What Food To Try in Rhodes and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Rhodes for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Rhodes cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.92
$49.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $27.29
$6
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.46
What to Try in Rhodes
Must-try Dishes
Fried Egg with Feta - Kavourmas (breakfast special) - This dish features fluffy scrambled eggs mixed with crumbled feta cheese, seasoned with herbs and lightly fried for a golden crust. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, typically paired with fresh bread or olives for a hearty start to the day. Cocktail Souvlaki - Σουβλάκι (street food classic) - Small skewers of marinated pork or chicken, grilled to perfection and served with pita and tzatziki sauce. It's a common street food option enjoyed during late-night outings, especially after a long day exploring.
Stuffed Peppers - Γεμιστά (vegetarian delight) - Bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, tomatoes, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, all baked until tender. This dish is typically served during family lunches in the summer, often accompanied by a side of Greek salad.
Traditional Moussaka - Μουσακάς (comfort food) - Layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce make up this hearty baked dish. Often enjoyed for Sunday dinners, it holds a special place at festive occasions and family gatherings, showcasing culinary traditions.
Baked Cod with Garlic - Μπακαλιάρος (local specialty) - Salted cod cooked with garlic and olive oil, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s crispy on the outside yet tender within. Commonly eaten on the feast day of the Annunciation, this dish is a firm favorite among locals, especially during Lent.
Octopus in Red Wine - Χταπόδι Στυφάδο (surprising combination) - Tender octopus stewed in a rich red wine sauce with spices, usually served with a side of pasta or potatoes. It’s a dish that bridges sea and land flavors, surprisingly popular at festive gatherings, where it’s often seen as a special treat.
Chickpeas with Spinach - Ρεβίθια με Σπανάκι (seasonal variation) - Slow-cooked chickpeas with fresh spinach, flavored with lemon and herbs, is nutritious and filling. Locals enjoy it especially in spring, when spinach is at its best, often served alongside crusty bread at lunch or dinner.
Desserts & Drinks
Freddo Espresso - Φρέντο Εσπρέσσο (iced coffee) - A deliciously strong espresso shaken until frothy and served over ice, perfect for hot summer days. Can be commonly seen in cafés across Rhodes in the afternoon, often accompanied by a small pastry or sweet treat.Ouzo - Ούζο (anise-flavored liqueur) - This iconic Greek spirit is made from distilled grape must and flavored with herbs like anise, served chilled with ice or water. Locals enjoy it with meze (small plates) during social gatherings, especially in the evenings when the sea breeze picks up.
Loukoum - Λουκούμι (Turkish delight) - These sweet, chewy treats come in various flavors (like rose or citrus) and are often dusted with icing sugar. Typically enjoyed at special occasions or as a post-meal dessert, locals love to pair them with coffee for a delightful experience.
Halvas - Χαλβάς (semolina dessert) - A soft and dense dessert made from semolina, sugar, and nuts, usually flavored with cinnamon. This traditional delight is a popular choice during festivals, especially Lent, and is often enjoyed as a guilt-free sweet after a meal.
Vasilopita - Βασιλόπιτα (New Year cake) - A rich, sweet cake that contains a hidden coin and is served as part of the New Year’s celebration. It's customary to slice the cake at midnight, when families gather to share memories and blessings, and whoever finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year ahead.
Food and Groceries in Rhodes
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.09 |
| Oranges | $1.61 |
| Potatoes | $1.1 |
| Apples | $1.74 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.92 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.73 |
| Imported Beer | $1.77 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.1 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $7.5 |
| Cigarettes | $4.11 |
| Rice | $1.98 |
| Local Cheese | $15.17 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Rhodes, dining habits reveal a distinct rhythm, particularly during summer high season when locals and tourists blend seamlessly. For instance, lunch typically runs from 1 PM to 3 PM, while dinner starts around 8 PM and continues until nearly midnight. It’s fascinating to see how this late-night dining culture contrasts with many other places, where earlier meals are the norm.
In areas like the Old Town, you can find prices varying widely. At a mid-range restaurant, a typical meal will cost between €15 and €25. However, venture a bit outside the tourist routes, and you might find hidden local tavernas where the same meal could be enjoyed for as little as €10, though quality can differ. Budget-conscious eaters can overlook the trendy spots along the waterfront—pricey, and often averaging €30 for the same dish. It’s not unusual to see locals opting for takeout souvlaki from street vendors, which usually costs around €3 to €5.
Payment customs are quite straightforward in Rhodes. Cash is king, especially in smaller establishments; using cards might not be accepted everywhere. Although it’s becoming increasingly common, not all places accept cards, so it's wise to have a few notes handy. Tipping here is appreciated but not obligatory—a round figure or a small gesture (usually about 5-10%) ensures good rapport with the server.
An authentic local dining habit involves sharing meze—small plates meant for communal enjoyment. This allows diners to sample a variety of flavors, enhancing the social aspect of meals. Oh, and before I forget, many tourists make the mistake of trying to dine at popular spots right at peak hours—typically 8 PM to 9 PM. Arriving even slightly earlier or later can result in a much more relaxed experience.
For those planning to visit, reservations are especially recommended at popular eateries during the summer months to avoid long waits. You might just sip a cool glass of local wine while waiting, savored under the warm Mediterranean breeze. Seasonal dining experiences are noteworthy, as fresh seafood shines during warmer months, while hearty stews feature more prominently in winter months.
Observing the dining patterns in Rhodes, one can see the balance between preserving traditions and accommodating the needs of an evolving food scene. As the island attracts a younger crowd, the emergence of more trendy eateries and fusion cuisine is weaving into the rich tapestry of local flavors.
In areas like the Old Town, you can find prices varying widely. At a mid-range restaurant, a typical meal will cost between €15 and €25. However, venture a bit outside the tourist routes, and you might find hidden local tavernas where the same meal could be enjoyed for as little as €10, though quality can differ. Budget-conscious eaters can overlook the trendy spots along the waterfront—pricey, and often averaging €30 for the same dish. It’s not unusual to see locals opting for takeout souvlaki from street vendors, which usually costs around €3 to €5.
Payment customs are quite straightforward in Rhodes. Cash is king, especially in smaller establishments; using cards might not be accepted everywhere. Although it’s becoming increasingly common, not all places accept cards, so it's wise to have a few notes handy. Tipping here is appreciated but not obligatory—a round figure or a small gesture (usually about 5-10%) ensures good rapport with the server.
An authentic local dining habit involves sharing meze—small plates meant for communal enjoyment. This allows diners to sample a variety of flavors, enhancing the social aspect of meals. Oh, and before I forget, many tourists make the mistake of trying to dine at popular spots right at peak hours—typically 8 PM to 9 PM. Arriving even slightly earlier or later can result in a much more relaxed experience.
For those planning to visit, reservations are especially recommended at popular eateries during the summer months to avoid long waits. You might just sip a cool glass of local wine while waiting, savored under the warm Mediterranean breeze. Seasonal dining experiences are noteworthy, as fresh seafood shines during warmer months, while hearty stews feature more prominently in winter months.
Observing the dining patterns in Rhodes, one can see the balance between preserving traditions and accommodating the needs of an evolving food scene. As the island attracts a younger crowd, the emergence of more trendy eateries and fusion cuisine is weaving into the rich tapestry of local flavors.