Greek food service turnover fell by 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, the Hellenic Statistical Authority reported.
Total revenue for restaurants, cafes, and catering enterprises across Greece reached 3.165 billion euros between April and June, down from 3.245 billion euros recorded in the same period of 2025. ELSTAT, the country's official statistics agency, noted that while the national decline was moderate, financial performance varied sharply across different parts of the country.
The island of Thasos in the northern Aegean Sea recorded the steepest percentage decline in the country, with food service revenue falling 18.1 percent compared to the previous year. The island of Lesbos suffered the second-largest drop at 15.2 percent, while turnover in the southern prefecture of Argolida fell by 12.1 percent.
Heavy losses were also recorded across mainland regional units. Revenue dropped 12 percent in Arta and 11.7 percent in Achaea, while Kavala saw turnover decline by 10.8 percent and Rhodope fell by 10.1 percent. Karditsa recorded a 9.4 percent decrease, Messenia dropped 8.8 percent, Serres fell 8.5 percent, and Elis declined by 8.4 percent.
Tourism hotspots and key markets
The downturn extended to several of Greece's primary tourist destinations and major urban centers. Turnover in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, declined by 7.7 percent, while the neighboring peninsula of Chalkidiki saw revenue drop by 7.3 percent. Catering businesses on the island of Kos experienced a 6.9 percent contraction, Pieria fell by 6.1 percent, and the island of Zakynthos dropped by 5.2 percent.
ELSTAT drew specific attention to performance in Achaea, the coastal region in the northern Peloponnese centered around the port city of Patras. Among regional units that accounted for at least 1 percent of total national catering turnover in 2025, Achaea recorded the largest drop nationwide at 11.7 percent.
Islands bucking the trend
In contrast to the broader national decline, several island economies posted strong revenue growth during the quarter. Milos led gains across the country with a 12.2 percent increase in food service turnover, followed by the eastern Aegean island of Samos with an 8.9 percent rise.
The Ionian island of Ithaca registered an 8 percent gain, while Kalymnos saw turnover rise by 7.2 percent and Paros expanded by 6.1 percent. Statistical officials said the figures highlight a deeply fragmented performance across Greece's hospitality and dining sector.
