Restaurants cuisine du monde Dodecanese

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 We like the calm of this square and the outdated atmosphere found near the plane trees and the church of Saint-Georges-des-Prés.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 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.

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.

In the quiet bay of Pedi, the Katsaras tavern offers a nice wooden pontoon that juts out into the water. You can have lunch or dinner there, almost with your feet in the water. On the menu, a good traditional cuisine where fish and seafood are honored. You will find a good octopus salad in particular. However, this tavern has become a bit more middle-class in the last few years and now charges a bit higher than the average for similar establishments: you pay for the setting, of course, but you don't have to pay too much either...

On the heights of Horio, Georgio and Maria's tavern offers a tasty traditional cuisine, with a view of the bay of Gialos below. The shaded terrace is a real treat when you have made the effort to climb the steps of Kali Strata... The food is simple, but quite good, with classic Greek dishes. There is nothing special to point out here, it won't be the meal of the century but the atmosphere and the view are there to compensate for the lack of inventiveness of the menu. On weekends, concerts of Greek music are organized.

This tavern is part of the Alinda Hotel, located opposite the beach at the beginning of the bay. It is open to all and offers good traditional cuisine, generous and tasty. You will eat all the classics of Greek cuisine as well as good stews and grilled fish to enjoy on the shaded terrace. In season, rebetiko concerts accompany the dinner and sometimes continue late in the evening. This will be an opportunity to discover this popular Greek music, and perhaps even to let yourself go to a few dance steps.

It is one of the best ouzeries and seafood taverns in Leros. We sit on the terrace overlooking the beach of Vromolithos, beyond the bay of Panteli, and enjoy tasty little dishes, including a delicious octopus carpaccio, to be accompanied by a famous fava and grilled fresh fish, while sipping a good ouzo. It's a bit of heaven. As always with fresh fish, have the price confirmed before ordering: it is often reasonable, but it is better to avoid unpleasant surprises.

This small ouzerie in the village of Drimonas, in the bay of Gourna, is the perfect place to eat fresh fish, caught directly by the owner. We settle there to take a break in the shade during a beach day, but the must is still to come for dinner: you will enjoy the golden light at the end of the day. The whole is absolutely simple: when the freshness of the peach is king, it takes precedence over the rest! Don't take offence at the service, sometimes a little nonchalant, and take the time to taste these treasures of the sea.

Overlooking Linaria beach, it is a trendy option where you come with family and friends to enjoy a drink while enjoying food from elsewhere. Indeed, you will not really find Greek specialities in this seaside establishment, but rather burgers and Italian-style pasta. The whole is served in a slightly lounge setting but which remains warm and friendly, and which enjoys a magnificent view. An address that locals love very much: high season evenings are often full

This is a well-known restaurant on Kalymnos, serving traditional local cuisine including mououri, stuffed lamb cooked over a low heat for around ten hours. It's an island specialty that's becoming increasingly hard to find in restaurants. Here, all the ingredients come from the owner's own vegetable garden and farm, and he also bakes his own bread. All cooked with love and served in an exceptional setting overlooking Telendos and the open sea. The terrace fills up quickly, especially at sunset.

Along the harbour towards the north exit of Skala, you will find this very good restaurant, on the first floor of a beautiful building (not to be confused with the restaurant on the ground floor). The terrace is very pleasant and the cuisine tasty: very popular, we advise you to book in the evening if you want to dine on the pretty terrace and not in the indoor room. You will discover classics of Cretan gastronomy, in addition to the more usual dishes. Let yourself be tempted by spicy pork with peppers or the traditional tomato-based strapatsada

Situated on the heights of Chora, between the town hall square and the coach and bus park, Loza offers spectacular views of Skala and northern Patmos. During the day, the blue of the sea mingles with that of the sky, while at night, the lights of the port shine brightly. The cuisine here is a little more sophisticated than in a traditional tavern, with beef fillets, seafood spaghetti... The clientele is touristy and older for dinner, while younger people come here to have a drink with friends.

At the back of Skala, this large terrace is one of the Patmos locals' favorite addresses: you'll soon notice it's still very busy every evening in summer. Here you can eat seafood, grilled fish and fried calamari, while sipping small bottles of ouzo. It's a very popular, friendly and non-touristy address, so you can expect packed evenings and sometimes a bit of a wait. And that's what a traditional tavern is all about! One of the best dining options in the back streets of Skala.

On the beach of Platis Gialos, the tavern is open in season. The terrace is very pleasant, overlooking the turquoise waters of the beach. It offers a nice shade and something to refresh and eat during a day of swimming. You will find classic and unsurprising cuisine, typical of Greek taverns, which does not mean that the dishes are ordinary: the tavern is famous for its grilled meat. They are indeed succulent, the animals being raised by the owners of the place.

Calypso is a Lipsi institution: a hotel, restaurant, mini-market and café all rolled into one! And we're not complaining, as it's one of the best restaurants in the port. One sure sign: most of the Italian regulars eat here, and their love of good food is well known. On the menu, lots of fish and seafood, but also good pasta dishes and tasty antipasti . In the mornings, we meet in the café area, next to the mini-market, to have breakfast while watching the harbor wake up.

For years, Manolis has been filling its restaurant every night of the season, and it's not only because it has the necessary bagou to pick up visitors on their sailboats... Regular visitors also continue to climb the small streets of the village to enjoy a generous risotto or a grilled fish. Here, the cuisine is copious and friendly, with a slightly more sought-after ambition than the average. Come early to try to have a table on the terrace located on the first floor of the historic villa.

Dilaila is the essence of a holiday in Lipsi, concentrated in one place. Christodoulos serves a tasty cuisine, prepared with local products but modernized. It is served throughout the day and in the evening, in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. We spend the day reading, talking, being with friends. Not to be missed: the legendary Full Moon Party evenings where the island meets to dance in front of the moon until the morning. In high season, the service can be long but what need to hurry? Enjoy it, you're in Lipsi!