Greetings,

We will be visiting Greece for the first time in early September. Does one have to go to a special type of restaurant (like a brasserie in France) to order a salad and cheese plate or main dish salad. I am often a light eater at night but know that some restaurants in other countries frown on ordering less than a full meal. How does all that work in Greece? Are there cafes where one can order lightly at lunch and dinner--and do you have some suggestions of what one might order that is on the light side? Many thanks.

Take care,
Robyn France

Greeks make fantastic salads. I would sometimes order an appetizer plate or a tomato cucumber salad with feta cheese and if I was really hungry some soup. There is always bread on the table. That is more than a meal! I haven't been to Greece in a long time but I can't imagine that this has changed. The Greek food can be quite heavy so you may even split a main dish. Be careful since the food is so delicious you may end up eating it all anyway.

I would imagine most Taverna owners would be happy to oblige you with a light meal if that was what you wanted.

Tomato cucumber salad with feta cheese, can you say YUM!!!!!!!!

How is one suppose to go to sleep now, hotpoet?

Thanks for sharing, T.

And don't forget the lemon and olive oil to dress it and a little oregano and salt sprinkled on top. OUT!

Dining out in Greece is all about good food eaten with good conversation over a fairly long time.
Many people order small appetizers and share them talk a while and order another appetizer or salad. It is quite all right to order small and to share

All Greek restaurants will be able to accomodate you, with a "Greek Salad" if nothing else. Cheese and veggie plates are not uncommon. Fried cheese, saganaki, is something you definitely should sample whenever possible. Most people eat from the several dishes served at the table. You won't necessarily be ordering an entree that comes with side dishes, you'll be ordering ala carte most of the time. It's a great way to sample a large variety of dishes at once, so get everyone in your party together and have some fun with it.

Hi

The beauty of Greece is that it is laid back and informal. You will have no trouble ordering this.

One good thing is that the Greeks are late diners (we are not). We would eat at 8pm - no trouble with tables and service. By the time we finished at 10 pm the crowds had grown.

Have fun in this lovely country.

Dining in Greece is VERY casual, particularly on the islands, so you can feel free to order as you like.

You would be looking at a taverna with the minimum of swanky decor, and seemingly run by a large family. Last time I went to Greece it was still not uncommon to be invited to inspect what was available, though I don't know if that's still the case.

"Greek salad" is a standard - a substantial mixed salad with chunks of feta. You might sometimes see it listed as 'horiatiki'.

The other sort of thing you might look for is mezze, which is more or less the same concept as Spanish tapas - lots of little bits and pieces.

Most places will advertise a set menu for general convenience, but you don't have to stick to that.

Thank you all so much. I can barely wait to go to enjoy the wonderful options you described. Your answers were just what I needed!

Take care,
Robyn France