Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, is not only steeped in history and blessed with sun-drenched beaches but also boasts a culinary scene that is as rich as its heritage.
From traditional Greek tavernas to sophisticated Mediterranean restaurants, Rhodes offers a dining experience to suit every palate. Here, the narrative thread that runs through pretty much anywhere of note on the island is without doubt the superb local ingredients that truly deserve celebrating.
With that in mind, and only visiting the places that celebrate them to their full potential, here are some of the very best places to eat in Rhodes.
Tamam, Rhodes Town
Ideal for gently refined yet traditional Greek food…
In the heart of Rhodes Town and therefore a little saturated by pretty mediocre tourist-facing gyros and souvlaki stands, the restaurant Tamam stands out with its charming ambience and a menu that pays homage to Greek cuisine, all with a gently modern twist. Housed in a restored building, the restaurant’s stone walls and vintage decor provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that ultimately lets the food do the talking.
Start your meal with a selection of meze (how else), with the spoon-tender braised octopus, grilled feta, bar marked and almost-bracing, and the creamy, piquant tzatziki, all particularly good. For the main course, the slow-cooked lamb kleftiko, tender and infused with local wild oregano and rosemary, is a revelation.
Pair your meal with a carafe of eminently drinkable house wine. Amorgiano is the dominant local variety of red, and is pleasingly refreshing and light on tannins when served cold, as they do here. Make sure to save room for the Greek version of baklava, rich with melted butter and hefty chunks of walnut – a sweet ending to a delightful dining experience.
Please note that Tamam is temporarily closed for the off season, and when operating, opens at 3pm daily.
Website: tamamrhodes.com
Address: Leontos 1, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Read: 6 IDEAL foodie tips for your next trip to Greece
Mavrikos, Lindos
Ideal for dining under the stars with the stars…
Located in the picturesque village of Lindos, Mavrikos is a culinary institution that has been serving up traditional Greek dishes since 1933. The restaurant’s legacy is evident in its time-honoured recipes and the passion for food that is passed down through generations of the same family.
Now helmed by brothers Dimitris and Michalis Mavrikos, known locally as the ‘Knights’ of Rhodes gastronomy, the menu at Mavrikos is a testament to the island’s produce, with dishes like the grilled sea bream or the stuffed vine leaves showcasing Rhodes’ freshest ingredients.
No where else is this better showcased than the cuttlefish ink risotto, perfumed with local sweet Moschato wine – truly superb. The almond-crusted feta is a standout appetiser, too, the nuts offering a crunchy contrast to the soft cheese within. The fact you can see almond trees growing so close to the restaurant hammers home those hyperlocal credentials.
Dining under the stars (possible with the stars, as everyone from David Gilmour to Barbara Streissland has dined here) in the restaurant’s courtyard is an enchanting experience that is quintessentially Greek.
Address: Lindos 851 07, Greece
Ronda, Niohori
Ideal for beachfront dining on seafood specials…
For those who prefer their meal with a view, Ronda is a beachfront gem that should not be missed. Situated on the sands of Tsambika Beach, this eatery offers a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch.
Unsurprisingly for a restaurant with such an esteemed location, the seafood here is the star of the show, with the grilled calamari and the lobster spaghetti knockout. For those on a more globetrotting tip, the maki rolls may not be as expertly assembled as in Tokyo – a little looser, the rice a touch over-vinegared – but the freshness of the seafood within is undeniable.
As the sun sets, sip on a chilled ouzo and let the cracking of claws and the sound of the waves be the soundtrack to a memorable dining experience. Or, you know, the unfortunate, pumping ‘beach chill house’ playlist coming from the restaurant…
Website: Pl. Kountourioti 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Address: ronda.gr
Marco Polo Café, Rhodes Town
Ideal for a menu of fusion food done well…
Nestled within the medieval walls of Rhodes Town, Marco Polo Café is a fusion of East meets West, reflecting the island’s historical position as a strategic position on the trade routes between Europe and Asia, and, therefore, a crossroads of cultures.
Situated in a beautifully restored medieval building and boasting a lush garden setting that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets, Marco Polo features a fusion of Mediterranean and international flavours, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate (except those who think they came up with the line ‘Fusion? Confusion, more like!’, that is…).
