Kalamata is beautiful. It’s situated right on the Gulf of Messinia, on the Mediterranean Sea, with mountains all around. It’s completely picturesque… And almost empty in wintertime! We will have to go back in summer to see and experience all Kalamata has to offer, but you know what we were able to do while we were there? Eat! Here are the best places to eat in Kalamata–even in the low season!

Mesogeios

We were quite hungry when we first arrived from Athens, so job number 1 was to find a place to eat supper. We found a place with a view and had it practically to ourselves. Kalamata olives were involved, of course, and in true Greek form, the portion sizes were massive. Steve’s Carbonara Greco (Greek carbonara pasta) was bigger than it looked, thanks to a deep dish, and my fresh fish came whole–head and eyes included! Honestly, that’s not my favorite way to have fish at a restaurant, as I’m always worried I’ll miss a bone because I have to debone it myself, but it was very tasty!

Keep eating: The Best Foods You Must Try in Greece

Athanasiou

We made this our nightly ritual! I’m a true sucker for sweets, and my husband is easy to convince that dessert should be involved. We each chose something different every night. The one problem with that? There were too many desserts we wanted to try! We’ll have to make it back to try some more. There are other Athanasiou locations in Kalamata and other cities around Greece, so when you see one, make it your mission to try a sweet!

Read next: The Best Day Trip from Kalamata to Ancient Olympia

Grand Hotel Kalamata

We loved our stay at the Grand Hotel Kalamata! Breakfast was included each day, and it was truly the best breakfast experience we had during our trip. We ordered from a menu, not a buffet, and each dish was made to order. Portions were generous, as expected, so you can expect to leave full. Our favorites were the omelette and the smoothie of the day!

More here: What It’s Like Staying at the Grand Hotel Kalamata

Taverna Argo

We asked the woman at the front desk for authentic Greek restaurant recommendations, and she certainly delivered. I think everyone else eating at this restaurant was a local, which automatically means the food is authentic and delicious! This was the first, but not last, place where we tried the zucchini balls, which came highly recommended. We were completely sold on them after one, delicious, creamy bite!

For dinner, my husband tried the Smyrna Meatballs, which came with fries and rice (the Greeks are not afraid of carbs), and I ordered the Pastitsio, which I was told was “like lasagna.” It looked like moussaka, but instead of eggplant and potatoes, it included noodles, beef, cheese, and a savory béchamel layer on top.

Keep reading: The Best Day Trip from Kalamata to Ancient Sparta

Kentopikon

We asked a local for a lunch recommendation our last day in Kalamata, and he pointed us to this place, right in the heart of Kalamata. To be honest, it wasn’t our favorite, but it was definitely a local spot, and we were hungry when we arrived! My husband’s Caesar Salad was massive, and they had very tasty zucchini balls (we had to order them again after trying them the night before!). But my Giaourtlon (pita and meat with yogurt sauce) was not at all what I was expecting. They had an extensive menu, however, so I’m sure there is something there for you if you want to give it a go!

Also helpful: What to Know Before You Visit Greece

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