Greece is a maritime nation, and seafood is central to its cuisine. The best Greek restaurants understand that simplicity is key – fresh fish needs little more than fire, olive oil, and lemon to shine.

Grilled Octopus

Perhaps the quintessential Greek seafood dish. The octopus is tenderised (traditionally by beating against rocks), then grilled over charcoal until the tentacles char slightly and curl.

Dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. The best versions are slightly smoky with crisp edges but tender inside. Served as an appetiser, often with ouzo.

Whole Grilled Fish

Ask the waiter what's freshest, then have it grilled whole – head, tail, and all. Mediterranean fish like sea bream, sea bass, or red mullet are traditional, but Australian fish work beautifully.

The fish is scored, brushed with olive oil, seasoned with oregano and lemon, then grilled until the skin crisps. Served with ladolemono – a simple sauce of olive oil and lemon whisked together.

Eating a whole fish is part of the experience: the cheeks and collar are the best bits.

Fried Calamari

Squid tubes sliced into rings, dredged in flour, and fried until golden. They should be light and crispy, never rubbery. Served with lemon wedges and skordalia (garlic sauce) for dipping.

The key is high heat and brief cooking – overcooked calamari becomes tough.

Other Seafood Highlights

• Saganaki prawns: Baked in tomato sauce with feta, served bubbling hot
• Fried whitebait: Tiny whole fish, crispy and addictive
• Grilled sardines: Simple, rustic, and full of flavour
• Mussel saganaki: Mussels in tomato sauce with ouzo and feta

Pairing with Wine

Greek seafood calls for Greek wine. Try an Assyrtiko from Santorini – mineral, crisp, and made for fish. Or a light Moschofilero for something aromatic and refreshing.

The Greek Approach

Greek cooking respects ingredients. Fresh seafood doesn't need complicated sauces or fussy preparations. Fire, olive oil, lemon, and herbs – that's the formula. The Greeks have been doing it this way for millennia because it works.