The best restaurants Dodecanese

This restaurant near the old town is located in a beautiful neoclassical building but in summer we prefer the tables in the pretty outdoor courtyard. Here you will taste Cretan specialities against a backdrop of traditional Crete music. Among the essentials of Cretan cuisine, try snails and charcuterie. Most of the products come from Zaros, the owner's home village in the central region of Crete. A pleasant address, especially to come with friends and taste all the dishes.

On the road to Nimborios, with a splendid view over the whole bay of Gialos, this establishment offers deliciously prepared traditional cuisine. It's one of the port's best addresses for local specialties and Greek classics. The place has been renowned for many years, and regulars never miss an opportunity to visit: don't forget to make a reservation! At midday, the hustle and bustle of the port seems far away, and in the evening, you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere with garlands of lights by the water's edge.

This traditional tavern promises a pleasant break under the beautiful pergola that shades the courtyard. The cuisine offers classic dishes that are genuinely fresh, unlike many of the touristy restaurants in the area. The menu is limited but tasty, and you can sample some fine local wines. As this is a very popular address, it's best to book in the evening, especially in high season. Opt for the tables on the street to watch the world go by, or for the inner courtyard if you're looking for a little peace and quiet. Good value for money.

This family tavern located in one of the streets behind Mandraki is a very traditional establishment. Outside, on a shaded terrace, you can eat simple and delicious dishes: homemade stuffed meatballs, local cheese, delicatessen, red beets with garlic... No pretensions here, we are maintaining the good old-fashioned recipes of yesteryear and that is fine. A tavern that offers dishes, without fuss, like at home. The service is also straightforward, simply pleasant.

The Avli restaurant is a small oasis set in the courtyard of an old house: one appreciates the setting, above all. It offers very good Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, at very reasonable prices, hence the rush that can explode in high season: we recommend booking in the early evening. Otherwise, it's better to get there late to escape the well-informed crowd. Try a traditional dish, such as lamb stamnas, cooked for several hours in the oven. Take a look at the long list of wines to taste Greek grape varieties.

With its terrace overlooking the port and opening onto the sea, Mylos is a tavern appreciated for its traditional cuisine for years. You will find all the classics of Greek cuisine with souvlaki, mezzedes and fish but also the most typical dishes of Kassos. Try lobster spaghetti spaghetti, very successful and really tasty. Big appetites will enjoy the generous portions. In the evenings in season, the tavern fills up quickly and the atmosphere can become festive when a guest or friend passing by goes to the lyre.

Were you dreaming of amazing, tasty and cheap cuisine? That is the case. The map offers some classics of Mediterranean gastronomy, but every day the Italian chef will draw inspiration to the market and to the few organic farms on the island to combine constantly renewed inventive dishes.

It's certainly one of the oldest restaurants in Kos town, and it's easy to see why it's still in business: a pleasant terrace, old-fashioned decor, music from the 1920s and, above all, good traditional cuisine, which is maintained year after year. Indulge in the house tsipouro with anchovies, kavourdisti (fried pork) and other tasty dishes. It's all about taking your time, and relaxing, as the tavern's name suggests, "Jamais le dimanche" if translated into French!

Located on the main square of the Horafia district, on the hill that separates the main port from the port of Mandraki, this tavern is one of the best restaurants on the island. It serves a family cuisine, especially known for its traditional dishes such as stews and oven-roasted vegetables. It is also where some scenes from Gabriele Salvatores' film Mediterraneo were shot. We like the calm of this square and the outdated atmosphere found near the plane trees and the church of Saint-Georges-des-Prés.

An old pastry that also serves ouzo at night.

This restaurant, run by the same family for decades, is a must if you want to discover the community and gastronomy of the Turks of the Dodecanese (see Religion section at the start of this guide). The menu features Turkish-Greek specialties that will delight you after or before your visit to the nearby Asclépéion. Everything is delicious, especially the stuffed zucchini flowers and the yoghurt vegetables. As for meat, the kebabs are famous. Another stall, on the other side of the street, also sells good ice creams and oriental pastries.

