
Mageirotechneio Taverna Paraga
A beloved traditional Greek cookhouse in Apollona village, offering authentic Rhodian cuisine made with local ingredients and baked in a wood-fired ov...

Highlights
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Mageirotechneio Taverna Paraga

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved traditional Greek cookhouse in Apollona village, offering authentic Rhodian cuisine made with local ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven.
"Worth the drive for an authentic, down-to-earth dining experience you won't find anywhere else."
Make Reservations
Secure your table at this popular taverna by making a reservation in advance.
Try Off-Menu Specials
Ask about specials like the lamb shoulder for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Greek
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth perfection of lamb shoulder, slow-cooked for hours in a traditional wood-fired oven.

Authentic Rhodian Village Setting
Savor genuine local dishes in a serene village atmosphere, a delightful escape from typical tourist spots.

Freshly Baked Rhodian Bread
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of bread baked daily in a traditional wood-fired oven.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Secure your table at this popular taverna by making a reservation in advance.
Try Off-Menu Specials
Ask about specials like the lamb shoulder for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Arrive Early for Ambiance
Enjoy dining under the vines and savor homemade desserts by arriving early.
Worth the Drive
The scenic drive to Apollona village is rewarded with an authentic and delicious dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Secure your table at this popular taverna by making a reservation in advance.
Try Off-Menu Specials
Ask about specials like the lamb shoulder for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Arrive Early for Ambiance
Enjoy dining under the vines and savor homemade desserts by arriving early.
Worth the Drive
The scenic drive to Apollona village is rewarded with an authentic and delicious dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mageirotechneio Taverna Paraga is celebrated for its authentic, high-quality Rhodian cuisine, especially its slow-cooked lamb shoulder and freshly baked bread. Diners praise the generous portions and exceptional value, making the journey to Apollona village well worth it. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, occasional mentions of unavailable menu items or slight deviations from the menu can occur.
"If this place is a far drive from you and you’re considering it let me tell you now it’s WORTH it. You cannot get a more delicious, more authentic and down to earth dining experience than this. Get out of the beach clubs and classic restaurants for a night and enjoy the most delicious food you’ll have in Greece. I literally cannot fault it. It’s quite meaty and I’m veggie but still had plenty to eat and every dish was still an easy 10/10. Places are like this are literally the reason I travel. (Views at sunset are also breathtaking)"
Sophie Bruxner-Randall
"While wandering through Rhodes, we stopped at this tavern. The tavern was nice and clean, and the tables were set simply but beautifully. The food, coffee, and wine were excellent. The service was friendly, and the prices were also good. We're glad we stopped here."
František Tulec
"First of all, it’s well worth the drive! This traditional Greek restaurant is such a gem where is located in countryside. It’s around 1 hour drive from downtown Rhodes. The most famous dishes of this restaurant is the ‘Kapamas’. It’s s shoulder lamb which being cooked in the wooden oven for 10 hours. I also ordered some Zucchini fritters and Greek salad. They make their own bread and it is delicious. The last but not least, I ordered ‘orange pie’ as a dessert. It was so flavorful and delicious. The portions were big and I paid €35 total. I’d absolutely come back here if I ever go to Rhodes again! Thank you."
Murat Hüdayi Erdoğan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many reviewers state that the scenic drive to Apollona village is absolutely worth it for the unique and delicious authentic Rhodian cuisine.
The slow-cooked lamb shoulder and the freshly baked Rhodian bread are highly recommended and considered signature dishes.
Yes, while the cuisine is meat-centric, there are some vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available.
It is recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak times, as the taverna is very popular with locals and visitors.
Yes, reviewers consistently mention that the portions are very generous, offering excellent value for money.
Dessert options may be limited and can vary. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival or consider arriving early to potentially enjoy them.
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This traditional Greek cookhouse sits at the entrance of Apóllona village, in a former clubhouse for Italian officers, and is a popular meeting place for locals. All ingredients come from the farmland surrounding this neighbourhood restaurant, and Rhodian bread is baked daily in a wood-fired oven. Starters include fava split peas with smoked herring, as well as Greek and eggplant salads.
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For a taste of local cuisine, Paraga Restaurant at Apollona village is a must-visit. It highlights the richness of Rhodian ingredients like extra virgin oil, local honey, and fresh tomatoes—don’t miss the trahana, a traditional soup made from soured milk curds. The restaurant is located in an old house and features wood beam ceilings and a fireplace.
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Despite a population of just 900, Apollona village is thriving on its interpretation of tradition. Giannis Efthymiou is reviving and enhancing near-forgotten recipes. In a former Italian officers’ club, the snakeskin print apron-wearing chef has created a season-conscious, farm-to-fork oasis.
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Paraga, a gastronomic gem located 45 km from the city of Rhodes, in the village of Apollona, was reconstructed in 2006 by the Efthymiou and Sedona families and is now essentially something between a tavern and a restaurant. In the kitchen, Yannis Efthymiou, exemplary cooks local specialties in the wood-fired ovens, filling the tables with authentic goodies made with recipes that he cooks without changing their traditional character. He serves sublime braised beef cheeks he wraps in parchment paper, "encapsulating" the meat in a clay sheet, a dish you have to order at least 3 days in advance but it's worth to try.
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Paraga, among the most highly rated restaurants in Rhodes, is a Greek cookhouse located in the village of Apollona. While at 43km outside Rhodes Town, it might be off the beaten path, Paraga promises a culinary extravaganza you’ll forever cherish. Its archetypal island interiors with Greek artifacts and a few surprises adorning the walls set the scene for a tasteful journey exploring the fundamentals of Rhodian cuisine.
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When we were very impressed by Marco Polo, which we experienced on the first day in Rhodes, we asked Mrs. Efi, who took care of us, about the places she would recommend to us in Rhodes. The rest of the days we enthusiastically tried these suggestions. Although we often choose the places we prefer on our travels based on our research, recommendations from locals are always very valuable.
Is Rhodes Good for Families? Exploring the Island's Family-Friendly Appeal
Mageirotechneio Paraga also presents an inviting space for families, serving traditional Mediterranean and Greek dishes in a cosy setting. Their menu includes a range of options that will please both adults and children, making it a wonderful choice for a family gathering.
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The Traditional Greek Restaurant "Paraga" is located at the entrance of Apollona village, where the Italian officers' club was once housed. "Paraga" has become a meeting point for both locals and visitors, guarding the island’s culinary tradition. Using only fresh, ...
Best Vegetarian and Vegan food on Rhodes, Greece
Apollona in the center of the island is an area that’s mostly popular for hikes. But there are also some great vegetarian and vegan friendly food spots there!. Like Taverna Paraga.
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Located in an old house with wooden beamed ceilings and a fireplace, Paraga Restaurant at Apollona village offers a taste of local cuisine.
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