Let’s be honest, if you think Greek food is just souvlaki, you’re missing half the story. Sure, those perfectly grilled skewers have earned their fame, but they’re only one chapter in a much deeper, richer culinary book. Greek cuisine isn’t about one iconic dish, it’s about layers of tradition, ingredients passed down through generations, and flavors that speak to both comfort and celebration.

Ask any Greek food lover, and they’ll tell you that the real magic is found in the dishes that rarely get the spotlight.

So if you’ve only been ordering souvlaki, it’s time to branch out. This guide is your invitation to discover 10 must-try Greek dishes, authentic, crave-worthy, and deserve your attention. Let’s dig in.

The 10 Must-Try Greek Dishes

1. Spanakopita – Spinach and Feta in Flaky Phyllo

Spanakopita is one of the most beloved staples of Greek cuisine, and for good reason. This golden, flaky pastry is filled with a savory mix of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. Wrapped in layers of buttery phyllo dough and baked until crisp, it delivers a perfect balance of earthiness, saltiness, and crunch.

Why it’s special: It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, it’s a taste of home-style Greek cooking. 

Perfect with: A small Greek salad or a scoop of tzatziki on the side for a refreshing contrast.

2. Tiropita – Buttery Cheese-Filled Pastry

Tiropita is one of the most comforting and indulgent staples in Greek cuisine. Encased in layers of delicate, buttery phyllo pastry is a rich blend of Greek cheeses, typically feta and ricotta, sometimes Anthotyro, whipped together to form a creamy, tangy, and slightly salty filling. Baked until golden and crisp, this cheese pie melts in your mouth while delivering that signature flaky crunch.

Why it’s special: Unlike many cheese-based dishes that rely on gooey or overpowering elements, Tiropita is refined, offering a complex flavor from the blend of traditional Greek cheeses and the delicate texture of phyllo.

Perfect with: A side of briny Kalamata olives and a light tomato-cucumber salad. The salt and acid cut through the richness of the pastry and make it a balanced, satisfying meal or appetizer.

3. Calamari – Light, Crispy, and Perfect as a Starter

Calamari, or fried squid, holds a special place in Greek cuisine, especially in coastal regions where fresh seafood is part of everyday life. Thinly sliced squid rings are dusted in seasoned flour and flash-fried to lock in tenderness while achieving a crisp, golden shell. The result is light, clean, and irresistibly crispy, without being greasy or heavy.

Why it’s special: Greek-style calamari showcases the ingredient itself. No overpowering batters or sauces, just clean, straightforward cooking that brings out the freshness of the seafood.

Perfect with: A generous squeeze of lemon and a few spoonfuls of tzatziki. Add a fresh white wine or sparkling water to complete the seaside taverna experience.

4. Loukaniko – Traditional Grilled Greek Sausage

Loukaniko is a traditional Greek sausage that bursts with bold flavors. It’s typically made from a mix of pork and beef and seasoned with garlic, orange peel, oregano, and fennel seeds. The sausage is grilled over high heat to develop a smoky char and juicy interior. Unlike heavily processed sausages, Loukaniko is coarsely ground and has a distinct, rustic character.

Why it’s special: The hint of citrus in Loukaniko sets it apart from sausages found elsewhere. It adds a brightness that balances the savory and fatty elements of the meat. It’s a great example of how Greek cuisine layers flavors without overwhelming the palate. The traditional grilling method brings depth and a slightly crisp exterior that enhances the texture.

Perfect with: Lemon roasted potatoes or a spicy feta dip to highlight the sausage’s smoky and citrusy profile. It also stands strong in a wrap or alongside grilled vegetables.

5. Dolmadakia – Grape Leaves Stuffed with Herbs and Rice

Dolmadakia, also known as stuffed vine leaves, are small parcels of delicate grape leaves rolled around a flavorful mixture of rice, fresh herbs, onions, and olive oil. Sometimes pine nuts or currants are added for an extra layer of texture and sweetness. Served cold or at room temperature, these little bites are part of Greece’s treasured mezze culture.

Why it’s special: Dolmadakia represents the intricate, herbaceous side of Greek cuisine. They require careful preparation and an eye for balance, as the rice filling must be tender and infused with the freshness of mint, dill, and parsley. 

