Notiás — Restaurant in Municipality of Kalamata

I am so disappointed to be posting this review and have left it until last of all the restaurants we dined in during our wonderful time in Greece this September in case it was representative. We were fortunate enough to dine out 13 times during our trip, and 12 of those experiences were fantastic. We chose Notias based on Google Reviews and whilst we were eating fairly early, we were pleased to see that a few tables on the quayside were reserved. The restaurant was on the pricier side of those we visited and the drinks menu is limited comparatively (wine (but red wine is not available by the glass), beer, aperol spritz and soft drinks are available, but no spirits or cocktails for example). This was no issue and the initial service was friendly. We decided to order the fresh squid for one of the mains, and were advised this would be 400g. Whilst expensive, we thought this would be worth splashing out on as this was principally a fish restaurant. I ordered the cod in batter, described as coming with sides of garlic mashed potato spread, garlic mashed potatoes, beet spread and seasonal greens (see pic of menu). The starters (feta in honey and courgette fries) were good. Unfortunately, it started to go wrong with the main courses. Firstly, we had ordered a side of fries specifically to go with the squid, as it didn't come with anything. These were brought with the starters so were cold by the time the mains arrived, but we put that down to experience. When my husband's squid arrived, the portion was tiny - seemingly nowhere close to 400g. We didn't want to make a fuss so continued with our meals but then when I tucked into my cod (there was no mashed potato by the way, only the "spread") and realised that everything else on the plate was cold - both "spreads" and also the seasonal greens - in fact the greens were fridge temperature and inedible. This meant that the parts of the cod that had come into contact with this part of the plate were also cold. I asked our initial waiter if the vegetables were supposed to be cold (and explained this was not what we were expecting) and he went off to check. By the time anyone reappeared, the rest of the family had finished their meals. The female supervisor came over and told me that this is the way the vegetables are prepared there but that if I wanted them warming up they could do so. I was made to feel like an idiot. I tried to explain that I would have expected this to be mentioned on the menu but she wasn't having any of it and was very patronising. When the original waiter returned to clear the plates and asked if everything had been ok, he could see that this wasn't the case from my plate and he was very apologetic and offered complimentary desserts or drinks. He was in no way to blame but we didn't want to stay there a moment longer so we paid up (including the 20+ euros for the tiny piece of squid) and headed off to a wonderful gelateria 5 minutes away where we had great service and value for money. If you look at my reviews on Google you will see that they are almost universally very positive and I was very hesitant to write this as I know at this time of year, restaurants are very reliant on tourists. But ultimately when there is so much choice, I feel it is important to write...

First, the previous Google reviews were right on point. Second, parking was not an issue. I was able to park right outside the marina. Third, OMG, the wine selection was right on point, which included a delicious Peloponnese Assyrtico wine. Delicious!!! The Greek salad was on point. The tomatoes were deliciously perfect and in season. We moved onto tomato fritters. I never thought I would like them, but my lord, were they delicious. I saw that someone suggested the Santorini Fava with octopus and fennel. It did not disappoint. Instead, it was OOTWD (out of this world delicious). We had zero room for a main dish after all of that. Lastly, we had the lemon curd. 😋 All I have to say is "AMAZING." Look at the pictures I took of the food. The ambiance and service we perfect. The wait staff and price of the...

Having good food in Kalamata is almost to easy, they just have great base products over there... But Notiàs is a very special place. It is very calm located directly at the sailing harbor, no traffic at all. The staff is very friendly and also very chilled, I never felt any stress even the restaurant was full. Ordered the pork tomahawk and it was simply put one of the best piece of meat I had in a very very long time. No fancy stuff, just truly great and simple preparation. Didn't need a dessert but took a fantastic Tsiporo digestif instead. After asking for the bill the service offered me a sneak portion of the panacota with cherry sirup they make, wunderfull. If you want to have a calm evening with fantastic dishes and great service in Kalamata, this is the...