Greek food

Here’s a guide to the tastiest local dishes you can try in Greece created by Pretty Little London- an instagram account and blog run by Andrea Di Filippo, aka @dr_difilippo, and his girlfriend Sara. We sent the food, travel and lifestyle instagrammers to tour Naxos, Paros, Santorini and Mykonos to select the best food recommendations for you to try on your own travels.

With delicious delicacies such as moussaka or feta cheese, Greek cuisine is definitely amongst the best in the world. Greek food has developed over thousands of years to become a sublime blend of Western and Eastern influences. Legumes, fresh fish, cheeses and meats shape the local recipes. The good news for travellers is that the gastronomy significantly differs across all the beautiful Greek islands according to soil, location and history. So even if you’ve visited before, you’re bound to discover something new if you try a different part of the country. We visited some of the islands with the most diverse food and have some local delicacies to recommend when travelling through Greece.

Some of our favourites are on the map. Why not book a visit to try them for yourself? 

Santorini - Greek Yogurt 
Naxos - Cheese Gruyère
Paros - Sun Dried Octopus
Mykonos -Prawn Saganaki 

With delicious delicacies such as moussaka or feta cheese, Greek cuisine is definitely amongst the best in the world. Greek food has developed over thousands of years to become a sublime blend of Western and Eastern influences. Legumes, fresh fish, cheeses and meats shape the local recipes. The good news for travellers is that the gastronomy significantly differs across all the beautiful Greek islands according to soil, location and history. So even if you’ve visited before, you’re bound to discover something new if you try a different part of the country. We visited some of the islands with the most diverse food and have some local delicacies to recommend when travelling through Greece.

Some of our favourites are on the map. Why not book a visit to try them for yourself? 

Santorini - Greek Yogurt 
Naxos - Cheese Gruyère
Paros - Sun Dried Octopus
Mykonos -Prawn Saganaki 

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most idyllic Greek islands, with its beautiful scenery and Instagram-worthy sunsets. This island has some of Greece’s most distinguished local gastronomy and traditional products. Despite the volcanic soil, the food couldn’t be tastier! From traditional recipes in the island’s taverna to local products turned into gourmet meals from local young chefs, read on to discover why Santorini has truly everything you need to satisfy your Greek cuisine cravings. 

Fava Bean Purée 

It’s no wonder that fava beans are one of the most popular ingredients used for dishes on the island as they have been growing in Santorini for more than 3,500 years due to the volcanic soil and they still taste just as incredible today.

Katsouni

Katsouni is a smaller and thicker cucumber- with a lighter and cooler taste -than any you have tried before. You will always find it in Santorini salad, and many chefs like to serve it on its own with their own personal touches.

Greek Yogurt 

Greek yogurt is well known for its health benefits, but where can you get the tastiest one? Santorini has some of the best places to enjoy a nice Greek yogurt for breakfast, or – if it’s really hot – a frozen Greek yogurt while exploring its pretty streets.

Naxos

This island used to divide its cuisine into three regions. The coastal side was known for seafood, the central part for vegetable and beef dishes,and the mountainous part was where meat dishes took a central role and olive oil was used in cooking. Nowadays Naxos is a fertile and almost entirely self-sufficient land, with its food known across Greece for its taste and unique local flavours. 

Dakos Salad 

Dakos is a typical Greek vegetarian salad that you will find in many restaurants in Naxos, made only with local products. Made with lettuce, tomatoes, krisprolls, feta, cucumber and black olives, it is a delicious and refreshing dish for a hot day.

Cheese Gruyère 

Gruyère is the most popular cheese in Naxos, a must for anyone visiting this dreamy island. It is made 80% out of cow’s milk and 20% out of goat’s milk and it is one of the tastiest starters you can have. You will definitely want to come back to Naxos just to eat gruyère again!

Potatoes with feta cheese 

Potatoes are one of the main local products and amongst the best in Greece. Every restaurant makes them differently, fried, stuffed, barbecued or boiled, there is even a potato festival held at the beginning of August to celebrate this humble ingredient.

Paros
Paros is considered one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Not as crowded as other popular Greek islands, it features pretty streets full of white-washed houses, delicious local restaurants and some of the freshest seafood you will eat in Greece. It is almost a mini Mykonos, but without the crowds and with a lot more locals. Its prettiest spot is definitely Noussa. 

Sun Dried Octopus 

When visiting Paros, the thing that catches your eye is the recently-caught octopus hanging all around the island. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. Most places serve this delicacy simply grilled with a sizzle of lemon and olive oil.

Baked Chickpeas 

‘Revithia sto fourno’ is one of Paros’ tastiest specialities. Usually oven-baked overnight in little clay pots and served with sliced onions and a little rosemary they literally melt in your mouth. Served best with some warm bread on the side.

Loukoumades

Little bite-sized puffs, which are similar to the Greek version of doughnuts. They are deep fried for about 15 minutes until they are crispy and golden on the outside and airy and light on the inside. Usually eaten with honey and nuts or with chocolate sauce and ice cream they can satisfy any sweet tooth.

Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations in the world with people either wanting to relax and get away from it all or party through the night- and it’s easy to understand why. The pretty streets of the Old Town are perfect to get lost in with their white-washed houses, full of stylish restaurants that serve local food and picture-perfect spots. Beaches have crystal-clear water and golden sand and the nightlife is incredible 

Moussaka

Possibly the most well-known Greek dish, Moussaka is a must try in Mykonos. Made with local eggplant and minced meat and served in almost every tavern, it’s easy to understand why this layered oven casserole dish is a crowd pleaser.

Prawn Saganaki 

Another classic Greek recipe - the Prawn Saganaki – can be found in most traditional menus in Mykonos. This delicious dish is made with the freshest Mykonian shrimps, cooked in a pan with tomato sauce and topped with Greek feta cheese and served directly from the skillet. Just perfect!

Grilled Calamari

Of course fresh fish is not to be missed in Mykonos! Try local grilled seafood like calamari or octopus and you will really feel the difference. Best eaten by the sea after a long day at the beach.