Greece is known for its rich culinary traditions, particularly on its stunning islands. Greek food is packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and centuries-old recipes.

And if you are here to plan your trip, make sure to check out our guides on Best Places to stay in Milos, Ranking of the 11 best beaches, and a full guide to exploring Sarakiniko.

Here are some of the best cuisine Greece is famous for:

Greek Food #1: Souvlaki

No trip to the Greek islands is complete without indulging in Souvlaki, the quintessential Greek street food. These skewers of perfectly grilled meat, typically tender pork or chicken marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, are a must-try. Enjoyed straight off the skewer or wrapped in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions, Souvlaki is the ideal quick, delicious, and affordable meal while exploring island towns or relaxing near the beach. Look for local grill houses (psistarias) for the most authentic and flavorful Souvlaki experience on your Greek island adventure.

Greek Food #2: Moussaka

When exploring the culinary landscape of the Greek islands, trying an authentic Moussaka is essential. This iconic baked dish features luscious layers of sautéed eggplant, richly seasoned minced meat (often lamb or beef), and sliced potatoes, all blanketed under a creamy, golden béchamel sauce. Finding a traditional Moussaka in an island taverna, perhaps made with locally grown eggplants, offers a comforting and deeply satisfying taste of Greek home cooking. It's a hearty meal perfect after a day of swimming or sightseeing, representing one of the most beloved traditional foods to try in the Greek islands.

Greek Food #3: Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Embrace the freshness of the Aegean with a traditional Greek Salad, known locally as Horiatiki. Forget lettuce – an authentic Horiatiki salad you'll find on the Greek islands is a vibrant mix of sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, and plump Kalamata olives, generously topped with a slab of creamy feta cheese and dressed simply with high-quality local olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano. Tourists may be caught off-guard with the generous amount of olive oil, large chunks of vegetables, and lack of leafy greens, however this refreshing and healthy dish is a staple on every island menu.

Greek Food #4: Dolmades

Discover the delightful taste of Dolmades, a classic Greek meze (appetizer) you must try while visiting the Greek islands. These tender parcels typically consist of grape leaves carefully wrapped around a flavourful filling of rice, pine nuts, fresh herbs like dill and mint, and sometimes minced meat. Often served cool or at room temperature with a drizzle of lemon juice or a side of yogurt, Dolmades offer a unique blend of textures and earthy flavours. Sampling Dolmades in an island taverna gives you a taste of traditional Greek culinary craftsmanship.

Greek Food #5: Spanakopita

A versatile favourite found all over the Greek islands, Spanakopita is a delicious savory pie you have to try. Featuring flaky layers of golden-brown filo pastry filled with a comforting mixture of spinach, creamy feta cheese, onions, and aromatic herbs like dill, Spanakopita is perfect any time of day. Enjoy a warm slice from a local island bakery for breakfast, as a satisfying snack, or as part of a larger meze spread. Its irresistible combination of crispy pastry and savoury filling makes Spanakopita a must-try food on your Greek island journey.

Greek Food #6: Fava

While exploring the foods to try in the Greek islands, don't miss out on Fava. Particularly famous on the island of Santorini, this dish is not made from fava beans but from yellow split peas, slow-cooked into a velvety smooth purée. Typically served warm and drizzled generously with extra virgin olive oil, often topped with chopped red onions and capers, Fava is a simple yet incredibly flavourful meze. Its earthy taste and comforting texture make it a unique and authentic dish that represents the agricultural heritage of the Cyclades and beyond. Perfect with pita bread!

Greek Food #7: Grilled Octopus

For seafood lovers visiting the Greek islands, trying Grilled Octopus (Htapodi sti Skhara) is an absolute must. Often seen hanging to dry in the sun outside seaside tavernas, fresh octopus is tenderized then grilled over charcoal until perfectly cooked – slightly charred on the outside and tender within. Typically dressed simply with high-quality olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of oregano or vinegar, Grilled Octopus captures the essence of the Aegean Sea. Enjoying this delicacy at a table overlooking the water is a quintessential Greek island dining experience.

Greek Food #8: Baklava

Indulge your sweet tooth on the Greek islands with a taste of traditional Baklava. This famous dessert is a rich symphony of flavours and textures, made from layers upon layers of paper-thin filo pastry, generously filled with chopped nuts (commonly walnuts or pistachios), and soaked in a fragrant syrup made from honey or sugar, often spiced with cinnamon or cloves. Finding freshly made Baklava in an island pastry shop or taverna is a decadent treat and the perfect sweet ending to any Greek meal. It's a classic Greek food you must try.

