Where to Eat in Rhodes Town
See Greece recommends where to eat in Rhodes Town with fine-dining restaurants and inexpensive tavernas in the Old Town and the New Town.
If you like your food then you’ll be spoiled for choice in Rhodes Town in the Dodecanese. Here’s our pick of the best places to eat, ranging from gourmet restaurants with sophisticated food to cafes serving delicious cakes and pastries. Some are in the Old Town, some in the New Town but all are guaranteed to satisfy.
Where to Eat in Rhodes Town
TAMAM Restaurant
For foodies this is a must-visit in the New Town, known for its exceptional hospitality and a menu that balances authentic Greek roots with creative international touches. The first-class service makes every guest feel like part of the family. The signature dish is the slow-cooked lamb, often served with a rich, savory sauce that highlights traditional Greek herbs. Other favorites include their feta wrapped in eggplant and fresh seafood specialties.
Hatzikelis
Hatzikelis is a renowned seafood restaurant located within the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, offering an upscale dining experience that blends traditional Greek flavors with innovative culinary touches. Established in 1982, it has built a reputation for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and a romantic atmosphere.
- Signature Seafood: The menu centers on fresh catches from the Aegean, with standouts like grilled whole snapper, local live raw Greek oysters with chili vinaigrette, and mussels prepared with tomato sauce and feta.
- Unique Specialties: Several creative dishes such as shrimp cooked in an ouzo sauce and seafood risotto, alongside more traditional appetizers like prawn saganaki.
- Music: Live Greek music performances typically taking place on weekends.
Marco Polo Restaurant
Marco Polo Restaurant is a highly acclaimed dining destination nestled within the historic Marco Polo Mansion in the medieval Old Town of Rhodes. It is widely considered one of the most inventive and atmospheric restaurants in the area, set in a lush, lemon-scented 15th-century courtyard.
- Creative Gastronomy: The menu is celebrated for blending authentic Greek and Dodecanese flavors with gourmet international techniques. Notable dishes mentioned by reviewers include slow-cooked octopus in sea urchin sauce, seafood salad with parmesan, and grilled sea bream with traditional kakavia (fisherman’s soup) sauce.
- Essential Planning: Due to its immense popularity and small, intimate setting, reservations are mandatory and often need to be made weeks in advance. It’s also tucked away in narrow alleys, so it’s recommended to allow extra time to find the entrance.
http://www.marcopolomansion.gr/restaurant.html
Rodon Café
Rodon Café is a modern and highly popular patisserie and coffee shop located in the Mandraki area of Rhodes Town. It has quickly become a local favorite since its establishment in 2019, known for its extensive selection of artisanal desserts and a vibrant, busy atmosphere that makes it a great spot for people-watching.
- Artisanal Pastries and Cakes: People rave about their unique and beautifully presented desserts, including the “to die for” pistachio and banoffee cakes, as well as their giant cannoli (OK, so it’s Italian) and traditional Greek “Tsourekia” (Easter bread).
- Versatile Dining Environment: The cafe features a mix of comfortable couches and tables, making it suitable for families with children, large groups, or even remote workers looking for a cozy spot with free Wi-Fi.
- Budget-Friendly Indulgence: It’s noted for being a high-quality yet affordable spot for everything from a quick morning coffee and savory pie to elaborate evening cocktails and artisanal ice cream.
https://www.facebook.com/RodonCafeRhodes/
Romeo Restaurant
Romeo Restaurant is a vibrant, family-friendly destination in the Old Town of Rhodes, set within a historic 500-year-old stone building that seamlessly blends ancient charm with modern entertainment. It is particularly well-known for offering an energetic dining experience complete with live Greek music and traditional dancing.
- Signature Seafood and Grill: The restaurant is noted for its seafood platter and mixed grills, as well as unique appetizers like the “masterpiece” sardines with cheese.
- Historic Setting: You can enjoy meals in a quirky, plant-filled garden setting or inside the renovated historic building, which features traditional stone walls and ivy-covered ceilings to keep the space cool.
- Traditional Greek Entertainment: Every night features live singers and dancers, and guests are encouraged to participate.
- Diverse Culinary Range: Beyond traditional Greek specialties, the menu includes a wood-burning oven for pizzas, a variety of pasta dishes, and dedicated vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
https://romeo-restaurant-rhodes.business.site
Yiannis Home Cooking
Yiannis is a long-established family-run taverna tucked away in the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, offering an authentic taste of Greek hospitality that has remained unchanged since it first opened in 1987.
- Authentic Signature Dishes: Known for its traditional comfort foods like slow-cooked beef stew, moussaka, and market-fresh seafood, as well as their unique bean stew and delicious dolmades.
- Charming Old Town Setting: Located on a quiet street away from the main tourist hubs, it offers a cozy and traditional setting ideal for a relaxed lunch or a romantic, candlelit dinner.
- Wide Selection of Local Spirits: The menu features a variety of local Dodecanese wines, Retsina, and house-made Ouzo specials to complement the hearty Greek fare.
https://yiannistavernarhodes.com
Nireas Restaurant
Nireas is a premier seafood taverna located on a charming, leaf-shaded square in the Old Town. It’s famous for its garden setting, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze under a canopy of trees. The focus here is strictly on the freshest catch of the day, prepared with simplicity to let the natural flavors of the fish shine. It has earned a reputation for providing high-quality seafood in a relaxed, traditional environment that feels authentic rather than touristy.
The signature dish is the grilled octopus, celebrated for its tender texture and charred, smoky flavor. Failing that, try the Fritto Misto, a light and crispy assortment of local fried seafood, or the mussels saganaki.
No website. Address: Sofokleous 22. Phone: +30 2241 021703
Ouzokafenes
Ouzokafenes provides a quintessentially Greek taverna experience, specializing in the art of meze—small plates designed to be shared alongside ouzo or tsipouro. Tucked away in a quiet alley of the Medieval City, this spot is favored for its rustic, no-frills charm and its focus on traditional Rhodian recipes. It’s an ideal place for those looking to explore a variety of local tastes in a communal, lively atmosphere where the emphasis is on social dining and authentic flavors.
The signature dish is the marinated anchovies, often served as part of a larger Ouzo Platter that includes stuffed vine leaves and fava bean mousse. Their spicy meatballs and shrimp in ouzo sauce are also excellent.
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