Ampavris is one of the best tavernas in Kos. Located close to the town center, it's set on the road leading to the Asclepion, which, although busy, doesn't get in the way of enjoying a good meal. The family who run the restaurant are always ready to recommend the dish of the day. Try the lahano dolmades (cabbage stuffed with rice, minced meat and herbs), otherwise the stewed or grilled meats(souvlaki) are delicious. We appreciate the warm and attentive service, which is not necessarily very common in high season in Kos.

One of the best value for money and often crowded. You can easily make your canteen. 

Just below the monastery, Jimmy's Balcony has long been the only café with a view in Chora. Tables are installed in this old house, typical of Chora, but if one comes here it is especially for the tables installed on the terrace, on the famous "balcony". Indeed, the view on Patmos, the sea and Skala is breathtaking. The place fills up quickly: we advise you to come early in the morning to have breakfast or a fresh juice, before or after visiting the monastery. You can then enjoy the view and the peace and quiet.

At the northern end of Linaria beach, on the quays that border the bay, this tavern serves very good grilled fish and meat, almost with your feet in the water. You will find all the classics of local and national cuisine in a wonderful setting. As always, fresh fish can be a little more expensive than the rest and don't forget to get the price of the animal confirmed before confirming the order. The mezzedes to share will be a great option for a light lunch on hot summer days.

This restaurant is located on the pretty Agia Lesvia square: sit on the terrace and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the village, which transforms in the evening to welcome a more bourgeois population than elsewhere. The long-established tavern here has recently had its ups and downs: revisited in a modernized, somewhat pretentious style, the quality of the dishes had plummeted and prices had inflated in recent years. It seems that quality is gradually being restored, even if the slightly blinged-out style has been maintained. The location is well worth a stop.

Michalis and his family run L'Olympia and its sublime roof terrace, overlooking the entire city, from where you can admire the ramparts of the fortress, the acropolis and the sea. Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Greek and Italian culinary traditions - Michalis' wife is from Italy. The homemade wines are very correct. It is not necessarily easy to find, as always in the maze of Lindos: from the main square, go to the church of the Virgin Mary, then to the right and always straight ahead towards the amphitheatre.

There are three ouzeries on the port. This is where we meet for a coffee during the day or a drink in the evening, nibbling on grilled octopus that has been drying there in the sun since the morning. It is the heart of local conviviality, you cannot - and should not - cut through it. Depending on the evening, we will choose Niko's Place or Aspraki which has our preference for dinner. Traditionalists will choose the calm of the Sofoklis ouzerie, a little set back from the quays, sheltered from the wind. It is the only one that remains open all year round: the oldest have their headquarters there.

In this traditional ouzerie, the owner Theo finds his own fish: the assortment of grilled fish proves to be a very good choice as well as the octopus salad, which will bring a salutary freshness to the hot summer nights. In the small alley, the tables are often crowded around musicians who have come to play traditional rebetiko tunes. People drink, sing and eat well, far from the bling bling. Simple, cheap and really nice: you will find here all the benevolent atmosphere of Skala and more widely of Patmos.

This taverna, which opened in 1965, is one of the village's best-known establishments: for almost sixty years, located directly on Grikos beach, it has maintained reasonable prices and appreciable quality, despite growing tourist pressure. Enjoy your mezzedes on the terrace, overlooking the sea and the horizon. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with good, honest and tasty home cooking, featuring all the classics of Greek gastronomy. One of the island's authentic tavernas.

This fish tavern is pleasantly situated on the seafront, almost with its feet in the water. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come for its reasonable prices, ideal location and fresh produce. We recommend the small fried fish, atherina, to be shared as a mezze with a nice cold beer to recover from the day's sightseeing, before tackling the more substantial dishes. Given the busy season, service can be a little slow.

