Socratous Garden

Located at Sokratous 124, Rodos 851 00, Greece, Socratous Garden is more than just a Greek restaurant or café; it's a multi-faceted establishment serving as a point of interest, a lively night spot, and a tranquil escape within the bustling medieval town of Rhodes Island. While unassuming from the outside, stepping through its entrance reveals a surprisingly expansive and enchanting hidden gem.

Atmosphere & Ambiance ✨

Socratous Garden truly shines with its captivating ambiance. Guests consistently describe it as an "oasis of calm" and a "secret hide-away". The interior transforms into a wonderfully well-kept garden, teeming with lush palm trees, diverse Mediterranean plants, and colorful flowers. Numerous gazebos provide shaded spots, offering a welcome respite on hot, sunny days. The atmosphere is further enhanced by typical regional music or ambient background tunes, coupled with a soothing water feature. It's a popular and often busy place, yet manages to maintain a serene vibe, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break from sightseeing.

Food & Drinks 🍽️🍺

The culinary offerings at Socratous Garden cater to various preferences, though opinions on the quality vary. For those seeking a refreshing beverage, cold beer, including Bitburger, has been noted as a great find. Drinks in general are described as "good," though some advise against expecting too much, particularly for cocktails, which have been called "pricey and watered down."

Regarding food, it's generally considered "tasty," with one reviewer highlighting the all-in-one Greek plate as a satisfying light lunch option at an "extremely reasonable price." However, some feedback suggests that the food can be "rather bland." It hits the spot for a casual meal, but might not be a gourmet highlight.

Service & Staff 🗣️

The staff at Socratous Garden are generally capable, with many speaking a variety of languages, including English. Some visitors have praised the team as "cheerful." However, there are mentions of inconsistent service, with some waiters appearing disengaged or making customers feel like a "burden." Getting the attention of staff can sometimes be a challenge, requiring a bit of effort on the guest's part.

Pricing 💰

The pricing at Socratous Garden is generally considered "acceptable", especially when factoring in its prime location within the Old Town and its unique atmosphere. While certain items, like cocktails, might be on the pricier side, options like the all-in-one Greek plate are noted for their "extremely reasonable" cost, providing good value for money.

Key Takeaways & Recommendations

Socratous Garden is highly recommended as a tranquil stop during your exploration of Rhodes Old Town. It's an excellent place to:

1. Escape the Heat: The shaded garden provides a perfect retreat.
2. Enjoy the Ambiance: The lush setting, music, and water features create a very pleasant environment.
3. Relax with a Drink: Especially for a cold beer or a casual refreshment.
4. Have a Light Meal: Options like the Greek plate offer good value for a quick bite.

However, visitors should be aware of a few points:

• Some find the drinks (especially cocktails) to be underwhelming in quality for their price.
• Food can be bland for some palates.
• Service can be inconsistent; be prepared to possibly flag down staff.
• A notable concern raised by guests is the prevalence of smoking and vaping within the outdoor but enclosed space, which can detract from the otherwise calm atmosphere.

Despite some minor drawbacks in service or specific menu items, Socratous Garden's unique setting and inviting atmosphere make it a worthy visit, particularly for a leisurely break or a casual gathering in the heart of Rhodes Old Town. For some, it might feel like a "tourist trap" after a single visit if expectations for food/drinks are high, but for many, it becomes a regular and cherished spot.

You have to go ! What a fantastic place - just loved it here -hanging trees, water, birds, vines and the old wall - staff were quick and attentive !We just went in for a beer but could have had food which looked great when being sent out to the tables. Our go to if in the Rhodes old town

The place is beautiful and a nice like sanctuary in the middle of the old town. Lots of greenery in the space.The staff are very rude and just grunt at you.Coffee was average but the homemade lemonade was lovely and refreshing.

Perfect hidden gem in the middle of a beautiful city. The restaurant has a huge garden which makes you forget that you are in a tourist city. The food was good and the pricing even better. And that for Rhodos city. What made it perfect was the service. After the arrival of a cruiseship the same day, our waiter was still positive, cheerful and service oriëntated. We were with a group of 11 and we all had a perfect time there. For all who visit Rhodos....this is the place to relax and escape the tourist city....for a moment.

A great bar / restaurant in the shade of beautiful tree canopies. Sensibly priced drinks and close to the Attiki hotel.

If you look at the place from outside it seems to be very small but you need to take a look inside, the place is very good, with typical regional music, the staff speaks many different languages gauges including English.The price is acceptable if you add the location and atmosphere.The drinks are good are ok but don’t expect too much.