Restaurant and taverna food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil and charcoal grills. However, Athens and some of the more fashionable islands such as Santorini and Mykonos have seen the arrival of fusion cuisine and so-called modern taverna fare. Hours are normally 1200-1500 for lunch and 2000-2400 for dinner. Opening hours vary according to the region and local laws. Waiter service is usual.
National specialties:• Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
• Moussaka (aubergine casserole with minced lamb, cinnamon,
red wine and olive oil).
• Kalamari (deep-fried rings of squid) or
htapodia (octopus).
• Souvlaki (spit-roasted meat, generally pork or chicken).
• Horiatiki (Greek salad:
feta cheese, tomato, cucumber and fresh olive oil).
National drinks:• Retsina (wine made with pine-needle resin).
• Ouzo (an aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added).
• Raki (a sharp and fiery spirit made from distilled grapes).
• Greek coffee (thick and strong, and sugared according to taste).
• Greek beer is a light
Pilsner type.
Legal drinking age: 16.
Tipping: 12 to 15% is usual.
NightlifeThis is centered in main towns and resorts with
late-night bars,
dance clubs and live
concerts. Athens' nightlife is among the best in Europe, with many local
tavernas, particularly in the Plaka area, and
ouzeris (typical Greek bars), plus a plethora of trendy bars and small clubs playing international music in the
fashionable night-time districts of Psirri and Gazi. In summer many of the big clubs move out of the center to the
beaches at Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. Nightclubs featuring live Greek
bouzouki music are extremely popular. Through summer, the
islands of Mykonos and Santorini are also noted for their exceptionally vibrant, glamorous, up-market nightlife, while Corfu, Zakynthos (Zante), Rhodes and Ios attract youngsters in search of cheap alcohol and late-night discos. There are some
casinos in Greece, such as the
Mount Parnes Casino in Athens, the
Casino Achilleon in Corfu and the
Casino at the Grande Albergo delle Rose in Rhodes. Regular concerts and evening shows are held at the second-century AD Odeion of Herodes in Athens during the
Hellenic Festival (Jun-Sep).
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