Surprisingly excellent Indian restaurant in Rhodes New Town, a popular choice for travelers wanting a break from Greek cuisine. Run by an Indian-Greek family, the curries are authentic and reasonably priced, and the restaurant offers good vegetarian options.
Tastes of India is an established Indian restaurant in Rhodes New Town that occupies a niche as one of the best non-Greek dining options on the island. Run by a family with roots in both India and Greece, the kitchen produces authentic subcontinental cooking that does not compromise in spicing or technique to suit a presumed tourist palate, which sets it apart from the generic international fare found on most Mediterranean resort islands. The menu covers the main regional traditions of Indian cooking — butter chicken from the Punjabi tradition, dal makhani slow-cooked overnight, lamb rogan josh with Kashmiri-style aromatics, and a strong roster of vegetarian dishes including chana masala and paneer tikka. The breads — freshly made naan and paratha — are consistently praised and worth ordering alongside the curries. The dining room is simply decorated and informal; service is friendly and helpful in guiding guests unfamiliar with specific dishes or heat levels. The restaurant has built a loyal returning clientele from travellers who appreciate a genuine change of flavour midway through a Greek island holiday. Prices are reasonable for the category, and the kitchen is happy to adjust chilli heat on request. A good selection of Indian beers and lassi options rounds out the beverage list.
Signature dishes
- Butter Chicken — €13
- Dal Makhani — €11
- Garlic Naan — €3
Good to know
- Known for
- Authentic Indian food in the heart of the Dodecanese
- Hours
- 12 PM - 11 PM
Location
Dimokratias 68, 851 00, Rhodes
36.4480, 28.2270 View on map
Highlights
- Authentic Indian cooking without concessions to a tourist palate — the real flavours of the subcontinent
- Butter chicken and dal makhani as kitchen benchmarks — both slow-cooked to a deep, complex finish
- Strong vegetarian menu with chana masala, paneer tikka, and various dal preparations
- Freshly made naan and paratha — among the best bread on the island of any cuisine
- Family-run with Indian-Greek roots — attentive service with genuine knowledge of the menu
Tips for visiting
- Ask the team to calibrate the heat level — the kitchen can cook mild to very spicy and will guide appropriately.
- Order bread with every dish — the naan is made fresh and elevates the curry experience significantly.
- The lunch thali or set menu, when available, is the best value introduction to the kitchen.
- The dal makhani is best ordered early in the evening — it slow-cooks through the day and is at its best fresh.
- A useful option mid-holiday when Greek food fatigue sets in — a meal here provides genuine refreshment.
When to visit
Dinner from May through October is the main service. A midweek evening in June or September offers the most relaxed atmosphere and attentive service.
Accessibility
The restaurant is located on a flat street in Rhodes New Town with level access from the pavement. The interior is on a single ground-floor level with no steps. Wheelchair access is generally straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Is the food authentically spiced or toned down for tourists?
The kitchen cooks to authentic spice levels by default and adjusts on request. Guests who prefer milder versions should specify when ordering — the team is accommodating.
Is there a good vegetarian selection?
Yes — Indian cuisine is inherently rich in vegetarian tradition, and this kitchen offers a broad selection of dal, paneer, chana, and vegetable-based dishes that stand as complete meals.
How does the pricing compare to Greek restaurants nearby?
Comparable to mid-range Greek restaurants in the New Town, with main courses typically running €11–16. A full meal for two with drinks falls around €50–65.
Is the restaurant open year-round?
The restaurant operates through the main tourist season. Off-season hours may be reduced; checking in advance is advisable outside April–October.