Lindos
Near the start of the donkey path up to the Acropolis, this whitewashed bakery-cafe consists of an enticing vine-covered pebble-mosaic courtyard, shaded…
Must-see restaurants in Dodecanese
Rhodes Town
This inviting complex of historic homes, on a pedestrian shopping street, consists of several antique-filled rooms – cuckoo clocks feature strongly –…
Kos Town
With its traditional wood-beamed ceiling and partly exposed stone walls covered in murals of the gods of the pantheon, Elia is earthy and friendly, and…
Rhodes Town
With jazz and the scent of aromatic arabica coffee drifting through this tiny bakery cafe, and out to a handful of tables on the street, this is an Old…
Dodecanese
Chances are you'll find yourself here, at this lively bakery-gelateria-cafe, on the western side of the waterfront; it's the social hub of the island and…
Dodecanese
Friendly Roula runs a tip-top taverna here that sits out on the eastern end of the beach, a half hour walk from Livadi. Expect fresh seafood and changing…
Lindos
This gorgeous terrace restaurant of the Melenos luxury hotel is set high above Pallas Beach on the donkey path up to the Acropolis. Standout dishes…
Rhodes Town
It’s all about the meat at this simple backstreet taverna; the owner is a butcher, with a shop across the street. Sit outside rather than the dazzling…
Rhodes
This large restaurant, beside the road as it heads out of Monolithos towards the castle, serves high-quality local food on a spacious terrace or in its…
Dodecanese
Skala’s best option for a romantic feast spreads over a balcony terrace and elegant interior at the north end of the harbour. Cretan dishes are the raved…
Dodecanese
Tucked behind the beach at Katsadia, this inviting restaurant with colourful decor and split levels has intimate as well as communal areas to take in the…
Rhodes Town
'Marouli' means lettuce, and you can expect greens galore in this standout vegetarian restaurant. The pasta, which like the owner comes from Italy, is…
Rhodes Town
The pick of several contemporary-styled restaurants on the New Town’s fanciest dining street, Kerasma gives Greek classics a fusion twist, with dishes…
Dodecanese
Enjoying sweeping views of Agios Stefanos Bay, this highly regarded rooftop restaurant serves olives and vegetables grown at its own farm. Following…
Rhodes Town
This atmospheric restaurant, opening onto one of the Old Town’s most attractive, peaceful squares, is celebrated for its fresh seafood – from boned, slow…
Dodecanese
Another local secret. Head to this wonderful ouzerie for a glass of ouzo and accompanying snack, whatever is available that day. Tapas-style plates of…
Dodecanese
Bluer than a sea nymph's iris, this beachside favourite packs them in thanks to well-executed sea bass with ginger and basil (a favourite), calamari,…
Dodecanese
Sitting on the island's best beach for swimming in unbelievable turquoise water, this pleasant little summer-only taverna has decent grilled food and…
Kos
Mylotopi's complex comprises a bar, cafe and restaurant that has been reconstructed on a former village site (with restored windmill, thus its name). This…
Dodecanese
The best spot to eat in Fry (and one of the best on the island), Giaeli (meaning 'traditional song') has raised the island's cuisine bar. This is…
Symi
English-run cafe that’s a favourite morning rendezvous for the island’s expats and a popular rest place at the top of Kali Strata. Sit yourself down on…
Dodecanese
This friendly roadside restaurant sits above a wildflower meadow between Plateia Ilikiomenis and Hotel Porfyris. From its hillside elevation you can gaze…
Kalymnos
Despite its humdrum blackboard menu, this extremely friendly beach taverna serves truly exceptional food, including a delicious barley-bread salad, tuna,…
Kos Town
Stretching from beneath the arches of a municipal building onto the main square, this bakery-cafe is run by a cooperative supporting low-income women and…
Symi
This ultratraditional spot, at the top of the Kali Strata (steps to Hora), is especially fun in summer, when bouzouki music pipes across its breezy pebble…
Dodecanese
Pantelis is one of Patmos' long-standing tavernas, as the blue-and-white decor and vinyl-covered menus attest. But locals and visitors alike pack around…
Lindos
This popular taverna climbs from Lindos’ main square through several levels and dining rooms, but most diners gravitate – or should that be levitate? – to…
Karpathos
The pick of the best-of-both-worlds cafes along this pedestrian street, with a fine old wood-panelled interior decorated in kafeneio style of old, and a…
Kalymnos
Enjoying harbour views from its pretty decked terrace, Yiannis is a reliable spot to head for traditional Greek dishes such as stifadho (meat, game or…
Rhodes Town
Tucked just inside the walls, across from the Archaeological Museum, Dinoris is among the Old Town’s fanciest and more expensive options, with romantic…
Dodecanese
It's the outdoor terrace that first catches the eye here, close to Hora's landmark windmills, but the modern whitewashed interior with its lovely open…
Rhodes Town
A spit away from the Roloi clock tower, facing the Mosque of Süleyman, Mama's has been feeding travellers quality Greek cuisine for generations. The…
Rhodes Town
Flying the flag for the cuisine of Karpathos island, little Yiannis serves some of the Old Town's best traditional Greek food. There’s seating indoors and…
Kastellorizo
This island's best-value taverna, Aiolis is often overlooked because it's the furthest away from the centre (but the nearest to the ferry port). It's the…
Dodecanese
An ultrafriendly, English-speaking Greek couple run this lovely spot, nestled off the main drag – look for the hanging boat and the flower boxes. It…
Kos Town
This incongruous place, behind the marina on a slightly 'busy' (for Kos) road, is worth the pilgrimage. Quality – not gourmet – Greek fare is the…
Karpathos
Owner Pascales comes from the region of Macedonia, so don't expect things to be served the same way here, despite their having the same menu listings…
Kos Town
A lovely surprise awaits after the nondescript entrance of Ta Votsalakia. Pass the bustling kitchen and you'll be on the beach, almost netting your lunch…
Rhodes
It’s worth braving Lahania’s ultranarrow lanes to reach this classic village taverna, tucked behind Agios Georgios church and famed throughout the island…
Dodecanese
A great-value, year-round eatery, run by pleasant owner, Makis. It's all things to all people, from a kafeneio for the elderly males who sit, chatting in…
