το γιασεμί μας (παραδοσιακό καφενείο) — Restaurant in Municipality of Rhodes

Being unfamiliar with the bar-café culture, we entered this nearly empty eatery mid-afternoon in the pouring rain. We were greeted warmly but were surprised when there seemed to be an issue with getting a table in an otherwise empty restaurant. According to the proprietor, the tables were “reserved.” As directed, we sat at a larger table in the middle of the room.

Menu? “No menu, but I’ll tell you what we have today,” said the proprietor. Things didn’t seem promising at first, but that was only because we didn’t yet understand the culture of these types of eateries. We had to wait a few minutes while the menu was explained and orders were taken from the other people already seated.

Before long, the place filled up completely, with every seat taken, and food started steadily rolling out from the one-person kitchen.

We somewhat messed up our own order—entirely our fault, given our poor communication skills. Despite the confusion, we still received nearly everything we thought we’d ordered, plus a few dishes we hadn’t intended to order but didn’t know what they were at the time.

Bottom line: what a great afternoon. The service was outstanding, and the food was delicious—particularly the fried cheese balls and fava beans, which were especially memorable.

After taking our time (ridiculously leisurely by American standards), we realized no one had left, and it appeared no one was planning to leave anytime soon. This wasn’t just a place to have a drink and a meal; it was a place to spend the afternoon. We later learned that this is exactly what you do on a Saturday: eat, drink, and socialize.

We truly appreciated the patience and understanding the proprietor showed us while warmly welcoming us into his restaurant and culture....

This place may not be in the center, maybe it is not surrendered by palm trees and fancy shops yet became my absolute favourite restaurant in Rhodos - also because of that facts. If you would like to eat the best clamari you ever had, fries that tastes like homemade ones made by your mom when you were a child...then you are in the best place possible :) The owner is super nice and speaks English. This place feels like home and is absolutely fantastic. I heard they even have live concerts! but unfortunately I did not have a chance to attend but...next year for sure I will! If You are in Rhodes You must visit...

This place is something special. If you wanna get away from the city center and eat very good Greek traditional food this "Yasemi" is the best choice. Small plates, in the center of the table and share everything 100% like the greek culture. You can understand how good it is when you come because most of the time it is full of locals. Some times they even have live greek music. I have been here more than 10 times already and Stelios the owner is a great guy! A MUST COME during...