Rhodes

A brief spell of Italian colonisation did nothing to harm the standard of cuisine on Rhodes, and a colossal influx of holidaymakers in the years since the war has raised the bar even further. Excellent food and similarly beneficial prices combine to ensure some fine meals in Rhodes Town, all delivered with a sunny eastern Mediterranean ambience.

Trattoria Al Parco

Rodos Park Suites Hotel,

12 Riga Fereou Street

Housed in one of the island's best hotels, Trattoria Al Parco is right by the pool and overlooks the gardens, which are dotted with graceful trees. A popular venue for wedding receptions and similar knees-ups, Al Parco specialises in Greek and Mediterranean fare, with dishes such as salmon marinated in mustard and honey and shrimps seasoned with chilli and spring onions. Lobster with linguine ranks as the signature dish, augmented with a salad of fresh vegetables, manouri cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and walnut oil. Creamy textured yoghurt and honey gathered from local hives makes a superb dessert. The restaurant also houses an unrivalled selection of Greek, Rhodian and French wines. Main courses cost about Euro18 ($163).

Palia Historia

108 Mitropoleos

This place serves top-notch Greek cuisine, and if you're planning to have supper here you might want to skip lunch. The highlights of the sumptuous menu include marinated salmon and capers, broccoli delicately fused with oil, mustard and roasted almonds, and shrimps saganaki. There is a good selection of local wines, including some crisp dry whites that complement fish perfectly. The banana flambe sets the seal on things, but is not compulsory. Reckon on Euro35 a head for a very filling meal.

Manolis Dinoris Fish Taverna

14A Museum Square

Centuries ago, Crusader knights stabled their horses here; today, foreign visitors are rather more comfortably quartered, and very much better fed. Book a table in the garden in summer, or warm yourself by the fireside at cooler times of the year. The Coquille St Jacques, grilled prawns and swordfish - priced at about Euro25 each - are outstanding, and the good-humoured staff are always anxious to ensure you are enjoying yourself. Baklava with coffee and brandy promise a resounding culinary climax.

Romeo

7-9 Menekleous

Sokratous

Romeo places discerning diners on the horns of a dilemma. It's well on the beaten track, so very much orientated to tourists - but the food is as good as ever, and the 500-year-old building an enchanting place to enjoy lunch or supper. Cue the bouzouki music and bring on the grilled souvlaki stuffed with melted cheese and tomatoes (Euro18), a festive dish particular to the north of the island. The mixed fish grill is also highly tempting. Head for the roof garden, but hang on to the tablecloth if the wind gets up.

Kon Tiki Floating Restaurant

Mandraki Harbour

Open for more than 40 years, this eatery is as popular for its unique location as anything the kitchen can conceive. It's open for breakfast, and customers are welcome to drop in for just a cup of coffee. Lunch and dinner feature the likes of filet of sole with shrimps, crabs and mushrooms gratinated in a bechamel sauce. Unlike many 'destination' restaurants, the Kon Tiki keeps its prices in check, with many dishes costing between Euro6 and Euro10.