Taverna Kostas — Restaurant in Municipality of Rhodes

Worst customer service ever: to avoid at any cost!

We visited the Taverna Kostas after some quick research as it appears to be a nice place, amongst the best local Greek Tavernas in Rhodes.

Well, that was a big disappointment, to say the least!

The first evening, we got there at around 9pm and asked for a table for two on the terrasse. Whilst waiting in the queue, another couple double-crossed us -although it was very clear that we were waiting- and the waiter did not say anything and got them a table outside (obviously the last one). They were very busy and told us they didn’t have any other table outside, only inside. We were a bit mad but did not say anything and left (it was too hot to stay inside).

We decided to give them the benefit of the doubt by going there another time the next evening (yesterday night).

After calling them in the afternoon to book a table, they told us that they did not take any reservation and that we could come freely at the restaurant and get a table. We decided to go a bit earlier to avoid the peak, at around 8pm. We were served by the same waiter and asked them a table for two outside. He told us that they didn’t have any table outside and that we had to sit inside. A bit against our will, we made the decision to stay inside and got seated (this, although we saw that there was one “free” table which was used for a big group but could have easily been taken away and set aside to receive other customers).

A few minutes later, one waiter added a table to a large table of around 12 people in front of us and took my partner’s chair (whilst she went to the restroom) to add it to the big table! And that, although we had our cutleries and everything set on our table! I obviously told him that we were two and needed the chair and he nodded, a bit despised. 😅

The cherry on the cake? 🍰

Five minutes later, two young women arrived at the restaurant and asked for a table of 2 outside, and they got that very table displaced and set for them!

Obviously mad, I got up and told the waiters that this was not acceptable and that we had asked first, and that it was the second consecutive time it happened to us. He shared the feedback with his colleague, who just shook his head and shrug his shoulders in a “not my problem” mode. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thus, instead of showing a minimum of professionalism and respect, they decided to simply ignore our complaint. What kind of customer service is this?

Absolutely...

This establishment comes highly recommended by none other than ChatGPT, who graciously shared it as part of my Greek odyssey itinerary. A veritable hidden gem amidst the touristy hustle and bustle, this restaurant stands out for its unassuming charm and the genuine warmth of its service.

Upon entering, my mother and I were greeted by an elder gentleman, who we later learned was none other than the chef's own father. Having been a beloved fixture of the community for three generations, this eatery is imbued with a palpable sense of familial love and a deep connection to the town's history.

And the food, dear reader, was nothing short of divine. Our lunch was a veritable feast of authentic Greek cuisine, prepared with care and served with a smile. And to top it all off, the prices were refreshingly reasonable, especially when compared to the inflated rates charged by the more touristy establishments in the city center.

For those seeking to discover this culinary gem, simply stroll alongside the Palace walls, and within mere minutes, you'll find yourself at the doorstep of this enchanting restaurant, just a stone's throw from the Saint John's Gate - Kokkini Porta - Red Door.

While those who are too hurried or too aloof to appreciate the finer things in life may find themselves unimpressed, true connoisseurs of Greek cuisine will no doubt be delighted by this charming eatery. So why not treat yourself to an unforgettable experience and pay a visit to this...

Taverna Kostas is an authentic restaurant serving delicious traditional Greek food. When visiting Rhodes I gave this restaurant a try and was so impressed that I came back a second time. The atmosphere is warm and makes you feel like you’re in someone’s home as opposed to a restaurant. The staff are beyond friendly, and the service was very quick. In terms of food, my group ordered a number of things off the menu and were consistently blown away by each one. The chicken souvlaki dinner was extremely juicy and came with a healthy portion of salad, rice, fries, and tzatziki. The lamb over mashed potatoes was super tender and very flavorful. The fried feta in phyllo pastry with sesame and honey was an amazing starter. The calamari was crispy and fresh. My favourite mains were the moussaka the pardisia salad. The moussaka was very tasty and extremely authentic, reminding me of my own Γιαγιά’s cooking. The pardisia salad was a fresh blend of mango, green apple, tangy vinaigrette, and grilled manouri cheese over mixed greens which absolutely blew me away. Despite the restaurant not having a cocktail or wine list, we tried the house red and white wines and were extremely satisfied with both. The red wine was a perfect dry while the white was flavourful and more full-bodied. The freshness of the food paired with the promptness of the service and overall environment will make Taverna Kostas a repeat choice for me when coming...