The Ultimate Greek Food Tour: What to Eat in September
Greek Taverna
Traveling to Greece in September is a feast for the senses. The weather is warm but not scorching, the crowds have thinned, and the harvest season is in full swing. From vineyard-fresh wines to rustic tavernas serving seasonal specialties, September is one of the best times of year to experience Greek cuisine at its peak. Here’s your ultimate food tour through Greece this fall.
Seasonal Dishes to Savor
Greek Figs
Figs and Grapes
September is fig and grape season in Greece. You’ll find ripe, juicy figs at markets and on taverna menus, often paired with cheese or drizzled with honey. Grapes are harvested now too, meaning everything from table grapes to fresh grape must (used in sweets and syrups) is at its best.
Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)
Tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini are still abundant in September. Gemista—vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat—are a quintessential late-summer comfort dish. Look for versions baked in wood-fired ovens for that extra rustic flavor.
Seafood Specialties
The waters are calm and bountiful this time of year. Try grilled octopus, fried calamari, or kakavia (fisherman’s soup). On the islands, seaside tavernas will happily serve the catch of the day, paired with chilled white wine.
Wine Harvest Pairings
Greek Harvest Wine
September is also the month of the grape harvest, making it the perfect time to explore Greek wines.
Assyrtiko in Santorini – Crisp and mineral-driven, it pairs beautifully with seafood and fresh salads.
Agiorgitiko in Nemea (Peloponnese) – A velvety red ideal with roasted meats and rich dishes.
Moschofilero in Mantinia – Aromatic and floral, it’s the perfect sip alongside lighter meze spreads.
Many wineries welcome visitors during harvest, offering tours, tastings, and even the chance to join grape-stomping festivals.
Must-Try Tavernas in September
Greek Island Taverna
Athens – To Kati Allo
A family-run taverna near the Acropolis, known for slow-cooked lamb and hearty casseroles. Seasonal salads shine here in September.
Crete – Tamam in Chania
Housed in a former Turkish bathhouse, this taverna blends history with unforgettable Cretan specialties like boureki (zucchini and potato pie).
Santorini – Metaxi Mas
Beloved by locals, this gem in Exo Gonia serves authentic island dishes with stunning views, perfect for a September sunset dinner.
Naxos – O Fotis
On Agios Prokopios beach, O Fotis is the spot for fresh fish, meze platters, and local cheeses—served in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Why September is the Perfect Time for a Greek Food Tour
With harvest season in full swing, tavernas and markets are bursting with flavor. Prices dip as high season ends, and you’ll have more time to savor meals without the rush of summer crowds. Whether you’re dining at a seaside taverna, sampling wine at a hillside vineyard, or enjoying a family-style feast in a mountain village, September invites you to eat like a true local.
A September trip to Greece is as much about the food as the views. From seasonal fruits to world-class wines and hidden tavernas, it’s a culinary journey you’ll never forget. Want help planning the perfect foodie adventure? Book your complimentary planning consultation here and let’s create your unforgettable Greek food tour.
