A charming harbor-view taverna on Symi island serving fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes in an unspoiled setting. Symi's sponge-diving tradition lives on in menus rich with fresh sea urchin, lobster, and prawns caught by local fishermen.
Taverna Giorgos occupies a harbour-facing position in Gialos, the lower port of Symi — one of the most visually striking harbours in the Dodecanese, ringed by colourful neoclassical mansions that climb steeply from the waterfront in tiers of ochre, pink, and terracotta. Symi is a small island most visitors reach on day trips from Rhodes, and the taverna catches a good portion of those visitors alongside the island's modest permanent and seasonal population. The menu reflects Symi's most celebrated culinary claim: the Symi prawn, a small, intensely flavoured shrimp found in the deep waters around the island and considered among the finest shellfish in Greece. Symi prawns in ouzo — cooked in a flaming pan with the anise spirit, olive oil, and fresh herbs — is the dish for which the island is known and the essential order at Giorgos. Beyond the prawns, fresh sea urchin (when in season) provides a raw ocean intensity, while the octopus stifado braised with pearl onions and spices draws on a wider Aegean tradition. The harbour views across to the colourful mansions make the setting photogenic and pleasant throughout the day. Most visitors arrive on day-trip boats and lunch here before the afternoon return to Rhodes; dinner is quieter and more relaxed.
Signature dishes
- Symi Prawns in Ouzo — €20
- Fresh Sea Urchin — €14
- Octopus Stifado — €15
Good to know
- Known for
- Symi's famous prawns and fresh seafood in a stunning harbor
- Hours
- 11 AM - 10 PM
Location
Gialos Harbor, 856 00, Symi
36.6141, 27.8396 View on map
Highlights
- Symi prawns in ouzo — the island's most celebrated dish and the essential order at any Symi taverna
- Harbour-facing position in Gialos with views of Symi's famous colourful neoclassical mansions
- Fresh sea urchin in season — a raw, intensely flavoured Aegean delicacy
- Octopus stifado braised with pearl onions and spices — a rich, slow-cooked taverna classic
- A genuine island experience on one of the Dodecanese's most beautiful and unspoiled harbours
Tips for visiting
- The Symi prawns in ouzo are non-negotiable — they are what makes the island gastronomically distinct.
- Lunch is busier due to day-trip visitors from Rhodes; arriving for dinner gives a much more relaxed experience.
- Symi is reached by daily ferries and hydrofoils from Rhodes Town — the journey takes 50–90 minutes depending on service.
- The sea urchin is seasonal — ask what is fresh before ordering.
- The harbour staircase climb to the upper village (Chorio) is steep but rewarding and a good post-lunch activity.
When to visit
Dinner in Gialos when the day-trip boats have left — the harbour becomes peaceful and the colourful mansions glow in the evening light. May and September offer the most tranquil atmosphere.
Accessibility
The taverna is on the flat harbour promenade at Gialos with level access. The ferry terminal is a short walk along the waterfront. The upper village (Chorio) involves steep stairs and is not wheelchair accessible, but Gialos itself is manageable at ground level.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Symi prawns special?
Symi prawns (Γαρίδες Σύμης) are small, sweet, and intensely flavoured shellfish caught in the deep waters around Symi. Their depth of flavour is considered superior to common Mediterranean shrimp, and they are a flagship product of Dodecanese cuisine.
Is Symi worth a full-day visit rather than a day trip?
Strongly so — while day trips from Rhodes are common, staying overnight allows visitors to experience the island after the day-trippers depart, when the harbour returns to its natural, unhurried pace.
Does the taverna take reservations?
The taverna operates informally. Day-trip visitors at lunch generally find walk-in tables available. Dinner reservations can be made by contacting the restaurant directly.
Is Symi harbour (Gialos) accessible from the ferry?
Yes — ferries and hydrofoils dock directly at Gialos harbour. The taverna is a short walk along the harbour front from the main ferry terminal.