Ταβέρνα Ρόδος — Restaurant in Municipality of Ierapetra

The Hidden Gem of Crete — Taverna Rodos is Unforgettable

We stumbled upon Taverna Rodos in Koutsounari and were instantly drawn in by the warmth of the owner, who personally welcomed us and explained the day’s specials. From that first visit, we were hooked.

This husband-and-wife team pours their heart into every dish, using only the freshest ingredients — many straight from their own garden. You can truly taste the care, the tradition, and the pride in every bite. The chef is both modest and passionate, and it shows in every perfectly crafted plate and all of the small conversations he has as he gets to know the guests.

We tried other places throughout our trip, but nothing compared. We ended up dining here 4 out of our 7 nights in Crete. The food is phenomenal, the prices are incredibly fair, and the atmosphere makes you feel like part of the family. Thank you Vasilis!

If you want an authentic Cretan dining experience that captures the soul of the island, Taverna...

Vasilis was a wonderful host. He served us what he had on the go in the kitchen when we popped in for a late lunch. Beetroot with garlic and his secret herb mix, very nice indeed and I am somewhat of a connoisseur of the humble beetroot. Then we were served his Greek salad, a staple of any Cretan taverna but this one was very fresh and graced with his very own olives and olive oil from his garden. All this accompanied by some nice fresh rustic bread with a garlic flourish. Finally we had a hearty portion of grilled lamb with chips and a large portion of his beans in a tasty sauce. All in all a lovely meal served by a gentleman who obviously loves his trade. He sent us off with a bottle of his own olive oil and a wee bag of his secret herbs. All for a very very reasonable price. We will be back when we next...

When I think about Greek hospitality, I think about this place. When you enter the owner will show you what meals he has and will tell you where they came from- chicken from his coop, vegetables from his garden, fish freshly caught that day. We’ve been twice and we’ve never seen a menu, but that’s okay cause we trust what he’ll serve us, and we’ve always been richly rewarded. Everything we’ve eaten here has been just incredible. We had a fish dish in the most succulent sauce that I’ll be salivating over for years to come. The owner will also tell you stories about his time as a restauranteur on the island, he’s so lovely and fun. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area, you...