Located just off the south east coast of mainland Greece, Rhodes is internationally renowned for its sunny weather, pleasant temperatures and amazing food. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for families and couples alike, Rhodes offers a seemingly never-ending number of traditional Greek restaurants which serve authentic cuisine. In addition to the local gastronomy, Rhodes is also the home of a number of international restaurants, where you'll find fresh seafood, grilled meats, Asian delicacies and comfort food.
Local cuisine
One of the most popular restaurants in Rhodes, Tamam serves authentic Greek cuisine which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Diners are presented with a varied menu full of Mediterranean delicacies such as tzatiki, chicken suvlaki and moussaka. If you're not familiar with Greek cuisine, opt for the mezze platter which is laden with a number of different dishes for you to try.
Families and couples who want to try the local cuisine should head to Artemida. This eatery is known for serving quality food in generous portions for affordable prices, making it a top choice for large groups. Some of the most popular dishes include the kapama lamb, Greek salad, chicken gyro and dolmadakia, all of which work wonderfully with the local wines available.
Kerasma is another top choice when it comes to local cuisine in Rhodes. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this restaurant takes a modern view of Greek food, keeping up-to-date with modern cooking techniques and flavours to ensure a fantastic dining experience for everyone. The menu is full of homemade breads, starters, salads, mains and desserts, all of which are made using fresh ingredients. The fillet mavrodaphne is one of the most popular dishes, as are the sea bass with coulis, liasto pork fillet and honey salmon.
Situated within Ixia, Whispers Bar-Restaurant was a hit when it opened in 1989 and continues to be just as successful today. Here you'll find an eclectic menu full of authentic Greek dishes such as garlic bread, baked feta, moussaka and gyros. The owners are the only people who work in the restaurant, so you can be sure of quality food and impeccable service each and every time you visit. Whispers Bar-Restaurant is known for its large portions and if you can't finish everything on your plate, your host will be happy to wrap it up for you to take away.
When it comes to local cuisine, it doesn't get much better than a trip to Manolis Taverna. Found within the resort of Faliraki, this restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is popular with residents and holidaymakers alike. Some of the most highly-regarded dishes include the veal cutlets, lamb stew and fried zucchini. The meat and fish mezze platters are ideal if you can't decide on one dish and allow you try to all sorts of different Greek food in one evening.
Located within the heart of Lindos, Mythos Restaurant offers a great night out for everyone. Here diners will be presented with a variety of authentic Greek dishes prepared with local organic produce. In the morning this eatery serves a variety of breakfasts, including English breakfasts, Greek breakfasts, omelettes, toasties and sandwiches. The evening menu is much more varied and features options such as spare ribs, stuffed peppers and grilled halloumi to start, followed by main courses like stuffed chicken, mixed Greek platter and beef stifado. A varied children's menu is also available for the little ones and includes spaghetti, fish fingers, chicken nuggets and stuffed burgers.
Modern European
Although most of the restaurants in Rhodes are Greek, there are a few gems serving modern European cuisine, Restaurant Wonder being one of them. Established since 2001, this eatery serves a mixture of dishes inspired by the Baltic Sea, Asia and the Mediterranean. Restaurant Wonder is open Monday to Saturday from 7pm and offers tempting dishes such as avocado salad, marinated salmon, beef gorgonzola and Thai chicken, ensuring something for everyone.
Inspired by Greek cuisine, Ambrosia's menu is full of traditional Mediterranean specialities, many of which incorporate a pleasantly surprising modern twist. Here you'll find a variety of starters to choose from, such as sautéed calamari, beef carpaccio and souzoukakia with yogurt, followed by a selection of mains, including catch of the day, fillet mignon and spinach tagliatelle. If you're still feeling hungry, take a glance at the dessert menu, where you'll find puddings such as ice cream, chocolate lava cake and homemade pie.
Situated in Ixia, Coconut offers a wide selection of modern European dishes which are a hit amongst diners of all ages. Here you'll find a menu full of tempting options, such as steamed mussels in white wine, garlic prawns, mixed grill, chicken kebab and grilled octopus. If you're strapped for cash, opt for the affordable set menu which includes a starter, main, dessert and drink all for a very low price. To accompany your meal, there is a comprehensive wine list available, with at least one bottle to suit every dish.
When it comes to modern European dining during your holiday in Rhodes, Byzantino is one of the best choices. Located within the resort of Lindos, this restaurant offers an eclectic menu with dishes from all over the Mediterranean, in addition to a handful of Greek specialities, for those who want something local. After your meal, indulge in one of the many cocktails on offer, such as the bubblegum cocktail it's one of the restaurant's most popular. If the weather is warm, try and get a table on the rooftop where you can enjoy fantastic views of the acropolis.
