As the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, Rhodes sees an almost year-round influx of travelers. Tourists arrive here every way possible, be it by flights or ferries booked through Ferryscanner. Forever in a state of infectious euphoria, the island is famous for its history, beaches, and nightlife. Equally renowned for its culinary offerings, there is no dearth of fantastic restaurants in Rhodes. Moreover, passionate gourmands touring the island quickly discover that the best places to eat in Rhodes are a healthy mix of pocket-friendly eateries and fine-dining establishments.
Fournariko
Address: Dinokratous 1-9, Rodos 851 00
Whether stopping for a snack or a proper meal, make sure you add Fournariko bakery and coffee station to your Rhodes Town sightseeing itinerary. Oozing a seducingly rustic charm, the lingering smell of freshly baked bread escaping through the bakery’s open doors makes it impossible to pass by without looking.
On display inside is a room full of sweet and savory indulgences, pitas and pies, that tempt you to no end. Add to that an authentic woodfire oven, and you know it in your heart that Fournariko is among the unmissable places to eat in Rhodes. Open 24-hours a day throughout the week, Fournariko’s courtyard seating is an idyllic location for a laidback meal. However, local patrons typically order their coffee and snacks to-go.
Mama Sofia Restaurant
Address: 28 Orfeos Street, Old Town, Rodos 851 00
Mama Sofia features amongst the restaurants in Rhodes that you just have to visit. Feeding delicious homemade Greek fare to visiting epicures since 1967, Mama Sofia is a culinary institution in the center of Old Town, Rhodes, a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. While at the helm of this lovely establishment is Mrs. Sofia herself, the restaurant is a family-run business with three generations working together under one roof.
The menu at Mama Sofia, which includes 122 different wines from across Greece, is diverse without going overboard. Sophia’s salad, cheese saganaki, fish soup, grilled octopus, and fried sardines are menu favorites worth tasting. Furthermore, the classic margarita pizza, Bolognese, and the fisherman’s style pasta – a must for seafood lovers, highlight the Italian influence on the culinary heritage of Rhodes.
Greek Restaurant Agalma
Address: Ir. Politechniou 14, Rodos 851 00
If you wish to immerse yourself into the soul of Greece’s gastronomic culture while having busloads of fun, visit Restaurant Agalma. With live music, impromptu fire dancing, and a characteristic Greek ambiance, Agalma is a wholesome dining experience in the center of Rhodes Town. Moreover, the food here is quintessential Greek, featuring mezes, local specialties, mixed grills, and regional wines.
When dining at what is one of the most entertaining restaurants in Rhodes, try the Agalma salad, souzoukakia – meatballs in tomato sauce, pork chops, souvlaki, and the pastitsio – Greek baked pasta. Food portions are pretty large at Agalma, so order accordingly.
To Marouli
Address: Platonos 26, Rodos 851 00
Eating preferences are changing rapidly across the globe, and Rhodes is no different. Although vegetarian food is a staple across the island, vegan restaurants in Rhodes are still uncommon. Marouli, meaning lettuce, is the first vegan-vegetarian eatery of the island that continues to be a culinary trendsetter. Situated in Old Town, Rhodes, Marouli is a family-run seasonal restaurant, open only during the summer months.
Although renowned for their musical evenings, organic beers, and inviting ambiance, the food is Marouli’s greatest asset. You can expect fresh salads, home-baked bread, refreshing cold-pressed juices, falafel, veggie burgers, colorful pasta, and sinfully good homemade desserts. And if you can’t decide on what to eat, the restaurant also offers a seven-course tasting menu.
Traditional Café Symi
Address: Nea Agora 109, Rodos 851 00
As the “oldest traditional café” on the island, operational since 1946, Symi is one of the best places to eat in Rhodes. The café inhabits a small open area inside New Market, Rhodes Town. Consequently, customers have the opportunity to savor the balmy Mediterranean weather along with the palatability of the food.
The no-fuss eatery promises classic dishes made using locally sourced elements. The seafood at Traditional Café Symi, mainly fish bought directly from fishermen, is a must-have. Definitely try the catch of the day (sardines, dorade, seabass), which you can then pair with marinated shrimps, stuffed peppers with feta, or octopus.
Mageirotechneio Paraga
Address: Epar.Od. Apollona 13, Apollona 851 06
Paraga, among the most highly rated restaurants in Rhodes, is a Greek cookhouse located in the village of Apollona. While at 43km outside Rhodes Town, it might be off the beaten path, Paraga promises a culinary extravaganza you’ll forever cherish. Its archetypal island interiors with Greek artifacts and a few surprises adorning the walls set the scene for a tasteful journey exploring the fundamentals of Rhodian cuisine.
From the kitchen of this family-owned tavern then comes out mouth-watering preparations. There’s trahana soup, made with milk and wheat, slow-cooked goat stew, and lamb kapama with intense smokey flavors. To end on a sweet note, indulge in rice milk pudding with cinnamon or a kadaif, served with rose-flavored ice cream.