This tavern is located on the beach of Schinontas, just outside the port of Maltezana. Here you can eat very good food, prepared with good products, in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Thanassis, the owner of the place, has understood how to satisfy his customers: the immediate proximity of a beautiful beach (with umbrellas and deckchairs if you feel like it), a smiling and impeccable service, and an unbeatable freshness menu. All this with prices that remain reasonable. It's a great address, where we like to come back again and again.

This family tavern is perched on the heights of Gialos and dominates the entire bay: the view from the terrace is spectacular and the location is ideal to see the sun set behind the amphitheatre of the port. It takes a little effort to get up there but you will be well rewarded. On the plates, you will taste good cuisine that is generous, unpretentious but honest, and offers good value for money, which is rare in Symi. Let yourself be tempted by the special dish of the day. Vegetarians will also be able to enjoy themselves.

This traditional kafeneio opened its doors at the beginning of the last century and, for a few decades, fulfilled its main function: welcoming the men of the village who met there to catch up, drink coffee and play tavli. Over the years, the establishment began to offer simple, traditional dishes, which it continues to do today. You can try the speciality of lamb cooked for 7 hours in an earthenware dish and, on Friday evenings, listen to concerts of traditional karpathiote music.

Forget about the fresh fish and lobster that Astipalaia is famous for: at Tasos, the stars of the show are the grilled meats. The stars of the show at Tasos are the grilled lamb chops, the Greek-style steaks and the kid. It's all divinely simple and tasty, served on the heights of Schinontas beach, just outside the village. One overlooks the horizon, devouring all kinds of meats. Vegetarians should refrain: you won't find anything to your liking here apart from the accompanying vegetables.

Benetos Chora is the little brother of the restaurant Benetos in Grikos, which is known for its good food. It is a nice place where you can come for brunch and a coffee with a view. A young team, a modern menu that tries to mix international options with local products, and a carefully designed decoration are the elements that make the place a success. However, we regret the inflated prices (like the other establishments of Chora), and the trendy atmosphere that reminds us of a somewhat seen and seen again aesthetic.

This tavern is the fiefdom of Chief Sophia Makrygiannaki. She cooks local specialities: succulent stuffed vine leaves (dolmades), makarounes with onions and local cheese, sitaka. The menu is limited, and even if the menu displays many dishes, they will not all be available on the day of your visit... It is an unpretentious restaurant, which has been serving good homemade food for years. You will be pleasantly installed on the port of Bouka, in a soothing setting with a view of the church of Saint-Spyridon.

In the center of the port, the beautiful terrace of the Lazarakis restaurant is successfully run by Yorgos, Marie's husband from the Mediterraneo "brand". It's a meeting place for tourists looking for fresh fish and dishes that are a little more refined than the average Greek table. It's hard to resist the ceviche and other raw fish dishes, which vary according to the catch of the day. The wine list is equally respectable. Particularly pleasant in the evening, under the lights of the port. But beware of the prices...

For years, this has been one of the best restaurants on the harbor, but, as is often the case in Kastellorizo, it charges slightly inflated prices. People flock here for quality Greek cuisine, more refined and sought-after than the average classic taverna. With its elegant, immaculate terrace, Alexandra's is the place to go for succulent mezzedes to share. Don't hesitate to opt for the often delicious daily specials and fresh fish (but beware of the price, which should be confirmed before ordering to avoid unpleasant surprises!)

Since 2023, the Paradosiako Piato tis Lefkosias tavern has moved from the port to the foot of the citadel, in Paleo Horio. Today, it's the only tavern in the old village, where you can enjoy traditional dishes prepared over a wood fire. It's one of Halki's legendary restaurants, and we're delighted to discover it in this enchanting new location. We continue to rave about the meats cooked to perfection, including kid, the extra-fresh garden vegetables, and the hand-prepared makarouns .

