📱 The three apps at a glance
efood
The best-known Greek delivery app, now part of Delivery Hero. It usually has a very wide range of souvlaki shops, tavernas, cafes, and small neighborhood places.
Wolt
A Finnish app, part of DoorDash. It has a clean interface, good English, and often a more careful selection in brunch, coffee, newer restaurants, and international cuisines.
BOX
A Greek app linked to the COSMOTE ecosystem. It often has good codes, offers, and options for chains, coffee, and everyday orders.
📞 Tip 1 — Phone verification
This is where visitors most often run into trouble
All three apps may require SMS verification. International numbers usually work, but not always. If the code does not arrive, try these options:
- Try Wolt or BOX first, which are usually more visitor-friendly.
- Check that the number has the correct international prefix, for example +44 or +1.
- If you are staying many days, a Greek SIM or eSIM also solves other practical issues, not only delivery.
💳 Tip 2 — Payment
- Cards work. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most cases. Apple Pay and Google Pay appear where the app supports them.
- Cash on delivery is still useful. If your card fails on 3DS, switch to cash on delivery, if the shop allows it.
- The tip is optional. If the app has a tip field, you can use it. Otherwise, 1-2€ cash for the courier is a polite gesture.
🌍 Tip 3 — Language
efood has an English interface, but quite a few menus from small restaurants still remain only in Greek. Wolt is usually more consistent in English. BOX has a lot of Greek content, especially in smaller places. The most useful words are:
σουβλάκι
souvlaki — small skewer (pork or chicken)
γύρος
finely cut meat from a vertical spit
πίτα
the wrapped version — sandwich-like
μερίδα
the plate version, usually with fries and salad
χωρίς
for example, without tzatziki
όλα
"with everything in it"
💰 Tip 4 — Fees, minimums and extra charges
All three apps may add a delivery fee, a small service fee, or require a minimum order. The exact amount changes with distance, time of day, restaurant and demand. Three things to check before you place the order:
- Check the final total. Look at the full amount, not only the dish price. Delivery and service fees can change the order quite a bit.
- Check the minimum order. Many places ask for €8–12 before they will accept an order.
- Check the delivery estimate. On a Friday or Saturday evening, a 30-minute estimate can easily become 45–60 minutes.
🥡 Tip 5 — What to order from each
efood: traditional Greek food
Usually the strongest option for souvlaki, gyros, full taverna meals and smaller Greek neighbourhood restaurants.
Wolt: chef, brunch, sushi, vegan
More useful for brunch, sushi, plant-based options, specialty coffee, and more modern restaurants.
BOX: chains and discounts
Useful for chain orders, coffee and everyday delivery when there is an active promo code or offer.
🕐 Tip 6 — When delivery slows down
There are a few predictable times when all three apps get slower:
- Friday and Saturday 20:30-22:30 — peak demand. Times go up and some restaurants temporarily stop taking orders.
- Heavy rain — fewer couriers, longer waits, and sometimes extra charges.
- Holidays and 15 August — many places close or work with reduced staff. Check recent opening hours before you order.
🛒 Beyond restaurants
The apps are no longer only for restaurants. In many areas you will find supermarkets, wine shops, kiosks, and some pharmacies or pharmacy products. It is useful when you arrive late or when you want water, coffee, basic groceries, and small things for the apartment.
🏠 How to order from Angel Athens (Ioulianou 50)
Ioulianou 50 is in Victoria, so the three apps show many options from Patissia, Kypseli, Omonia, Exarchia, and the center. Put the address in English as Ioulianou 50, Athens and write clearly the floor, doorbell, and phone number. For nearby souvlaki, see also the Victoria Square souvlaki guide. On Friday evening, it is often faster to walk 5-10 minutes to the nearby shop.
🎯 FAQ
Can I use my own currency / non-EU card?
Usually yes, especially if the card passes 3DS normally. If it fails, try another card, Revolut or Wise, or cash on delivery where it is available.
Is there one app that has everything?
Not really. For a short trip, Wolt is often easier in English. For Greek souvlaki shops and cooked food, efood usually has more options.
Is delivery cheaper than going there?
Usually not. Delivery fees, service charges and sometimes higher app prices make it a little more expensive than going there yourself.
Are couriers paid fairly?
The working conditions of couriers are discussed often in Greece, as in other European countries. Conditions vary by company and arrangement. A small tip, especially in rain or over a longer distance, is a considerate gesture.
Sources:
— Kathy