Greek Food #9: Taramasalata

Dive into the world of Greek mezes by trying Taramasalata during your Greek island holiday. This classic dip has a unique, savoury flavour derived from its main ingredient: cured fish roe (tarama), typically from carp. Blended smoothly with olive oil, lemon juice, and either breadcrumbs or potato to create a creamy, pale pink or white spread, Taramasalata is traditionally served with crusty bread or pita. Its distinct salty, tangy taste makes it a popular and authentic appetizer to sample in any island taverna.

Greek Food #10: Braised Lamb

Experience a taste of rustic Greek island tradition by ordering Kleftiko or Mastelo. This legendary dish typically features lamb (or sometimes goat) slow-cooked to perfection, often sealed in a clay pot with garlic, lemon, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes feta cheese. The name means "stolen," referring to the lore of bandits cooking meat in hidden earth ovens. This slow-cooking method results in incredibly tender, succulent, and aromatic meat. Kleftiko is the dish of Milos island, where Mastelo is from Sifnos; both versions are must-try foods in Greece.

Greek Food #11: Saganaki

Among the essential foods to try in the Greek islands, Saganaki stands out as a simple yet incredibly satisfying meze. Named after the small, two-handled frying pan it's traditionally cooked in, Saganaki is essentially delicious fried cheese. Typically made with firm, salty Greek cheeses like kefalotyri, graviera, or kasseri, a slice is dredged in flour and pan-fried until it develops a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown crust surrounding a molten, gooey interior. Served piping hot, often with a dramatic squeeze of fresh lemon juice tableside to cut through the richness, Saganaki is a quintessential taverna appetizer perfect for sharing and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on your Greek island culinary tour.

Greek Food #12: Gyro

A globally recognized icon of Greek fast food, the Gyro is an unmissable food to try while exploring the Greek islands. Succulent slices of meat (most commonly pork or chicken) are shaved from a large vertical rotisserie where it's been slowly roasted. This flavourful meat is then typically stuffed into a warm, soft pita bread along with ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, a handful of fries (often inside the wrap!), and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a quick, affordable, and utterly delicious meal perfect for fueling your island adventures.

Greek Food #13: Bougatsa

Start your morning on a Greek island like a local by trying Bougatsa, especially the sweet version. This delightful pastry consists of layers of thin, crispy filo dough wrapped around a warm, creamy semolina custard filling. Often served fresh from the oven and generously dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, sweet Bougatsa is a comforting and popular breakfast item or sweet snack found in bakeries across the islands. While savoury versions with cheese or minced meat exist, the sweet custard Bougatsa is a truly memorable treat to seek out.

Foods to Avoid in Greece

While Greek cuisine is generally delicious and fresh, there are a few dishes travelers might want to avoid. Some street food vendors may sell pre-cooked gyros or souvlaki that have been sitting out too long, leading to potential food safety issues. Do not fear all Greek street food though - if you see a lineup of locals, join in!

Additionally, some tourist-heavy areas serve overpriced and low-quality seafood that is not as fresh as in local tavernas. Be mindful of overly greasy or overly salty dishes, especially in spots that cater primarily to tourists rather than locals.

Kokoretsi is one dish that non-Greeks tend to avoid, which consists of lamb organs. Patsas, tripe soup, is another. Kavourmas is a tasty but fatty pork dish, and offal is another type of organ meat.

Greek Island with the Best Food

While every Greek island offers incredible food, Crete is often regarded as having the best cuisine. Cretan food is deeply rooted in tradition, featuring some of the freshest ingredients, from locally produced olive oil to fresh seafood and organic vegetables. The island is known for unique dishes like Dakos (a barley rusk salad with tomatoes and feta) and Antikristo (slow-roasted lamb cooked over an open fire). The rich flavors and authenticity of Cretan cuisine make it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

The next best Greek island with the best food would be either Naxos, Corfu, or Sifnos. As long as you avoid tourist-focused shops (which can be hard to do in Santorini or Mykonos!), you'll be sure to have a great meal wherever you go.

Greece offers a culinary experience unlike any other. Make sure to savor the flavors of the Greek islands on your next trip!

Where to travel next?

If you are planning to stay in the Greek islands, check out our 7-day itinerary to exploring Crete, or our quick guides to Paros, Milos and Sifnos.