Greek Cuisine - Dining Out in Greece

Making the most of the Mediterranean diet

The sun-soaked Mediterranean climate provides Greece with plenty of lemons, olives and garlic. With fresh oregano, tangy feta, savory lamb and delicate seafood alongside fresh vegetables, the cuisine is deliciously heart-friendly.

Restaurants in major tourist areas will have some North American dishes on the menu and English-speaking staff. But if you want an authentic Greek meal, head for a small local restaurant where the waiter won't take your order. Instead, he'll take you into the kitchen where you can inspect the food firsthand. Don't worry if the staff can't speak a word of English. Pointing works fine.

Be sure to sample:

• Moussaka - While North American versions often resemble lasagna with layers of ground beef and pasta, the traditional Greek dish calls for grilled eggplant, ground lamb and béchamel-style sauce. Gently spiced with cinnamon, onion, garlic and tomatoes, you'll find endless variations throughout the country. Everyone claims to make the best, but in reality, they all do it to a gold standard.
• Kalamari - Sometimes spelled "calamari," Greek squid is very tender and sweet since it's pulled fresh daily from the local shores. Whether lightly battered and deep fried or grilled on the barbecue, fresh kalamari outshines frozen. Either way, enjoy it sprinkled with lemon or dipped in tzatziki (a blend of a cucumber, garlic and yogurt).
• Souvlaki - Although traditionally made with pork or lamb, most menus offer a chicken version, or if you're lucky, swordfish. Sometimes called shish kabob, this "meat on a stick" is delicious and versatile. Even the presentation varies. It usually comes wrapped in a pita at lunch, but placed artistically on a plate of rice and potatoes for dinner.
• Spanikopita - Vegetarians will love this light, yet satisfying, savory Greek pie. While the classic version is a simple blend of spinach, onions, feta and fresh dill, all wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry, variations include pine nuts and/or dried tomatoes.
• Baklava - The perfect balance to the bitter, black Greek coffee, this dessert can be a bit messy to eat, but worth the effort. Layers of fragile, buttery phyllo, ground nuts and honey combine to make a sweet and sticky delight.