Perfect with: A bowl of thick, garlicky tzatziki or a drizzle of lemon juice. They also work beautifully with other mezze items like olives, dips, and grilled flatbread.

6. Greek Salad – A Refreshing, Vibrant Classic

Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is one of the purest expressions of traditional Greek dishes. It’s composed of chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a thick slice of feta cheese. The salad is dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano, no vinegar, no lettuce, and no-nonsense. The simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through.

Why it’s special: Greek salad is a celebration of freshness and seasonality. It doesn’t rely on heavy dressings or toppings, making it both refreshing and deeply flavorful. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny feta is timeless, and it’s a dish that speaks of summer days, sun-drenched gardens, and communal meals.

Perfect with: Any grilled dish or as a palate cleanser between rich bites. Add a piece of crusty bread to mop up the olive oil and juice at the bottom of the plate.

7. Tzatziki – Creamy Cucumber Dip with Pita

Tzatziki is the cornerstone of Greek sauces. Made from thick, strained yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, it’s cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This dip is often the first thing brought to the table and the last to be finished.

Why it’s special: Tzatziki bridges the gap between indulgent and refreshing. It complements grilled meats, balances rich pastries, and brightens up starches. It’s one of those rare condiments that can stand on its own but also elevates everything it touches.

Perfect with: Warm pita bread, grilled chicken, Dolmadakia, or even spooned over rice. It’s the versatile dip every table needs.

8. Kopanisti – Bold, Spicy Feta Dip

Kopanisti is a flavorful spread made from whipped feta cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic, smoked chili, and olive oil. It’s creamy, salty, and fiery, a dip with a real attitude. Its bold flavor profile makes it a standout among the more mellow mezze options.

Why it’s special: This dip is unapologetically bold. It takes the sharpness of feta and layers it with heat and smokiness. Unlike many creamy dips that lean mild, kopanisti packs a punch and offers a dynamic flavor that cuts through richer or more neutral foods.

Perfect with: Warm pita, grilled Loukaniko, or crisp vegetables. It’s also a brilliant spread for wraps or sandwiches needing a kick.

9. Pikilia – A Mezze Platter for Sharing

Pikilia is more than a dish, it’s an invitation to linger at the table. Typically served on a large platter, it includes a variety of dips like tzatziki, hummus, and kopanisti, alongside olives, grilled vegetables, and warm pita bread. Each bite offers something new, and the presentation encourages sharing and conversation.

Why it’s special: Pikilia embodies the social heart of Greek cuisine. It’s not meant to be eaten alone or quickly; it’s a slow, exploratory dish that lets people connect over food. It captures the essence of Greek hospitality, where variety and abundance are part of every gathering.

Perfect with: A glass of ouzo or wine, and plenty of company. Great as a starter or even a full meal for those who love to sample and share.

10. Baklava – Iconic, Nutty, and Sweet Finish

Baklava is the quintessential Greek dessert, known and loved far beyond Greece. It’s made with layers of buttery phyllo dough, finely chopped walnuts or pistachios, cinnamon, and a sticky-sweet syrup made from honey, lemon, and sometimes rose water. The top is golden and crisp; the center, moist and rich.

Why it’s special: Baklava is a testament to Greek dessert-making skill. Each layer is painstakingly stacked, and each bite is a mix of textures and flavors, crunchy, sticky, sweet, and warm with spice. It’s indulgent but never overwhelming, and always the perfect conclusion to a savory meal.

Perfect with: A hot Greek coffee or a small glass of dessert wine. It’s best enjoyed slowly, bite by bite, with a satisfied sigh at the end.

Conclusion: A Greek Feast Beyond the Skewers

Greek cuisine is so much more than grilled meat on a stick. It’s about texture, contrast, history, and heart. From flaky pastries like spanakopita and Tiropita to vibrant dips like kopanisti and tzatziki, every dish carries its own story, simple ingredients elevated by generations of tradition. 

If you’ve only been sticking to souvlaki, it’s time to explore everything else this cuisine has to offer. Souvlaki Authentique serves some of the best Greek food in Canada: authentic, flavorful, and always satisfying. Come try the dishes that make Greece taste like home.