4 Best Restaurants in Kalamata, The Peloponnese

A well-kept secret bandied around by expats and locals. This ebullient street-side café-ouzeri in the old town bustles of an evening under the shadow of the plane trees. Classic Greek dishes are given the care and delight they deserve by a pair of chefs who have never met a pork skin they didn't want to crisp to perfection, and driven by what's fresh from the market. Musicians often stop by to soundtrack the evening.

A location in the old town, near the lemony confection of Ypapanti church, makes this a serene spot to while away the evening. The restaurant was a popular local wine store dating back to the 1960s, and it is still run by the same family. Pick between seats on the street at the front for people-watching, or retire to the shaded patio at the rear, which is filled with fruit trees. The menu is a mix of Greek and Italian fare, though given a lighter touch than most places and with plenty of seasonal flair.