Babis Taverna is a classic fish tavern on the harbour. You will find all the traditional dishes of Greek cuisine: excellent fish, of course, but also grilled meat and good vegetarian dishes among the vegetable side dishes. Finally, the wine of the house is respectable. As always with fresh fish, choose the animal with the waiter and get the price confirmed before placing the order: this will avoid unpleasant surprises when you check in.

Even before entering the area, we linger in front of the two-storey, century-old building, which has been nicely restored. This is undoubtedly the most pleasant tavern on Ioannou Theologou Square with, fortunately, a kitchen to match. The wine list - more than 120 - is stunning. The cuisine is simply refined, offering all the classics of Greek cuisine. In summer, the garden is lovely. Reservation recommended, as the place is very popular in this quiet and less touristic corner of Kos-ville.

The reputation of the Mavrikos restaurant is well established: it's known all over the island, well beyond the limits of Lindos. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd used to eat here when he visited the village. This pretty restaurant stands in stark contrast to the more touristy spots in the main square. This family, in the kitchen for over 75 years, offers a Rhodian cuisine with innovative touches - not necessarily inexpensive, and a little disappointing of late... But the course has been maintained. Also worth noting is the wide variety of vegetarian dishes.

This is the restaurant of the Patmos Aktis Suites Hotel. Faithful to its reputation, the establishment offers a refined and sought-after cuisine, which is also more expensive than elsewhere... The products are of excellent quality, including fresh fish caught in the fish-bearing waters of Leros. The very beautiful menu offers a mix of Greek and international dishes. We particularly appreciate the idyllic location, directly on Grikos beach, and the very professional service. We don't like the coldness of the place, the frightening whiteness.

Gerani's has been a safe bet for many years: this fish tavern offers hearty home cooking in a warm atmosphere. Try the zucchini flower fritters with the delicious grilled fish of the day (check the price). The hotel, slightly set back from Livadia beach, also offers clean and comfortable studios, nicely nestled in the greenery of a beautiful shady garden. They have been recently renovated and offer great value for money in Livadia

This tavern is surely one of the best traditional restaurants in Pothea. There are very good fish and seafood, especially shrimp dishes, but also very good grilled meats and vegetables prepared in the traditional way, such as tomato okra. The wine list is friendly and cheap. We like the tables on the small plot slightly set back from the waterfront. It can be a little hot at noon in the summer: prefer dinner time but remember to book in high season because the places are very popular.

One of the most famous seafood and fish restaurants in the old town. As always when it comes to fresh fish, it's not cheap but the portions are generous and the quality is high. Choose the fisherman's tray to share, or a selection of dishes, also to share, including the excellent saganaki of mussels or shrimps. It's delicious, and the setting, facing the ruins of Sainte-Marie-du-Bourg church, is the icing on the cake!

This fish ouzerie and tavern is perfectly located in the small port of Mastihari: ideal for a meal before boarding for Kalymnos. Tourist in appearance, the establishment is also visited by locals who enjoy the delicious fresh fish dishes. Be careful, however, to ask if they were caught in the open sea or if they come from the fish farms of Kalymnos. And, as always, select the animal in the kitchen before confirming prices. These are reasonable.

Marco Polo Mansion offers refined cuisine in an idyllic setting. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade in a small alleyway in the old town, it's an enchanted garden hidden within a medieval building. Here, you'll be able to enjoy the finest quality dishes. The fundamentals of Greek cuisine and Italian gastronomy are revisited in a more contemporary but not at all pretentious approach. Every tradition is respected, and flavors take precedence over everything else. Don't miss the desserts, which are just as delicious.

This Italian restaurant offers tasty traditional cuisine, using quality products that are seasonal whenever possible. Here, you'll taste the best pizzas and fresh pasta on Rhodes. We can't recommend enough what to try first, as everything is so delicious. The garganelli all'amatriciana, for example, is a short pasta with guanciale , but the raw carpaccios are just as fabulous... Also perfect for those looking for a change from Greek tavernas. Locals pass the address around, so don't hesitate!

