When in athens, Greece, how does it go when you want to eat at a restaurant?

Question

do you seat yourself or wait to be seated? do you order your food first and then find a seat and they bring your food out to you? what about tipping? any other helpful hints about greek life/culture I need to know about? taboo,s, no no's, crime, stuff like that . Thanks.

Answer 1

Of course it depends on the kind of restaurant. But the usual case is that when you enter the restaurant somebody will tell you where to sit, or if there are no seats available they will tell you to wait. After you have sat a waiter will come  to take your order but if you see he is being too late try calling him yourself ( a hand gesture could be enough).

   Tipping is up to you, its not necessary but the staff always appreciate a tip. The amount is up to you again and normally reflects how satisfied you are with the services and food. Don't forget to take into consideration the type of restaurant you are visiting, a luxurious one will expect a bigger tip.

   Now, criminality is not that much of a deal in Athens, but just like anywhere else you have to be careful with your staff.

Have fun!

Answer 2

It depends on the restaurant.

Generally, they will recognize that you are visitors and give some direction.  Tipping is customary.  Crime isn't so bad, but remember that it is a big city like anywhere else.

They are generally welcoming people, but there are a few rude ones in the bunch.  Owners/workers at restaurants know that you pay their salary and are there to please.  

Just be courteous, learn a few Greek phrases and they will hook you up.

Answer 3

Eating: most of the places are pretty casual, make yourself noticed, wait to be seated, server takes your order (try any form of lamb and stuffed cabbage), tip if you want

DO: go to Acropolis, admire the amazing graffiti, stay in anyplace with AC, keep your shirt on (even though it's blazing hot) and when you're done with that.... TAKE A FERRY TO ANY OF THE ISLANDS AND PARTY!!!

DON'T: wink back at tan men on motorcycles, sit outside, buy things from  fold out cardboard displays

Enjoy yourself, cheers.