Tired of eating at Chili’s, Papa John’s and the occasional P.F. Chang’s? Hop in your car, or your friend’s, and drive to Kalamatas, a hidden Mediterranean gem in the heart of Nashville. Your pallet, and your checkbook, will greatly appreciate the decision.
Kalamata’s is located at 3764 Hillsboro Pike, in a strip mall just before Green Hills Mall, next to a Roma Pizza (yes, another Roma Pizza). Kalamata’s is unlike any restaurant that borders the Vandy bubble. It isn’t overwhelmed with college students, which is a welcome relief when you are tired of seeing everyone in your writing seminar, everywhere.
Kalamata’s food is, well, excellent. I usually go to Kalamata’s at least once a week, typically after a night of a few too many drinks. I typically order the chicken kabob plate, which at $8.95 is slightly more expensive than the average gyro, but comes with basmati rice and an excellent Greek salad. Other favorites of mine are the beef gyro pocket, which is served with tzatzaki sauce, and the grilled Greek chicken salad wrap, because it is always nice to eat a salad without needing a fork.
Kalamata’s prepares all their dishes in an open kitchen in front of the customer at record speed. Usually I’ll get my food a couple minutes after I sit down, which is greatly appreciated by the exam-laden college student. Another awesome aspect of Kalamata’s is the trust the owners place on the customers. There is no wait staff, or even bills for that matter. When finished eating you just walk up to the counter, tell them what you had, and they charge you for it. Although some restaurants may worry their patrons will shortchange the order, it would be a crime not to fully pay Kalamata’s for the delicious, healthy meal they provided.
Before you leave Kalamata’s, make sure you consider desert — specifically their baklava. I personally love baklava, partly because it doesn’t include chocolate; nevertheless, Kalamata’s baklava is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. It is only $1.45 on top of your $5 or $6 meal, so you might as well.
When looking for a new restaurant to try in Nashville, branch out and drive to Kalamata’s. It is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Kalamata’s use of fresh ingredients and legitimate Greek recipes distinguishes it from many of its international food rivals in the Nashville metropolitan area. Give this Nashville favorite a chance, but be warned, once you go Greek, you won’t go back.
