📝 How to order properly in a Greek taverna

In most Greek tavernas, food is placed in the middle of the table, so you order several dishes for everyone to share, not one main dish per person like in more formal restaurants. Start with a salad, one or two starters and two or three mains, depending on how many you are, and then see if you really need more.

Portions are usually generous, especially for grilled meat and cooked dishes, so do not be afraid to ask “is this enough for four people?” and let the waiter guide you. If you are not sure about a dish, ask whether it is meant for sharing or for one person and whether it is heavy or lighter.

🥖 Water, bread and confusing small charges

In a Greek taverna, bread often appears on the table without you explicitly ordering it, especially once you have placed your food order. Bread is usually charged per person and you will see it on the receipt as “cover charge” or “bread”. If you do not want it, you can simply say from the start “we do not want bread, thank you”.

Water almost always comes as bottled water, in 0,5 or 1 litre bottles. If you prefer tap water, in many places it is perfectly fine to drink, but not on every island. You can ask “is tap water drinkable here?” and then ask for a jug if you feel comfortable.

If you notice extra charges you did not understand, like an additional cover charge or small starters that were brought without you ordering them, ask politely “could you explain this item here?” before you pay. In most places they will explain it clearly.

🧾 Receipt, POS and ways to pay

At the end of the meal, you will usually first get a small handwritten bill or a preliminary slip, and if you say “receipt, please” they will bring you the official tax receipt. It is always good to give it a quick look, especially if you are a bigger group, just to make sure everything is correct.

Almost everywhere now has a POS machine, but in smaller tavernas on the islands you might still hear “the machine is not working today”. That is why it is wise to carry at least some cash, just enough for a simple meal or for those moments when the card system goes down. If you want to be fully prepared, check also the article Cards and cash in Greece, what actually works .

💶 Tipping, how much and how to leave it

Tipping in Greece is not strictly mandatory, but it is considered a nice gesture when you enjoyed the service. Usually you leave a few coins or about five to ten per cent of the bill, depending on the overall experience. You can leave the tip in cash on top of the bill, even if you pay the main amount by card.

If you want more concrete examples, you can read my guide Tipping in Greece, what is considered OK , where I break down typical amounts, different situations and how locals feel about tipping.

🍷 Food and wine experiences, if you want more than a taverna

If you love the idea of the Greek taverna and want to take it one step further, you can book food or wine experiences, such as tasting walks, visits to wineries or organised food tours on the islands. It is a great way to get to know Greek products better, without having to figure out everything on your own.

Below you will find some ideas for Santorini and Naxos through GetYourGuide, with a focus on food and wine.

🛡️ If you travel often, think about travel insurance too

A Greek taverna is all about joy and relaxation, but travel always comes with small surprises, from minor accidents to sudden health issues. If you travel frequently, especially outside the European Union or for longer trips, it is worth considering travel insurance so you have proper coverage in the background.

🛡️ Travel Insurance — World Nomads

Plan your next trip with peace of mind. World Nomads offers coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, luggage loss and more — designed for modern travellers who move a lot.