Cafés and tavernas are the best classrooms in Greece. People linger, the waiter is patient, and the vocabulary repeats every visit. Here is how to handle a whole meal in Greek.
Ordering coffee
Start with Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ (tha ithela enan kafe parakalo), “I would like a coffee, please”. Then say how you want it:
| Greek | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ελληνικός καφές | ellinikos kafes | Greek coffee, made in a small pot |
| σκέτος | sketos | no sugar |
| μέτριος | metrios | medium sweet |
| γλυκός | glikos | sweet |
| φραπέ | frape | iced instant coffee, a Greek classic |
| φρέντο εσπρέσο | fredo espreso | iced espresso, shaken and topped with foam |
| με γάλα | me gala | with milk |
At the taverna
| Greek | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Τι προτείνετε; | ti protinete | What do you recommend? |
| Τι έχετε; | ti ekhete | What do you have? |
| Θα πάρω... | tha paro | I will have... |
| Για μένα... | ya mena | For me... |
| Άλλο ένα, παρακαλώ | alo ena parakalo | Another one, please |
| Ήταν πολύ νόστιμο | itan poli nostimo | It was delicious |
Menu words you will see
| Greek | Say it like | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| χωριάτικη σαλάτα | khoriatiki salata | Greek salad with feta |
| τζατζίκι | dzadziki | yoghurt, cucumber and garlic dip |
| μουσακάς | musakas | layered aubergine and mince bake |
| σουβλάκι | suvlaki | grilled meat skewer |
| γεμιστά | yemista | stuffed tomatoes and peppers |
| φασολάδα | fasolada | white bean soup |
| λουκουμάδες | lukumadhes | honey doughnut balls |
Customs worth knowing
- Sharing is normal. Many people order several small dishes for the table.
- Water and bread often arrive without asking, and some places add a small cover charge.
- Meals are slow. The bill usually only comes when you ask: Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
- Leaving a small tip, such as rounding up or a few euros, is common and appreciated.
Practice idea: next time you eat Greek food, read the whole menu in Greek letters first. Reading real menus is great practice for the alphabet.
Frequently asked questions
How do you order a Greek coffee?
Say Θα ήθελα έναν ελληνικό καφέ, μέτριο, παρακαλώ (tha ithela enan ellinikó kafe, metrio, parakalo): I would like a Greek coffee, medium sweet, please.
What is a frappé?
A frappé is an iced coffee made by shaking instant coffee with water and ice. It is a classic Greek summer drink.
How do you ask for the bill in Greek?
Say Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ (ton logariazmo parakalo). The bill usually arrives only when you ask for it.