Diners eat at a restaurant by the water in Greece
FOOD NEWS
Dinner Time In Greece Is Actually A Nocturnal Event
By Elizabeth Thorn
Unlike many parts of the world that enjoy dinner as a prompt affair, Greece treats it as a leisurely, nocturnal event.
Aby Saltiel, the co-owner of the hotel Kalesma Mykonos, admitted (and joked) that dinner in Greece is enjoyed "Late, very late, almost vampire time."
While most restaurants in Greece may re-open around 7 p.m., locals know that dinner won’t be served until around 10 p.m. or later.
One of the reasons why Greeks dine so late is due to the hot weather. Instead of braving the day’s heat, they prefer to have their meals in the evening when the air has cooled.
Historically, Greece was also an agriculturally based country, meaning families worked from dawn to dusk and had no choice but to enjoy their evening meals late into the night.
Ancient Greeks believed that dining was a sacred act, a time to connect with others. Leisurely meals are woven into Greek society and are seen as a chance to relax and socialize.