Rhodes Town: Old World Atmosphere vs. Modern Reliability
Rhodes Town presents the island's biggest dining dilemma. For atmosphere, the Old Town is unmatched, with its candlelit courtyards, stone arches and restaurants tucked into medieval buildings. However, quality can be inconsistent on the busiest streets, so it pays to seek out quieter alleys and more established names.
For a more reliable bet on quality and value, head to the New Town. The areas around Mandraki Harbour and Elli Beach offer a wide choice, from traditional Greek cooking and modern Mediterranean bistros to excellent seafood. If your priority is simply great food, start your search outside the old walls.
Coastal Dining: Seafood Feasts and Sunset Views
For many, a meal in Rhodes means eating by the sea. Ixia is a popular choice for its sunset-facing restaurants along the main coastal road, offering a mix of Greek and international menus.
For a meal focused purely on seafood, however, it's best to seek out the fishing villages. Stegna is a standout, with shorefront tavernas serving the day's catch. Haraki, Kameiros Skala and Kiotari are also excellent destinations for a simple, leisurely lunch of grilled fish, octopus and classic meze right by the water.
Village Tavernas: The Heart of Rhodian Cooking
To taste the most authentic Rhodian food, head away from the coast. The island's inland and southern villages are where you'll find traditional, family-run tavernas serving local specialities. Villages like Embonas and Siana are the place to try slow-cooked goat (`kapamas`), while places like Psinthos and Apollona are known for their chickpea fritters (`pitaroudia`).
Closer to the main resorts, Lardos and Gennadi offer a more accessible, but still authentic, village dining experience. Choose these areas for an informal meal centred on home-style Greek cooking, away from the international menus of the larger tourist hubs.
Lindos and Pefkos: Dinner with a View
Lindos is the top choice when the setting is as important as the food. Its iconic rooftop restaurants offer unforgettable views over the whitewashed village and the floodlit Acropolis, making it perfect for a romantic or celebratory meal. For a different but equally scenic setting, the restaurants around St Paul’s Bay offer tranquil waterside dining.
Be aware that you pay a premium for the views, and popularity doesn't always equal quality. As an alternative, nearby Pefkos has a strong restaurant scene that often combines dinner with cocktails and live music, making it a great option if you want a lively meal that transitions into your evening out.
Choose a dining area before a restaurant
Start with where you will spend the evening. Rhodes Town combines Old Town atmosphere with New Town options; Lindos offers village and rooftop settings; Stegna and Haraki focus on waterfront meals. Check the route back to your accommodation as carefully as the menu.
This page compares dining locations. Use the restaurant collection for individual recommendations and the Rhodian food guide for dishes. Confirm current opening and menus with the restaurant; an editorial recommendation is not a live reservation offer.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for traditional Greek food?
The inland mountain villages are best for specific Rhodian dishes. Embonas is excellent for slow-cooked goat, while Psinthos and Apollona are known for `pitaroudia`. For a more conventional, but still authentic, village taverna experience, consider Lardos and Gennadi.
Is it better to eat in Rhodes Old Town or New Town?
It depends on your priority. The Old Town is best for atmosphere and a memorable setting, but you must choose your restaurant carefully. The New Town is generally a more reliable choice for consistent quality, value, and a wider variety of cuisines.
Where should I go for the best seafood in Rhodes?
For a dedicated seafood meal, head to one of the coastal fishing villages. Stegna is a top choice for its shorefront tavernas with fresh daily catches. Other excellent options for simple, high-quality grilled fish and seafood meze include Haraki and Kameiros Skala.
Are the restaurants in Lindos worth the price?
Dining in Lindos is generally more expensive than in other areas, as you are paying for the spectacular views from a rooftop or waterside location. It's a fantastic choice for a special occasion, but it's wise to reserve and check recent reviews. For better value, the nearby towns of Pefkos and Lardos are good alternatives.