Asian
By far one of the best Indian restaurants in Rhodes, Saffron is always a hit. This popular restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, during which it serves a selection of curries, including madras, vindaloo, tandoori and korma. The chef originates from India and creates every dish with passion and care, ensuring a fantastic meal each and every time.
Offering a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisine, Taj Mahal & Shanghai Restaurant is a must-visit for any Asian food lover. Situated in Pefkos, this eatery is open throughout the summer months and allows diners at one table to enjoy delicacies from all over Asia at the same time. The rooftop terrace setting means you can enjoy beautiful views whilst savouring your meal.
Red Dragon is a top choice if you're in the mood for Chinese food. Found in the centre of Pefkos, this air-conditioned restaurant can seat a large number of people at a time and features a children's play area to keep the little ones amused. Here you'll find all your usual favourite Chinese dishes available, such as crispy chilli beef, sweet and sour pork, Singapore noodles and chicken satay. If you're not in the mood to eat in, take advantage of their quick take away service.
Pub grub
Alabama Bar & Diner is one of the few restaurants in Rhodes which serves good old pub grub. Open from March 1st until November 1st, this eatery serves a number of homemade favourites, such as roast dinners, belly buster breakfasts, battered fish, pies and pastries. If you've left room for dessert, you can choose from a top selection of ice creams, cakes and puddings.
Situated in Tholos, Billy's Place is a combination bar-restaurant which provides diners with free WiFi access, internet corner, pool tables, Sky TV on a giant screen and home-cooked comfort food. As well as a number of traditional Greek options, this establishment also serves popular British dishes, such as English breakfasts, steak Diane, cottage pie and burgers, in addition to a recently-launched range of Indian curries.
Seafood
When it comes to fresh fish and seafood, it's tough to beat Stegna Kozas. Boasting an oceanfront location, this restaurant offers an unbeatable selection of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, such as John Dory, seabream and local lobster, as well as sea calms, urchins and octopus. There is a fantastic choice of drinks available, with everything from international beers and wines to spirits, cocktails and ouzo.
Seafood lovers won't want to miss the chance to visit Gorgona in Stegna. One of the most popular restaurants in the resort, this eatery serves fresh fish- and seafood-based dishes, such as mussels with tomato and feta, white fish cooked over charcoal, grilled crayfish and squid. If you don't feel like fish, there is also a small selection of meat- and vegetable-based dishes available, ensuring something for everyone.
Families and couples searching for quality seafood in Rhodes should stop by Stefanos. Known by many as the best restaurant in Kiotari, this eatery serves sea specialities such as grilled octopus, prawns, calamari and white fish. Not just a place for seafood lovers, Stefanos also offers a selection of Greek vegetarian and meat-based dishes, including moussaka, hummus, lamb chops and chicken souvlaki, served alongside pita bread and Greek salad.
Found on the seafront of Haraki Bay in Rhodes, Kapetanios is a must-visit for avid fish and seafood fans. This modern restaurant offers a menu full of authentic Greek dishes comprising of fresh ingredients sourced locally. The most popular sea dishes include the fisherman's platter, swordfish fillet, cuttlefish with ink and grilled octopus. In order to cater for all tastes, Keptanios also serves a selection of pasta, vegetarian and meat dishes, as well as a children's menu which features chicken nuggets, fish fingers, pasta and pizza.
For ca meat feast
Families and couples in the mood for steak, ribs or chops should head to Alkionis Grill. This bar-restaurant offers a menu packed with meat-based dishes, including chicken kebabs, fillet and sirloin steaks, pork loin and lamb chops. As well as the quality food, this restaurant also offers a variety of affordable drinks, free WiFi access for customers and a number of large TVs showing live sporting events.
A must-visit for carnivores in search of a good meal, Opera Steak House offers a simple menu made with pure products sourced locally. Situated in Faliraki, this eatery offers diners a wide choice of meat-based Greek and international meals, such as mixed grill, gammon steak, lamb kebab, chicken kiev and beef goulash, with an unbeatable selection of steaks available, too.
When it comes to top quality steakhouses in Rhodes, it's tough to beat El Toro Steakhouse. This restaurant offers entertainment in the form of live music each Saturday which is always a hit with diners of all ages and nationalities. Here you'll find a menu full of steaks, ribs, chops and burgers, all of which are cooked perfectly to your taste. In addition to the meat dishes, El Toro Steakhouse also offers a fantastic variety of side dishes, including Greek salad, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a selection of breads.
A carnivore's trip to Rhodes isn't complete without stopping by Skala Beach Restaurant. Every Monday evening this eatery hosts a large barbecue party, with chicken, lamb, pork and Greek sausage served throughout the night, alongside mezze, salads and homemade bread. To accompany the barbecue, there is a vast array of local wines, beers, soft drinks and cocktails available, in addition to coffee, tea, ouzo and souma.