By Jan Schilde
Taverna Pikilia has an excellent reputation. Anticipation and expectations are correspondingly high.
The large, mostly covered terrace lets you immediately immerse yourself in a summer holiday feeling. Shielded from the green, you don’t notice much of the Spanish Allee, which is quite busy. Many photos of celebrities hang in the rustic interior. Soccer stars seem to come and go here, Helene Fischer and Robbie Williams have also been there.
Before ordering, olives, bread burned from the bottom (made fresh in a grill) and ouzo are brought to the table. First there is “Pikilia Agrotiki” (11.50 euros), a starter plate with haloumi, feta, spinach dumplings, baked aubergines and zucchini as well as a salad. A perfect start, if a little manageable.
This is followed by “Kalamarakia” (17.50 euros), gently fried baby squid that was a touch too soft, plus crunchy fries. The aioli was unfortunately forgotten when serving. In addition, “Choriatiki” (10.50 euros), Greek farmer’s salad, which cannot be faulted.
The later the evening, the more the taverna becomes a place to see and be seen. It’s that reputation that, coupled with the prices, goes a little beyond gastronomic quality.
Spanish Allee 72, Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m. to midnight, Sat./Sun. 12-12 p.m. (holidays until July 25), ☎ 805 882 07, reservation recommended. Restaurant on the web