Experience Authentic Ioannina Cuisine with a Traditional Greek Dinner at Giota’s Home

Giota is a true guardian of Ioannina’s culinary heritage in the Epirus region.

Born and raised in this historic city, her deep connection to traditional cooking was cultivated by her grandmother and mother, who passed down time-honored recipes, techniques, and a profound love for the region’s cuisine.

In addition to her culinary expertise, Giota is a professional in food safety, ensuring every ingredient meets the highest standards of quality and freshness.

For Giota, cooking is a sacred ritual — an act of love that connects her to her roots and offers guests a window into the flavors, stories, and traditions that make Ioannina’s cuisine so unique.

Step into the heart of Ioannina’s culinary legacy with a special traditional Greek dinner at Giota’s home in the Epirus region. This immersive 2.5-hour journey offers a genuine taste of local culture, where each dish reflects tradition and passion.

Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration, learning to prepare a traditional Greek pie. Giota will guide you through the techniques and explain the cultural significance behind each dish, sharing stories passed down through generations.

The highlight of the evening is the communal dinner, accompanied by soft Epirotic music. You’ll savor authentic dishes like galotyri cheese and baked giant beans, each bite capturing the heart of Ioannina’s culinary heritage. With glasses clinking and stories flowing, this evening becomes a celebration of food, culture, and community.

Ioannina, set in the captivating Epirus region, is a city steeped in history — from the ancient walls of Ioannina Castle to the calm waters of Lake Pamvotis. After exploring its cobbled streets and historic landmarks, Giota’s dinner offers the perfect way to unwind and dive deeper into local Epirus traditions.

The Menu

Appetizers

• Grilled Bread with Variety of Olives

A selection of Greece’s finest olives — from tangy Kalamata to robust Amfissa varieties — served alongside freshly grilled bread.

• Galotyri Cheese

A smooth, velvety cheese made from sheep and goat’s milk, native to the Epirus region, with a slightly tangy flavor reflecting the time-honored dairy traditions of Ioannina.

• Flour Pie (Alevropita)

A humble yet flavorful pie featuring crispy baked batter layers — an iconic dish of Northwestern Greece.

• Authentic Batsaria

A rare regional specialty: a rustic pie crafted from cornmeal batter, filled with fresh greens and herbs, capturing the innovative spirit of Epirus cuisine.

Main Course

• Baked Giant Beans with Leafy Greens (Gigantes me Horta)

Tender slow-cooked giant beans with sautéed leafy greens in a rich tomato-based sauce — a quintessential comfort food of the Greek diet.

Desserts

• Loukoumi Rose

Delicate loukoumi flavored with rosewater — a light and aromatic finish reflecting the refined confectionery traditions of the region.

• Greek Milk Pie (Galatopita)

Layers of crisp phyllo dough with a rich custard of milk, eggs, and sugar, lightly dusted with cinnamon.

Drinks

• Three Shots of Tsipouro per Person

No Greek meal is complete without Tsipouro, a traditional spirit distilled from grape pomace. Each guest will enjoy three small shots — starting with the pure, robust version and moving on to the aromatic, anise-flavored variety.