KANELLA & GARYFALLO The Mushroom Restaurant — Restaurant in Zagori Municipality

Went with my family tonight tonthis restaurant. I was really excited to try the risotto that others had given positive reviews. However, my night got spoiled by the owner. My ten year old daughter loves cats! The store had a few cats walking around loosely and she wanted to see the cat that may of been hiding/sleeping in it's cat bed. The owner stormed over and yelled at her to not touch the cat bed and to go away! I would of left this restaurant under normal circumstances but it was late, and not many choices around the area for the family to eat. Here is where it gets really weird. The waitress (she was very lovely) recommended a simple pasta and chicken dish off the menu. The chicken and pasta on the menu had spices that may of had a strong smell. I accepted her recommendation. A few minutes later, the same owner came over to re-explain what we ordered and she suggested the chicken and pasta dish on the menu with less seasoning. I said sure to cause the kids just wanted to eat. You can guess what happened next. The dish came and it had a strong taste. They picked at it, but we took the rest to go. My risotto with mushrooms was good well but not enough. What was weird is that they charge for bread! Wow! I am Greek, and I have travelled to many islands and never charged for bread. Overall, I give it a one star at best.

Note added: I took the leftovers in a container, and I fed them to the cats and dogs along the street. Next time, don't raise your voice to kids you...

TLDR: Lives up to the hype!

We weren’t sure if the restaurant could live up to all the hype but Kanela more than delivered.

The staff were professional and polite, the location is stunning, and their decor and table arrangements make you feel welcome immediately (added bonus, very cool in the shade and we were comfortable despite it being a hot day).

The food was delicious - a special call-out to the mushroom risotto. The caramelized mushroom dessert with yoghurt semifreddo was also a highlight. Every dish was full of unique flavours you won’t find elsewhere. Was it more expensive than other options in Vitsa? yes, but you do not go to a restaurant like this one and expect the same food you can find in any tavern. The prices felt more than fair for the unique and delicious flavours and atmosphere provided.

A final note: I’m not sure how to account for some of the negative reviews, only to say that this is why I always look at overall scores and not individual negative experiences. It would have been a true shame to miss out on such a beautiful meal! Thank you to the staff and kitchen for giving us a night...

Exceptional dishes and wine list. Same for the music and overall ambience. A great place.

A small aspect detracts from its value: prices are ...slightly out of touch with reality and definitely don't represent the dishes. In principle, price should be at least vaguely related to what is offered and not function as a status signal (which is, unfortunately, still very typical of Greece/Greeks): in that sense, Kanella & Garyfallo is likely a more suitable choice for the Nouveau riche/wannabes; instead, the well-travelled, educated, non-gullible customers who dinned all over the world and have amassed a multitude of reference points might find the place slightly pretentiously priced. While ambition is a noble thing, pretending to be something else than what you are is a let down. One suggestion would be to elevate the food quality/service/overall experience to mach the aspired level. But that would need some serious work.

Having said that, one must admit that the food is adequate i.e. 4/5 or 8/10 and the owners are nice 👍 There's also a large party of cats and dogs resting by the entrance -...