In the south west of Greece, at the head of the Messenian Gulf, is where the beach city of Kalamata is located. Well known for its excellent Kalamata olives and olive oil, Kalamata got its name through the Greek phrase Kala Matia – Beautiful Eyes. The exact name suits perfectly to the new restaurant located at the Kdumim Square right on top of the gorgeous Jaffa Port.
View of the Jaffa port
Kalamata restaurant is designed to look like the traditional Greek stone made, whitewashed houses. It also supplies the best possible view of the Jaffa port (we suggest you pre-book the tables by the windows). Sitting there, enjoying the wonderful breeze of a Saturday afternoon, we were just hoping the food will be a match to the setting. And oh, it did.
Roasted Beets Salad
It started off with Roasted Beets Salad. The salad, which combines beets on the “plancha” along with many herbs such as Mint leaves, Basil, Coriander and Parsley, was definitely one of the best we ever had. Its sweet seasoning together with the fresh herbs gave it a super refreshing taste. Roman Style Artichoke dish kept the bar way up high. Grilled Italian artichokes lay on a ceramic bowl together with roasted peppers and cream cheese and were fantastic.
Roman Style Artichoke
Looking at the view from time to time, we continued our happy Mediterranean meal with a dish of Shrimps in Ouzo. Set again in an authentic ceramic plate, the Ouzo was a great alcoholic kick to the well cooked Shrimps. Another delicious dish was Shredded Black Pasta with Mussels, Calamari and Chili. We literally licked our fingers.
Shrimps in Ouzo
After this experience we couldn’t help ourselves but ordering a dessert as well. Though Arabic and not Greek at all, we took the homemade Kanafeh that was tasty as well.
Heading outside to the beautiful square, we really felt abroad. Kalamata is definitely a perfect place to stop and have a meal during your stroll in the Jaffa Port and Boardwalk area.
The check please (2 people)
Roasted Beets Salad – 28 NIS
Roman Artichoke – 28 NIS
Shrimps in Ouzo – 44 NIS
Shredded Black Pasta with Seafood – 68 NIS
Kenafeh – 26 NIS
Coke – 12 NIS
Soda Water – 10 NIS
All in all: 216 NIS
The Cizer-Kobrinsky Scale:
4.5 Forks
Summary:
Food: Mediterranean
Price: Medium
Location: Jaffa Old city
Contact details: Kalamata
Address: 10 Kdumim Square, Jaffa | 03-6819998|
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-01:00 Sunday 18:00-01:00 |
http://www.kalamata.co.il/ (no English)
tTourists, don’t go there!! It is a tourist trap!
The food isn’t good.
Can you please elaborate? Since we have been there twice and much enjoyed it will be helpful for us all if you would write what disappointed you
I was there saturday with my husband & son, it was beutiful and the food was good. I dont understand the weird comment above…