4 Best Restaurants in Symi, Rhodes and the Dodecanese

Tholos

$$ Fodor's choice

A seaside perch at the end of Yialos Harbor is the picturesque setting for an excellent meal, which often begins with such traditional appetizers as stuffed zucchini or boiled greens (the taramosalata here might just be among the best in Greece) and includes fresh grilled fish and other daily home-cooked offerings. You may want to arrive early enough to enjoy sunset views of the harbor, and reserve far ahead—during peak summer season it can be booked out days in advance.

Greek Lunch Dinner $$ Fodor's Choice
Waterfront, Yialos, Symi, 85600, Greece
22460-72033
Known For
  • sunset views
  • excellent Mediterranean dishes
  • polished service—not always a given on the island
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–Mar., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Georgio and Maria's Taverna

$

Meals at this simple taverna, as popular with locals as it is with tourists, are served in a high-ceilinged, whitewashed dining room or on a terrace that is partially shaded by a grape arbor and affords wonderful views over the sea and surrounding hills. Fish is a specialty, and simply prepared mezedes (small dishes), such as roasted peppers topped with feta cheese and fried zucchini, are a great start to a meal here.

Greek Casual Lunch Dinner $
Chorio, Symi, 85600, Greece
22460-71984
Known For
  • local favorite
  • sea views
  • best place to eat in Chorio
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Haritomeni

$
A ten-minute walk east of the evening bustle on the main waterfront leads to this waterside gem. The accomplished Haritomeni has a lofted terrace with spectacular views over the bay. Like most places on the island, either eat early or book ahead as it fills up fast later on. The menu is decent value, with typical Greek mezedes dishes—calamari, fried saganaki cheese, papoutsakia (stuffed eggplant)—all crafted with no little skill and propping up meatier grilled fare.
Greek Casual Dinner $
Yialos, Symi, 85600, Greece
22460-072771
Known For
  • fantastic views away from the crowds
  • good-value local Greek fare
  • friendly staff

Recommended Fodor's Video

Zoe's Taverna

$
The steep climb up to Zoe's all but guarantees a spectacular view, though it's worth booking ahead to secure a table with front-row seats. The food is equally breathtaking, with a strong adherence to traditional Symiot cuisine: think jugged hare, dolomades (stuffed vine leaves) the way granny used to make them, and five-hour slow-cooked lamb and potatoes. Many of the ingredients used come from the owner's own farm.
Greek Lunch Dinner $
Kali Strata, Chorio, Symi, 85600, Greece
22460-72520
Known For
  • fantastic views out over the coast
  • traditional Symiot cooking
  • friendly owner and service