Restaurant Gaitanaros — Restaurant in Municipality of West Mani

We visited this restaurant after seeing the photos and thinking it would be a nice experience to sit close to the sea. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had, and I feel it’s important to share a clear picture of what happened in case you’re considering going there.

To begin with, the location itself can be a problem if you visit in the afternoon. The way the restaurant is positioned means you’ll be facing a harsh sunset directly in your eyes unless you’re lucky enough to get one of the very few shaded spots close to the building. This alone can make for an uncomfortable experience, and it’s something you should be prepared for.

However, what really ruined the experience was the service and the attitude of one of the staff members, who appeared to be the head waiter. From the start, we ordered a variety of dishes, including side dishes, fish, and large shrimps. The bread they served was dry and stale, and the appetizers were completely unremarkable—not fresh or flavorful. We tried to make the best of it because we were by the sea, but the real issue arose when the large shrimps were served. These were almost 10 cm long and arrived completely uncleaned, with the guts still intact. This is an unacceptable mistake for any restaurant serving seafood, let alone one charging premium prices. When we pointed this out to the waiter, his response was dismissive and rude. Instead of apologizing or addressing the issue, he told us we were “pampered” and probably used to dining at luxurious restaurants, implying that we should stop complaining. This was astonishing, given the fact that the restaurant was charging over €75 per kilo for fish—a price that suggests a high standard, which they clearly did not deliver.

The poor service didn’t stop there. After deciding we couldn’t stay any longer, we asked for the bill, and they handed us a handwritten receipt entirely in Greek, knowing we couldn’t read it. When we asked for a clear explanation of what we were being charged for, they brushed us off and mumbled something in Greek. To make matters worse, they became even more unprofessional when we asked to pay by card, clearly pushing for a cash payment instead. The entire situation felt shady and disrespectful as they tried to lead us into believing their pos machine was not working but as we insisted the machine suddenly started to work.

Finally, the food itself was incredibly disappointing. For a restaurant that claims to specialize in seafood, the dishes lacked flavor, quality, and care in preparation. It became obvious that this place relies entirely on its beachfront location to attract customers, not on offering a good dining experience. If you’re not familiar with seafood, you might be fooled by the glowing reviews online into thinking this is a worthwhile spot. But for anyone expecting properly prepared, high-quality seafood, this place will leave you frustrated and disappointed.

This restaurant fails on every level: the taste, the service, the attitude of the staff, and the outrageous prices. Save yourself the trouble and look for another place to enjoy seafood because this one is simply...

Gaitanaros is a charming restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience with its beautiful ambiance, exceptional service, and stunning location. Perched with breathtaking views, the restaurant's setting is truly a sight to behold, adding a special touch to any meal. The staff is incredibly welcoming and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you step in. While the food is decent, there's certainly room for improvement to match the high standards of the restaurant's atmosphere and service. A little more attention to flavor and preparation could elevate the dishes to the next level, turning a good meal into a great one. Despite the room for growth in the culinary department, Gaitanaros is still a fantastic choice for a night out. The wonderful atmosphere, stunning location, and top-notch service make it a place I would...

We spent most of our vacation in Kalamata this year at this beach. The waterfront is clean, the waters are calm, it's not crowded. We simply loved it. We are not the very demanding tourist type, we're not after fancy, we just need a beach with some wine and good food and we're happy, and this restaurant offers plenty of that. The staff - they are hard workers, they never stop hustling. Spiros, Padelis, Iasonas, Yannis. They pick up whatever trash the tourists unfortunately leave behind. They are attentive to their customers. One of the staff plays the mandolin. The elders don't speak great english, so be sure to properly explain what you need and they will help you. The kitchen is quick, the food is great, they have fresh fish for you to choose from. This is a quiet beach. If you're looking for beach club vibes with loud music and parties, go...