Greek-Style Baked Whole Fish with Lemon and Oregano

Greek Fast With Fish Published January 15, 2026

This is the dish that appears on every Greek table on the Annunciation and Palm Sunday — a whole fish, scored and rubbed with oregano and garlic, baked on a bed of potatoes drenched in lemon and olive oil until the skin is crisp and the flesh falls cleanly from the bone. It is one of the oldest and simplest preparations in the Mediterranean, and it needs nothing more than good fish and good oil.

Use sea bream (tsipoura), sea bass (lavraki), or red snapper. The fish must be whole — fillets will not give you the same depth of flavor. The bones and head enrich the juices that soak into the potatoes below.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Fish
SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 1 whole fish (about 1-1.5 kg), cleaned and scaled, scored 3-4 times on each side
- 800g potatoes, peeled and sliced into 5mm rounds
- 120ml extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons dried Greek oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.

2. Layer the potato slices in a large baking dish. Pour over half the olive oil, half the lemon juice, and the cup of water. Season with salt, pepper, and half the oregano. Toss to coat.

3. Bake the potatoes for 25 minutes until they begin to soften and the edges start to color.

4. Meanwhile, rub the fish inside and out with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Tuck the garlic slices into the scores on the fish and inside the cavity.

5. Place the fish directly on top of the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the fish skin is golden and crisp and the flesh flakes easily at the thickest part.

6. Rest for 5 minutes. Scatter with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. The potatoes underneath will have absorbed the fish juices and lemon — they are the best part.

NOTES

- The scoring is essential. It allows the seasoning to penetrate and ensures even cooking.
- If using two smaller fish instead of one large one, reduce the baking time by 8-10 minutes.
- This dish is the centerpiece of the Annunciation table (March 25) in Greek homes. Serve with horta (boiled greens) and plenty of bread for the juices.
- A splash of dry white wine in the baking dish with the potatoes adds depth.