Μετζες (Metzes) — Restaurant in Municipality of Leros

I really wanted to like this restaurant! It was in my list to try ever since it was opened and was fondly recommended by one of the IG blog accounts which travels around Greece. I thought this guy would know something and I gave it a try one evening in August. First of all, the service wasn't good since they seated me with a strained face as if they were annoyed that one more person came and they can't finish work soon (although there were still many people eating). I asked for some recommendations from the waiter, but this boy wasn't really interested in a longer chat than just taking my order. During this brief chat, I told him I can't eat red meat due to health reasons and he didn't even care to warn me about the "Dolmades" which I ordered, thinking they would be vegetarian as in most places. It was only after the first bite when I realized there was minced meat inside! I had nothing else to do but to eat it as they wouldn't take it back, causing me a very stressful night's sleep with the fear of something going wrong. The food was completely mediocre... Dolmades were below average compared to what I have eaten in Greece so far. As for main course, I took chicken with okra. I hardly ever make such stiff comments for food in restaurants but this one was really bad. Some of the okras were really hard and chewy while others were almost mashed. The only positive thing was the chicken which was tender. It gave me the impression that this food was already cooked before and was just heated up before the service. The atmosphere was nice though, it reminds you of the small street taverns in Cyclades. I am not sure if it was my bad luck from that night, but I will most likely not consider eating...

Cute setting in a side alley away from the sea. Nice atmosphere. The service was ok. The Tzatziki was flavorful and nice. The Saganaki clearly came out of a box and was heated just enough for the cheese to barely melt. Disappointing. It came with a bun that was probably the worst type of bread I have received on my 9 month trip around the world. It was a fairly dry brown bun with some seeds on it, the type you get wrapped in plastic on an airplane. The Moussaka was a large portion and looked great although again not hot enough when it was served. The layering of the eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, meat was perfect. However it was completely flavour less. Salt and pepper was missing, not to mention herbs in this potentially wonderful dish. Strangely enough all 3 dishes were served after 5 minutes of ordering which already tells you something about the preparation. Since I was hungry I ate everything but it was defenitely not a great greek culinary experience. Very average or less. Please spend some money on...

A friendly modern taverna that is decorated in a way that tourists might appreciate, while maintaining a very local feeling to it. The staff were all very welcoming and super keen to go the extra mile to help out however they could, the streaks were fresh and tasty and the local wine selection was delicious!

For visitors from abroad: be sure to ask for the red wine too be at room temperature, as locals often expect it to be chilled, and do ask for the steak to come unsalted unless you want it...