Best Restaurants in Rhodes Town (2026 Local Guide – Where to Eat in Rhodes Town)

Rhodes Town has one of the best food scenes anywhere on the island. As the capital and the most visited place in Rhodes, you’ll find everything here — traditional Greek tavernas, modern Mediterranean restaurants, seafood spots near the harbour, stylish bistros, and plenty of casual places locals visit regularly.

But there’s one important thing to know.

Some restaurants inside the busiest streets of Old Town rely heavily on their location and passing tourist traffic. You’ll often see hosts trying to pull people in, menus with photos, and prices that don’t always match the food quality.

That’s exactly why I created this guide.

If you want to explore restaurants across the island, see the full guide to Best Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide).

I live on the island full-time, and these are restaurants in Rhodes New Town that I genuinely recommend — places where locals eat, travellers return to, and where the food represents real Greek cuisine rather than tourist menus.

This guide focuses on restaurants outside the Old Town walls, around areas like Mandraki Harbour, Elli Beach, and the streets of Rhodes New Town.

If you’re looking for the best places to eat inside the medieval Old Town, check my separate guide to Best Restaurants in Rhodes Old Town, where I share the most reliable tavernas and hidden spots within the historic walls.

And if you're curious about local dishes to try while eating out, check the Rhodes Food Guide 2026 — Traditional Dishes You Must Try.

Grab my FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.

Best Restaurants in Rhodes New Town

If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Rhodes Town outside the Old Town walls, these are some of the most reliable places to eat in the New Town area.

This part of the city around Mandraki Harbour, Elli Beach, and Akti Miaouli has some fantastic restaurants that locals actually visit — and often with fewer tourist traps than inside Old Town.

These are also Looneytravels-approved picks from my local travel guide.

Tamam

One of the most highly rated restaurants in Rhodes New Town is Tamam, located just a short walk from Mandraki Harbour.

This restaurant is well known for its Mediterranean and Greek cuisine with Turkish influences, creating dishes that are full of flavour and slightly different from typical Greek tavernas.

It’s a great place if you want something a little more unique while still enjoying traditional regional cuisine.

Popular dishes include:

• slow-cooked lamb dishes

• mixed Mediterranean meze

• grilled meats

• fresh seafood plates

The portions are generous, the flavours are rich, and the restaurant has built a reputation as one of the most consistently loved restaurants in Rhodes Town.

The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, making it a great choice for both casual dinners and special evenings in Rhodes New Town.

Avocado

Avocado is one of the most consistently highly rated restaurants in Rhodes Town, with thousands of positive reviews.

It’s located close to Elli Beach, making it a great option after a day at the beach.

The restaurant focuses on Mediterranean and Greek cuisine using high-quality ingredients.

Dishes worth trying include:

• grilled sea bass

• seafood pasta

• fresh tuna dishes

• Greek salads with local olive oil

The service is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed, which is why many visitors return multiple times during their stay.

Peskesi Greek Cuisine

If you want something a little different from traditional tavernas, Peskesi Greek Cuisine is a fantastic option in Rhodes New Town.

This restaurant focuses on authentic Greek cuisine made with high-quality local ingredients, served in a modern and beautifully presented way.

It’s a great place if you enjoy trying several flavours and experiencing Greek dishes with a slightly more refined touch.

Some highlights include:

• slow-cooked lamb dishes

• creative Greek meze plates

• fresh seafood options

• seasonal ingredients inspired by traditional recipes

The concept feels modern while still staying deeply connected to Greek culinary traditions and local flavours, which is why it consistently ranks among the top restaurants in Rhodes Town.

El Toro Steak House

If you’re craving a great steak in Rhodes Town, El Toro Steak House is easily one of the best options.

It’s one of the top-reviewed restaurants in Rhodes Town on TripAdvisor, especially for meat lovers.

The menu focuses on high-quality grilled meats and generous portions.

Popular choices include:

• ribeye steak

• beef carpaccio

• grilled burgers

• BBQ platters

This is a great spot if you want a break from Greek food for a night.

Piatakia

If you want something a little different from traditional tavernas, Piatakia is a fantastic option in Rhodes New Town.

This restaurant serves Greek tapas-style dishes, allowing you to try several small plates instead of one big meal.

It’s perfect if you enjoy sharing food and tasting multiple flavours.

Some highlights include:

• slow cooked lamb

• creative Greek meze plates

• seafood dishes

• seasonal local ingredients

The concept is modern but still very rooted in Greek cuisine and local flavours.

Proavlio

Proavlio is one of the few traditional tavernas located just outside Old Town that still feels genuinely local.

The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, and generous portions.

It’s the kind of place where dinner turns into a long evening with wine, meze, and conversation.

Dishes worth trying include:

• grilled lamb

• traditional Greek meze

• fresh salads with local olive oil

• homemade desserts

It’s perfect if you want a relaxed Greek dinner without the busy Old Town crowds.

If you're a seafood lover, you should also explore Best Seafood Taverns in Rhodes 2026 — Local Food Guide.

Best Traditional Taverns in Rhodes Town

If you want authentic Greek cuisine, traditional tavernas are always the best choice.

Typical dishes include:

• moussaka

• souvlaki

• grilled lamb

• stuffed vine leaves

• meze plates

These restaurants are often family-run and use recipes passed down for generations.

If traditional Greek cuisine is what you’re looking for, see Best Traditional Taverns in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide – Authentic Greek Food).

Best Seafood Restaurants in Rhodes Town

Because Rhodes Town sits directly on the harbour, seafood is one of the best things to eat here.

