A charming meze restaurant tucked inside the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, serving traditional Greek small plates, local mezedes, and Rhodian specialties like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters) and kolokithokeftedes (zucchini balls) in a romantic cobblestone courtyard.
Stoa occupies a cobblestone courtyard inside the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, one of the most intact walled cities in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The restaurant specialises in traditional Greek mezedes — the small plates tradition that defines social eating across the Aegean — with a particular emphasis on Rhodian specialties that visitors rarely encounter outside the island. Pitaroudia, the chickpea fritters made with fresh dill and served with skordalia garlic sauce, are the essential opening order; kolokithokeftedes (zucchini balls) fried crisp and fragrant with mint follow naturally. The kitchen produces an oven-baked goat dish using free-range Rhodian animals that is among the best preparations of its kind available in the Old Town. The wine list covers Rhodian appellations alongside the broader Greek canon; the house tsipouro provides a more rustic way to accompany the mezedes in traditional fashion. The setting is the restaurant's most powerful asset — warm lighting bounces off medieval limestone walls and the courtyard is shaded by ancient grapevines in summer. The atmosphere is unhurried and best enjoyed over a long meal of accumulated small plates rather than a single main course. The Old Town streets immediately surrounding the restaurant are among the most photogenic in Greece and reward evening exploration.
Signature dishes
- Pitaroudia (Chickpea Fritters) — €8
- Mixed Meze Platter — €18
- Rhodes Oven-Baked Goat — €20
Good to know
- Known for
- Traditional Rhodian mezedes in a medieval courtyard
- Hours
- 12 PM - 11 PM
Location
Aristotelous, Old Town, 851 00, Rhodes
36.4432, 28.2259 View on map
Highlights
- Medieval limestone courtyard setting inside the UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town walls
- Pitaroudia (Rhodian chickpea fritters with dill) — a local specialty rarely found outside the island
- Oven-baked Rhodian goat using free-range island animals — the kitchen's most distinctive main
- Mixed meze platter allowing a broad introduction to Rhodian small-plate tradition
- Grapevine-shaded summer courtyard with warm lighting and unhurried, convivial atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Order multiple small mezedes rather than a single main — the format reveals the best of the kitchen.
- The pitaroudia are a must-order; they are made fresh and sell out on busy evenings.
- A long evening meal works better here than a rushed dinner; the courtyard atmosphere rewards lingering.
- The restaurant is an easy walk from the Street of the Knights and Mandraki Gate — combine with Old Town exploration.
- Book ahead in July and August for the courtyard; the interior tables have less atmosphere.
When to visit
Summer evenings from June through September, when the courtyard comes alive with warm air and candlelight. May and October offer a quieter, more contemplative version of the same experience.
Accessibility
The restaurant is accessed via cobblestone streets inside the Rhodes Old Town walls; the approach is uneven and involves some narrow passages. The courtyard itself is on a level stone surface. Wheelchair access within the Old Town is very limited due to the historic street network.
Frequently asked questions
What are pitaroudia?
Pitaroudia are traditional Rhodian chickpea fritters, flavoured with fresh dill and herbs, then fried until crisp. They are specific to Rhodes and among the most distinctive items on the island's culinary calendar.
Is Stoa suitable for groups?
The meze format works particularly well for groups — multiple small plates are easy to share and accommodate varied tastes. The courtyard also provides enough space for larger parties with advance booking.
How do I find the restaurant inside the Old Town?
The restaurant is on Aristotelous Street within the Old Town walls, signposted from the main Socratous Street. A map is helpful given the maze of medieval lanes.
Is the Old Town area generally safe to walk at night?
Rhodes Old Town is a safe, well-lit area popular with evening strollers. The walled city's pedestrian-only lanes are pleasant for post-dinner walking.