Ordering meze means trusting the kitchen. Instead of choosing individual dishes, the table orders a set number of portions and the plates keep coming, from dips and salads to grilled meats or fish.
It arrives in waves
The first plates are usually bread, dips, salads and olives. Grilled and slow-cooked dishes follow. Pace yourself; the best is often still to come.
Tell them what you don’t eat
Let the staff know about allergies, vegetarians at the table or anything you would rather skip before the food starts. Most kitchens can adapt.
Meat, fish or mixed
Many tavernas offer a meat meze, a fish meze or a mix. Ask what is in season and what the kitchen is proud of that day.
Order for the table, not the person
Meze is designed for sharing. Ask the staff how many portions suit your group; they would rather you had enough than too much.
