Best Restaurants in Rhodes Town: What’s Worth It (and What to Avoid)
Not all restaurants in Rhodes Town are worth your time. Here’s where to eat, what to avoid and how to spot the places that are actually good.
RESTAURANTS
This guide is part of my Best Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide) — where I break down the best places to eat across the island, from local tavernas to hidden food spots.
If you’re planning your trip beyond Rhodes Town, you can explore all areas, food types and local dining experiences inside the full guide.
If you also want to combine food with activities, beaches and local experiences, explore Best Things to Do in Rhodes.
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.
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.
🍽️ Plan Your Food Experience in Rhodes
If you want a full island dining overview, start with:
→ Best Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
To understand local dishes and what to try, see:
→ Rhodes Food Guide 2026 — Traditional Dishes You Must Try
Some of the best food moments in Rhodes are part of a bigger experience — from sunset dinners to boat days and local tours.
👉 Best Experiences in Rhodes
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.
Rhodes also has a fantastic food scene. These local guides highlight the best restaurants, taverns and traditional dishes worth trying:
→ Best Restaurants in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
→ Rhodes Food Guide 2026 — Traditional Dishes You Must Try
→ Rhodes Street Food 2026 — What to Eat & Where
→ Best Traditional Taverns in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide – Authentic Greek Food)
→ Best Seafood Taverns in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
→ Best Local Markets in Rhodes (Fresh Food & Local Products 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 I break down the best cheap and local food spots.
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.
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.
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, start with Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece
👉 Best Experiences in Rhodes — discover the experiences that turn a simple meal into a memorable evening.Where to Stay Near the Best Restaurants
📘 Make Your Trip Easy
If you want everything organised without overthinking:
→ Rhodes Digital Travel Guide 2026 (Local, Instant Download)
Grab my FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.
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).
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