Rhodes Town: A Tale of Two Dining Scenes
Rhodes Town offers the island’s greatest concentration of restaurants, but it’s a place of two halves. For reliable quality and variety, the New Town is often the safer bet. Here you’ll find modern Mediterranean cooking, excellent seafood and restaurants with distinct character. For Greek-Turkish flavours, choose Tamam; for a modern take on local ingredients, try Peskesi Greek Cuisine; or for a tapas-style meal of shared plates, book a table at Piatakia.
Inside the walls, the Old Town excels at atmosphere, with meals served in stunning medieval courtyards. However, it pays to be selective. Avoid the aggressive hosts on the main thoroughfares and seek out the quieter alleys. For exceptional value and home-style dishes like beef stifado, head to Taverna Kostas. For a truly romantic, candlelit dinner in a restored mansion's courtyard, Marco Polo Mansion is the standout choice, while Ouzokafenes is perfect for a relaxed evening of meze.
For Rooftop Views & Romantic Dinners
When the setting is as important as the food, Lindos is the obvious choice. Its rooftop restaurants offer spectacular sunset views over the whitewashed village and the floodlit Acropolis. Odyssia and Maria’s Taverna are classic choices for traditional Greek fare with a view, while Kalypso is particularly suited to couples. For a different kind of romance, Tambakio Restaurant serves fresh seafood right on the shore of the beautiful St Paul's Bay.
Be aware that a prime view can come with premium prices and tourist-trap menus. The best Lindos experiences are often found by booking ahead in summer and exploring beyond the most obvious spots. For a more refined occasion meal, consider Arhontiko, set in a traditional building with its own terrace.
The Best for Traditional Greek & Village Cooking
To find the true heart of Rhodian cuisine, head to the villages. This is where you’ll find local specialities like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters) and kapamas (slow-cooked goat), particularly in mountain villages like Embonas and Siana. For generous portions and a relaxed, local atmosphere just outside the Old Town, Proavlio is a great traditional option.
Elsewhere, look for unassuming, family-run spots that focus on home cooking. In Ixia, Sirtaki offers good-value moussaka and meze. Near Kallithea, Medousa is a small gem for homemade dishes. For a classic taverna experience centred purely on the food, the villages of Lardos and Gennadi are excellent alternatives to the busier resorts.
Top Spots for Fresh Seafood
For the best seafood, follow the local fishing boats. The small port of Kameiros Skala is an outstanding choice, where tavernas serve the daily catch literally feet from where it's landed. The fishing village of Stegna is another highlight, its shorefront tavernas perfect for a long lunch of grilled octopus, fried anchovies, or shrimp saganaki.
The calm bay of Haraki, watched over by Feraklos Castle, is another strong contender for grilled sea bream or squid after a swim. In Rhodes Town, Pizanias “The Sea Star” provides a classic, old-school fish taverna experience, while in Kallithea, Psarolimano Taverna offers leisurely seaside dining right by the water.
Casual Bites & Family-Friendly Favourites
Not every meal needs to be a formal affair. For a quick, inexpensive and delicious pita gyros or souvlaki plate, look to the smaller alleys of Rhodes Old Town or the convenient eateries in the New Town around Mandraki. Faliraki also has a huge range of budget-friendly options perfect for late-night snacks.
When dining with a group or family with varied tastes, Faliraki’s wide selection of international and Greek restaurants is a major advantage. In Ixia, Da Romeo caters to everyone with a menu of pizza, pasta, steaks and salads, while Mama Sofia in the Old Town is a go-to for its broad menu and generous portions of family pleasers like seafood pasta and mixed grills.
Related Rhodes guides
Next, read our local guides to Rhodes Town, Lindos and St Paul's Bay. Check the details of the specific place or listing before you book, as general island advice will not fit every trip.
Frequently asked questions
What local Rhodian dishes should I try?
Look for Pitaroudia (fried chickpea patties), Kapamas (slow-cooked goat, especially in mountain villages), Giaprakia (stuffed vine leaves), and Melekouni (a honey and sesame seed bar).
Where is the best area to eat in Rhodes Old Town?
For atmosphere, choose a courtyard restaurant. For value and authentic home cooking, try Taverna Kostas. For a special occasion, Marco Polo Mansion is an elegant choice. It's generally best to avoid the main tourist streets and explore quieter side alleys for better quality.
Is it expensive to eat in Lindos?
Dining in Lindos, particularly in rooftop restaurants with views, is generally more expensive than in other parts of Rhodes. While a view is wonderful, be mindful that it doesn't always guarantee the best food. For better value, consider smaller tavernas off the main path or nearby areas like Pefkos and Lardos.
Where are the best places for fresh seafood in Rhodes?
For the most authentic experience, head to coastal villages where the fishing boats come in. Stegna, Haraki, and Kameiros Skala are standout choices for fish tavernas serving the catch of the day.