The menu is an adventurous blend of Mediterranean and Far East Asian flavours, which, despite the restaurant’s billing, does lean much more heavily on the former than the latter, the Chinese and Japanese flourishes restrained and interesting rather than jarring.
Try the teriyaki glazed salmon loin is well-judged, the toasted sesame seed crust bringing the necessary texture to a fish that can sometimes be a little unctuous in all the wrong ways. Better still, the shrimp ravioli that you could easily call a dumpling if you wanted to continue that particular narratives, arrives plump and bouncy, its bisque-adjacent dressing anointing rather than flooding the pasta. Perfectly judged.
Part of the same building, Marco Polo Mansion is also one of the island’s conveniently positioned hotels, though it should be noted that facilities here are rather basic. Given the impeccable variety of accommodation on offer on the island, it’s hardly surprising that many families choose to rent a villa in Rhodes instead.
Website: Agiou Fanouriou 37, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Address: marcopolomansion.gr
To Steno, Rhodes Town
Ideal for a truly traditional taverna experience…
Another ‘hidden gem’ tucked away in a narrow alley of Rhodes Town, To Steno is an ode to the authentic Greek taverna experience. This family-run joint exudes a rustic charm, with its cobblestone floor, simple wooden tables, and open-armed welcome from the matriarch/maitre d’.
The menu is a celebration of Greek comfort food – the contemporary, globetrotting flourishes of previous paragraphs left just there. To Steno’s moussaka, with its layers of olive oil laden aubergine slices, minced lamb that verges on the funky, and a béchamel sauce that’s souffled skywards due to the addition of an egg, is a hearty choice indeed.
For something lighter, the grilled sardines are a delight, especially when paired with a crisp Greek salad and even crisper glass of local Athiri.
All that said, the souvlaki is the signature here – it feels like every other table is ordering a skewer or five – and jolly nice it is, too. For those visiting Greece on something of a budget, To Steno is just the kind of place you should be dining at night after night.
Address: Ag. Anargiron 29, Rodos 851 33, Greece
Hatzikelis Restaurant, Rhodes Town
Ideal for some of Rhodes’s most upscale dining…
Hatzikelis Restaurant offers a more knowingly ‘upscale’ dining experience, perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening out. Specialising in Greek seafood dishes, the restaurant boasts a menu that highlights the best of what the Aegean Sea has to offer.
Here, diners can expect expertly prepared dishes that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye, but that’s not to say the deceptively simple seafood dishes are too extortionately priced. You’ll eat very well here for under €100 a head. The sea urchin linguine, a signature and our go-to order at Hatzikelis, is an eminently reasonable €20, for instance.
With a family vineyard part of the offering here and over 100 wine labels in a stacked cellar, Hatzikelis is the perfect place for getting more familiar with Rhodes’ revered wine culture, too. Enjoy a glass (or several) in the restaurant’s courtyard, which boasts dramatic views of the ruins of the Church of the Virgin. And yes, we realise how cumbersome the previous sentence looked – so much ‘the’.
Website: hatzikelis.com
Address: Solomou Alchadef 9, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Auvergne Cafe Bar Restaurant, Rhodes Town
Ideal for communal, alfresco dining in the heart of Rhodes old town…
Forgive the cumbersome, all-hospitality-venues-to-all-people name, and settle into one of Rhodes’ most amiable eating experiences. The dining ‘room’ here is in fact the old town’s Great Alexander Square, the tables so close they’re pretty much communal and all the more convivial for it. The nightly live performances of traditional demotiko certainly does nothing to dampen these vibes…
…On the menu, it’s an all-day grazing kind of affair, as well suited to a morning coffee and a pastry as it is a more comprehensive feast to see out your evening. Or, you know, you could do both; this is one pretty place to while away the hours, it has to be said.
Instagram:auvergne_cafe_rhodes
Address: Great Alexander Square, Rodos 851 00, Greece
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner by the sea, a family meal in a traditional taverna, or an innovative fusion of flavours, Rhodes’ restaurants offer something special. Each establishment mentioned here not only serves delicious food but also provides an atmosphere that captures the essence of Greek hospitality and that much cherished spirit of siga siga.
So, when in Rhodes, indulge in the local cuisine and let your taste buds embark on a journey they won’t soon forget. Kalí óreksi! (Bon appétit!)