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. All restaurants have a standard menu which includes the availability and price of each dish. A good proportion of the restaurants will serve international dishes. 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).
• Squid (
kalamari) or octopus (
htapodia).
•
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). (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 bars and small clubs in the fashionable night time districts of Psirri and Gazi. Note that in summer many of the big clubs move out of the center to the beaches at Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. Regular concerts and evening shows are held at the second-century Odeion of Herodes in Athens, below the Acropolis, during the Hellenic Festival (Jun-Sep). Nightclubs featuring live Greek
bouzouki music are extremely popular. Through summer, the islands of Mykonos and Santorini are also noted for their exceptionally vibrant nightlife. There are some casinos in Greece, such as the Mount Parnes Casino in Athens, the Corfu Casino in Corfu and the Casino at the Grand Hotel Astir in Rhodes.
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