Let’s start off by saying that the food is good. However, the service and bill were not.
When we came we got a bottle of water (which is standard in Greece) and bread with olives (free bread is standard in pretty much every restaurant). When we received the bill (which took 10 minutes of waiting even though the restaurant was empty), both the water and bread with olives were on the receipt.
From previous reviews, it seems the restaurant owner is under the delusion that if you give guests water + snacks it is the guests responsibility to refuse this rather than the restaurants to inform the guest that these is extra.
The mains dishes were good, but where given separately (we were only 2 people and the dishes were given piping hot, so it could have easily waited 3-5 minutes for the other dish to be ready)
Furthermore, we also ordered Ouzo which was never given and was added to the bill and then when we mentioned they just said to pay less, rather than given a correct bill. The total order was 34 Euro (without the ouzo). When I gave the waiter 50 euro he gave me 10 back. I demanded the 6 euro back.
The waiter was friendly and apologize though. The waiters English was also not the best, but he tried…
We did receive a complementary small desert, which was nice but was already after the issues. Mind you, we received free deserts in 3/4 other restaurants so this is not uncommon in Athens.
Why try to scam the guests when the food is good? If you want to charge for the water + bread you should inform the guests or don’t give it at all.
I would give 2-3 stars given the fiasco but since the owner commented on a review previously that it is their responsibility to refuse the water, this owner can shove one. Completely delusional.
I would recommend people go somewhere else.
This is literally the first review I’ve ever given on google - speaks volumes to how upset I was at the situation…
Again, the food is good, but it...
Read moreLeaf eaters welcome - vegans, not really.
I went there with my mother. When she kindly asked the waiter if there was anything vegan, he simply said, in a rather dismissive tone, “Salad.” Period. Silence. He didn’t try to find solutions or be helpful — on the contrary, he seemed almost proud of the fact that the restaurant didn’t accommodate vegans, ahah.
Usually even the most basic Greek restaurants have some traditionally vegan sides, so it really wasn’t an out-of-place question (also, they DID have some naturally vegan starters, so it was just a weird attitude).
He then went on saying some other curious things and basically waited for us to either order salad or leave.
Since I’m not a brachiosaurus and I can’t just eat leaves, we tried to find something simple (but still somewhat filling) to eat, maybe by taking the cheese off a dish. Also, it was too late to leave.
To be clear, I don’t expect a great vegan meal clearly marked on the menu in every restaurant (even though that would be great and I’d be writing a very different review right now), but I do expect a restaurant in 2025 to be prepared for the EVENTUALITY that people with different dietary choices show up — or at least to be nice about it. Especially considering the prices and the way the restaurant presents itself: they try to look more polished than a regular taverna, but then treat you like you’re in the wrong place if you don’t order a μπριζόλα με πατάτες?
In the end, the food wasn’t good, and overall it was a bad experience. I can’t really speak for the main dishes, of course. The place is nice.
Two stars because, apart from the vegan issue, the staff were nice and I think they could easily improve if they tried.
[Also, the whole place is so GREEN 🟩 — it looks so vegan-friendly from the outside, but it...
Read moreIf you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience in Athens, Bakalis in Alimos is the place to be. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine Greek hospitality that made us feel right at home. The ambiance of the restaurant is both cozy and lively, perfectly blending a traditional taverna vibe with modern touches. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or on a romantic night out, the atmosphere is simply perfect.
Now let’s talk about the food – absolutely incredible! Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and made with the freshest ingredients. You can really taste the love and care put into each recipe. The menu is full of classic Greek dishes, all prepared in a truly authentic way. We had a variety of appetizers and mains, and honestly, everything was spot on. The grilled meats were juicy and cooked to perfection, the seafood was fresh and flavorful, and the traditional Greek salads and dips were just divine.
What really sets Bakalis apart is the attention to detail and the passion for good food. It’s not just a meal – it’s an experience. The service was fast and friendly, and the staff went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. It’s clear they love what they do, and it shows.
If you’re in the Alimos area – or even if you’re not – Bakalis is worth the visit. It’s a true taste of Greece in every sense, from the food to the warm, welcoming environment. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Highly...
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