One of the best parts of visiting Greece? The food.
But instead of just pointing at the menu or saying “this, please,” why not order like a local?
In this post, you’ll learn exactly what to say at a Greek taverna — from getting a table to paying the bill — so you can enjoy the full experience with confidence and a smile.
🪑 1. Asking for a Table
When you walk in, greet the staff and ask for a table:
🗣️ Καλησπέρα! Ένα τραπέζι για δύο, παρακαλώ.
Kalispéra! Éna trapézi gia dýo, parakaló.
→ Good evening! A table for two, please.
Change the number as needed:
- για τρεις – for three
- για τέσσερις – for four
📜 2. Asking for the Menu
If it’s not already on the table:
🗣️ Μπορώ να δω το μενού;
Boró na do to menóu?
→ Can I see the menu?
Optional:
🗣️ Έχετε μενού στα αγγλικά;
Éhete menóu sta angliká?
→ Do you have a menu in English?
🥗 3. Ordering Food
Use this basic phrase to order:
🗣️ Θα ήθελα...
Tha íthela...
→ I would like...
Examples:
- Θα ήθελα μία χωριάτικη σαλάτα. – I’d like a Greek salad.
- Θα ήθελα δύο σουβλάκια με πίτα. – I’d like two souvlaki with pita.
- If you're sharing:
🗣️ Για το τραπέζι, παρακαλώ.
Gia to trapézi, parakaló.
→ For the table, please. (for shared starters)
🍷 4. Ordering Drinks
🗣️ Ένα ποτήρι κρασί, παρακαλώ.
Éna potíri krasí, parakaló.
→ A glass of wine, please.
🗣️ Μία μπύρα.
Mía bíra. – One beer.
🗣️ Ένα μπουκάλι νερό.
Éna boukáli neró. – A bottle of water.
Still or sparkling?
- Με ανθρακικό – sparkling
- Χωρίς ανθρακικό – still
😋 5. Asking Questions
- Τι προτείνετε; – What do you recommend?
- Έχει κρέας / είναι χορτοφαγικό; – Does it have meat / is it vegetarian?
- Είναι πικάντικο; – Is it spicy?
- Allergies or preferences?
🗣️ Δεν τρώω... – I don’t eat... - κρέας – meat
- γλουτένη – gluten
- γαλακτοκομικά – dairy
✅ 6. Saying It’s Delicious
🗣️ Είναι πολύ νόστιμο!
Eínai polí nóstimo!
→ It’s very tasty!
Or simply:
🗣️ Μμμ... τέλειο! – Mmm… perfect!
💳 7. Asking for the Bill
When you’re ready to pay:
🗣️ Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
Ton logariasmó, parakaló.
→ The bill, please.
Paying tip: Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.
💬 Bonus Phrases
| Greek | Greeklish | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Καλησπέρα | Kalispéra | Good evening |
| Παρακαλώ | Parakaló | Please / You’re welcome |
| Ευχαριστώ | Efharistó | Thank you |
| Στην υγειά σας! | Stin ygiá sas! | Cheers! |
| Όλα καλά; | Óla kalá? | Is everything okay? |
🎯 Final Tip
Greeks are friendly and helpful — even if you make mistakes, they’ll appreciate your effort.
Try one new phrase each time you eat out, and soon you’ll be ordering like a local.
