick tzatziki, earthy tomatoes, pungent red onions, tender lamb and salty fries.
6. Best Coffee: Donkey Espresso Bar
Ah, freddo cappuccino. A soft cloud of velvety milk foam on top of a double shot of bold espresso. I ordered it μέτριο, or metrio, which means medium sweet.
I love how cafés offer multiple sweetness levels. The coffee is balanced beautifully but also fully customizable. The Donkey Espresso Bar was decorated with hanging plants, fairy lights, cozy couches and a brick fireplace.
Contact Summer Johnston at sjohnston@alligator.org. Follow her on X @summerajohnston.
