Greek dishes are known all over the world

It is among the healthiest fare, with a wealth of fresh vegetables, cheeses and healthy olive oils. When in Greece, there are different restaurants that serve special dishes.

Here's a guide to understand Greek restaurant names

Estiatorio — serves foods cooked in a magerefta (traditional oven). Some estiatoria also serve grilled foods called tis oras, salads, fish and mezedes. Try Byzantino and Plaka Taverna on Kydatheneon Street in Plaka.

Psistaria — a restaurant that serves grilled food. Specialties include kokoretsi, spit-roast lamb, grilled or rotisserie chicken and steaks. Psistarias are more common outside the city.

Taverna — the heart of Greek casual dining. Family-run, paper tablecloths, big plates of dolmades, moussaka, grilled fish and house wine in copper jugs.

Mezedopoleio — small plates and ouzo or tsipouro. Order a dozen mezedes and let the meal stretch for hours.

Ouzeri / Tsipouradiko — drink-led tavernas where each round of ouzo or tsipouro arrives with a free small plate of food.

Psarotaverna — fish taverna, usually right on the water. Choose your fish from the ice, pay by the kilo.

Souvlatzidiko — quick-service souvlaki and gyros, perfect for a cheap, delicious lunch.

How to order

• Greeks share. Order several mezedes and one or two mains for the table.
• Bread, water and a small dessert are usually brought without asking.
• Ask for the spitiko krasi (house wine) — it's almost always good and cheap.
• Lunch runs late (2–4pm), dinner runs even later (9pm onward).