Fresh fish often includes:

• sea bass

• sea bream

• red mullet

The simplest preparation — grilled fish with olive oil and lemon — is usually the best.

Restaurants near Mandraki Harbour and Old Town often serve the freshest catch of the day.

Best Scenic Restaurants in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is more famous for medieval streets than sunsets, but there are still some beautiful dining settings.

The best scenic dining spots include:

• garden courtyards inside Old Town

• harbourfront restaurants near Mandraki

• rooftop terraces

If you're looking specifically for sunset dining around the island, see Best Sunset Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide – Romantic Dining with a View).

Best Budget Restaurants in Rhodes Town

You don’t need a big budget to eat well in Rhodes Town.

Gyros Shops

Gyros is the most popular Greek street food.

A pita gyros usually costs €3.50–€5 and is perfect for a quick lunch or late-night meal.

You can find the best places in Best Gyros in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide – Authentic Greek Gyros).

Casual Street Food

Other affordable options include:

• souvlaki wraps

• Greek pies

• bakery snacks

You can also explore Rhodes Street Food 2026 — What to Eat & Where.

Where Locals Eat in Rhodes Town

Locals rarely eat in the busiest squares of Old Town.

Instead, they prefer:

• smaller streets

• neighbourhood tavernas

• restaurants outside the medieval walls

These places usually offer better value, bigger portions, and more authentic food.

Restaurant Prices in Rhodes New Town

Restaurant prices in Rhodes New Town are generally reasonable and often better value than the busiest streets inside Old Town.

Because many locals eat in this part of the city, you’ll find a good mix of casual tavernas, modern Greek restaurants, seafood spots, and affordable grill houses.

Typical food prices in Rhodes New Town:

Gyros or street food
€3.50 – €5

Taverna meal per person
€15 – €25

Seafood dinner
€25 – €40

Dinner for two with wine
€45 – €70+

Prices can be slightly higher at upscale restaurants or waterfront locations, but overall Rhodes Town offers some of the best food value on the island.

For a full cost breakdown see Is Rhodes Expensive in 2026? Full Cost Breakdown for Hotels, Food, Transport & Activities.

Tips for Eating in Rhodes New Town

A few local tips can make a big difference when choosing where to eat in Rhodes New Town.

Many of the best restaurants are located around Mandraki Harbour, Elli Beach, and the streets behind Akti Miaouli, where both locals and travellers regularly go for dinner.

Try to avoid places right on the main tourist strips if the menu looks overly generic. The best food is often found one or two streets away from the busiest roads, where restaurants focus more on quality than passing foot traffic.

Dinner time in Greece is also later than many visitors expect. Most restaurants start filling up after 8:30 PM, especially during summer.

If you want to explore even more great tavernas around the island — including traditional villages and coastal seafood spots — having a car makes things much easier. See Car Rental Rhodes – Local Tips, No-Deposit Options & Trusted Companies.

What to Do After Dinner in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is one of the best places on the island for evening walks.

After dinner you can:

• walk through the medieval streets of Old Town

• stroll around Mandraki Harbour

• enjoy rooftop bars

• explore the lively New Town nightlife

For activities around the island see Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece – Best Experiences by a Local.

You can also explore Best Experiences in Rhodes (2026) and Best Boat Trips in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide).

Where to Stay Near the Best Restaurants

If food is important during your holiday, Rhodes Town is one of the best places to stay because everything is within walking distance.

Browse accommodation in Rhodes Island Greece Hotels – Best Picks for 2026.

If you're deciding where to stay, read Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026).

For hotel recommendations see Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area.

Plan Your Rhodes Trip

Rhodes has far more to offer than just restaurants.

From beaches and boat trips to castles, villages, and hidden coves, there’s plenty to explore.

Start planning with Plan Your Rhodes Trip – Itineraries, Guides & Local Planning.

You can also download the full Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 (Local, Digital, Instant Download).

FAQ

Are restaurants in Rhodes New Town expensive?

Restaurants in Rhodes New Town range from cheap street food to stylish Mediterranean restaurants.

A pita gyros usually costs around €3.50–€5, while a traditional taverna meal typically costs €15–€25 per person.

Some modern restaurants or seafood places can be slightly higher, but overall New Town often offers better value than the busiest restaurants inside Old Town.

Do restaurants in Rhodes New Town accept cards?

Most restaurants in Rhodes New Town accept credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.

However, smaller grill houses or street food places may still prefer cash for small payments, especially late at night.

ATMs are easy to find throughout the city centre.

Should you reserve restaurants in Rhodes New Town?

During high season (July–August) reservations can be helpful for popular restaurants, especially around Mandraki Harbour and Elli Beach.

Outside peak season, most restaurants in Rhodes New Town have availability and you can usually walk in without a reservation.

Are vegetarian restaurants available in Rhodes Town?

Yes, vegetarian and plant-based food is widely available.

Many Greek dishes are naturally vegetarian, including Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves (dolmades), fava, grilled vegetables, and cheese meze.

There are also restaurants in Rhodes Town focusing specifically on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, making it easy for plant-based travellers to find good options.

What food is Rhodes Town known for?

Rhodes Town is known for traditional Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and classic Mediterranean dishes.

Popular dishes you’ll see on most menus include moussaka, souvlaki, grilled fish, seafood pasta, Greek salads, and meze plates designed for sharing.

If you want to explore more places to eat around the island, see Best Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide).

To learn more about local dishes, see Rhodes Food Guide 2026 — Traditional Dishes You Must Try.