There are some worthwhile taverns in Chora: you will not be disappointed by the good family and traditional food served here. The specialty: stews or meat dishes in sauce. In particular, we will taste a good goat's kleftiko, cooked in the oven. On the other hand, avoid fish dishes that are not particularly well prepared, even if they are correct. You can't be good at everything: here you come for the meat, first of all. The pretty shaded terrace, located a little far from the other restaurants, is very pleasant.

When Constantinos Avantis opened his tavern on the beach of Afandou in 1983, he never thought that the whole island of Rhodes would one day rush to his table. The years have passed and today it is no longer a small hut but a solid restaurant, renowned for its fish and seafood specialities. Lobster spaghetti is the most popular dish in the world, but let yourself be tempted by today's peaches, you won't regret it! However, be careful with the addition, especially with fresh fish.

Situated in the heart of Lindos, this restaurant has been going from strength to strength, offering a truly magnificent view of the acropolis rising above the village. Mythos All Day Restaurant offers a fine menu of homemade Greek specialities. The owner takes great care of his customers. A good address for a romantic dinner: we recommend you make a reservation, as the restaurant is very popular in the evenings.

Caesar's has one of the most beautiful terraces in Lindos. It has an ideal swimming pool to relax while sipping a delicious cocktail and sharing delicious mezzedes facing the sunset. After a day of walking, cultural visits or intensive beach, what could be better? Here, the small dishes to share, the mezzedes therefore, are classics of traditional Greek cuisine, which have been revisited in a gourmet version. The welcome and service are worthy of a great restaurant, do not miss it: you are guaranteed to fall in love with it.

This elegant restaurant is located in a small alleyway in Lindos. No terrace, but a hushed, chic atmosphere, combining tradition and modernity. The owner, Georges, takes great care to ensure impeccable, professional service. The cuisine is top-notch and very good value for money, given the dishes on offer. Once again, a special effort is made to combine traditional recipes with a contemporary approach. An establishment that has won praise far beyond Lindos' borders.

This tavern on the Pali marina is a very good option to taste some of Nissiros' specialities, including seafood and pythias, a local version of a falafel, made with chickpeas and onions. Choose the fish of the day - confirming, as always, the price of the selected animal before ordering - for an ultra fresh meal. George and his team provide a warm service. We look at the sailboats moored in the port and let ourselves be enchanted by the Aegean Sea and the passing of time, slowly.

This taverna overlooking Tigaki beach has been established for over 25 years. You'll be able to dine on a rather successful cuisine, offering the great classics of Greek gastronomy - including a good lamb kleftiko - with more international options, notably Thai following the chef's successive stays in Thailand. Vegetarians will be delighted by the à la carte selection, with no meat or fish. This establishment is also renowned for its copious breakfasts, often prepared for Northern European tourists in mind, but well worth the effort.

This tavern located set back from the seaside is renowned by the locals for its mezzedes of the sea and its fresh fish. We come here with family or friends to remake the world around many small dishes of octopus, sardines or fish caught the same day. To accompany them, you will find great Greek classics such as fava, mashed split peas or zucchini fritters. And, as always for fresh fish, go choose your animal with the waiter and ask for confirmation of the price before ordering.

This traditional mezzedopoleio also serves as a tavern-restaurant and is certainly one of the classics of Pigadia. It is open all year round and in the summer the tables fill the street. Here you will find all the small dishes or mezzedes to share that make the diversity and beauty of traditional Greek cuisine: dolmades or stuffed vine leaves, salads, octopus... as well as a series of more hearty dishes, offering grilled fish and meat, in addition to typical dishes of the Karpathian gastronomy

This restaurant, located on the quays, slightly beyond the bell tower, serves Italian-inspired cuisine, but also great Symi classics. The dishes are rather good but the prices are higher than the average of traditional taverns: we are playing here on the restaurant aspect, which is a little more sought-after. The whole is very pleasant: we like the tables by the sea, the welcome shade on hot summer days and the location a little away from the crowds that visit the port on day trips.