Best Saganaki in Rhodes

In Greece, "Saganaki" refers not to a specific recipe, but to the small, two-handled frying pan in which the dish is prepared and served. In Rhodes, you will encounter two primary versions: **Tyri Saganaki** (a thick slice of hard yellow cheese like *graviera* or *kefalotyri*, pan-seared until the outside is golden-crisp and the inside is molten) and **Garides Saganaki** (succulent shrimp sautéed in a bubbling sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili, and large chunks of feta cheese). Order it as **'cheese saganaki'** for a simple meze or **'shrimp saganaki'** for a more substantial starter. The trap is finding "saganaki" that is heavily breaded or processed; a proper version should rely on the high quality of the cheese or the freshness of the seafood. Expect to pay €7–€15 depending on the protein.

Σαγανάκι (Saganaki) · say “Saganaki” ·

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What to order

cheese saganaki ·

Why locals care

In Greece, "Saganaki" refers not to a specific recipe, but to the small, two-handled frying pan in which the dish is prepared and served. In Rhodes, you will encounter two primary versions: **Tyri Saganaki** (a thick slice of hard yellow cheese like *graviera* or *kefalotyri*, pan-seared until the outside is golden-crisp and the inside is molten) and **Garides Saganaki** (succulent shrimp sautéed in a bubbling sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili, and large chunks of feta cheese). Order it as **'cheese saganaki'** for a simple meze or **'shrimp saganaki'** for a more substantial starter. The trap is finding "saganaki" that is heavily breaded or processed; a proper version should rely on the high quality of the cheese or the freshness of the seafood. Expect to pay €7–€15 depending on the protein.

The ranking · 20 stops

Where to eat Saganaki

10.0/ 10

Drosia

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Verdict
A popular family spot where the moussaka is a reliable staple, always fresh and served in satisfyingly large portions.Ialysos
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20.0/ 10

Ambrosia

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Offers a high-end take on pitaroudia in a beautiful rooftop setting, ensuring they are perfectly drained and never greasy.Lindos
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30.0/ 10

Nireas

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A favorite for its high-quality ingredients and atmospheric setting; their pitaroudia are famously crisp and use a high ratio of fresh Rhodian mint.Old Town
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Evening; located in a beautiful, shaded square.
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$$
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40.0/ 10

Mageireio

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A no-nonsense "cook-shop" that serves honest, local-style pitaroudia to the city's working crowd at lunch.New Town
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50.0/ 10

Traditional Village Festivals

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If you are lucky enough to attend a local panigiri, you may find massive trays of moussaka being served as a communal meal.various
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60.0/ 10

Taverna Periklis

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Worth the drive inland to this village square spot where pitaroudia are served as part of a legendary local meze spread.Psinthos
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70.0/ 10

Archangelos Village Tavernas

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The village spots in Archangelos often serve a more rustic moussaka with larger chunks of potato and meat.Archangelos
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80.0/ 10

To Steki tou Chatzipetrou

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A neighborhood gem where the pitaroudia are exceptionally crisp and follow a closely guarded family recipe from the owners' village.Old Town
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90.0/ 10

Kremasti Local Tavernas

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Several traditional spots in Kremasti serve honest, local-priced moussaka to their regular neighborhood clientele.Kremasti
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100.0/ 10

Paraga

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Widely considered the island's temple of traditional food; they use wood-burning ovens and earthenware pots to produce what many locals call the most authentic pitaroudia in Rhodes.Apollona
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Weekend lunch; located in a mountain village 50km from Rhodes Town.
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110.0/ 10

Hatzikelis

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Known for its refined seafood meze; the pitaroudia here are exceptionally light and serve as a refreshing counterbalance to the heavier fish dishes.Old Town
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21:00 in the quiet courtyard near the ruins of the Church of the Virgin.
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120.0/ 10

To Monastiri

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Located near the historic walls, this spot serves very traditional, large-sized pitaroudia that are ideal for sharing with a group.Old Town
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130.0/ 10

Louis Restaurant

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A reliable, long-standing family spot known for its commitment to Rhodian staples; their pitaroudia are a required order for any first-time visitor.Old Town
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Evening.
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140.0/ 10

Pizanias

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A minimalist seafood spot that lets the ingredients speak for themselves; their pitaroudia are straightforward, honest, and remarkably consistent.Old Town
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Lunch; one of the oldest and most respected fish tavernas in the city.
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150.0/ 10

Stegna Kozas

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Their **Seafood Saganaki** (often featuring a mix of mussels and shrimp) is an island legend; it is served piping hot in the traditional pan and is frequently cited as a traveler favorite.Stegna
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Sunset.
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160.0/ 10

Kallithea Private Tavernas

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Some of the smaller, family-run spots in the Kallithea area serve exceptionally good, homestyle moussaka.Kallithea
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170.0/ 10

Koukos

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A multifaceted traditional house that excels in wood-oven cooking; their pitaroudia are handmade daily and famously fragrant with fresh mint.New Town
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13:00 for a traditional lunch; near the New Market.
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$$
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180.0/ 10

Stegna Star

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A classic beachside taverna where the pitaroudia are light, golden-brown, and packed with fresh mint and local onions.Stegna Beach
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190.0/ 10

Ouzeri Hermes

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A classic, unpretentious ouzeri that serves honest, local-priced pitaroudia that are widely cited as the best value in the medieval quarter.Old Town
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Late afternoon for raki and meze; a favorite with local Old Town residents.
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$
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200.0/ 10

Rhodes Central Market (Nea Agora) Tavernas

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Several small tavernas in the market serve moussaka as a daily staple for market workers and savvy locals.New Town
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