coffee42 Anonymous

Food: 2/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 2/5  Overall: 3/5

I just went for the first time.

I wouldn't recommend the special w/ scallops and shrimp. They were cooked exceptionally but the sauce was way too salty, probably because of the bacon that was not mentioned in the description. The salt overpowered the mild taste of the seafood. Damage $27, too much for a meal that’s not good.

Service was great. I hope the restaurant thrives but I have my doubts. I live nearby so enjoy and understand Oak Cliff; I was put off by the pretentious atmosphere that doesn’t really seem to fit the neighborhood.

The few other tables present, on this Sunday evening, did not seem to be eating, just drinking. I wonder if that's a sign. It's been a while since I felt gypped when leaving a restaurant.

4 days, 6 hours ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Billusa99 Anonymous

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 4/5

Agent 99 and I took a good friend there this past Saturday for her birthday and again we had a wonderful time. This person had been with us the first time around, too, after it was open just a short time and was BYOB.

We called at 4:30 for a rez. and when we arrived at 7pm we were promptly seated by an extremely friendly mananger. I did, however, notice a small plaque posted next to the bar, which said: If you are coming from the Belmont Bar, we will make your sorry ass wait at least 1/2 hour and force you to order calmari agian. We were glad we had just arrived from home where we drank cheap wine, and Vitamin Water, beforehand.

We started with a shared appetizer -- pan fried haloumi with heirloom tomatoes in an olive oil & dill vinaigrette. The sheep's milk cheese had a slightly salty flavor and a creamy inside. It had spackled, golden crust and was delicious, as were the yellow, red and purple heirlooms. We raved for it! We also shared the hummus, which got 5 stars from 99, who makes it at home from scratch.

Agent 99 had the garlic-crusted ribeye steak as she was on one her meat-eating binges again. It was 12oz of perfect rare and was accompanied by crispy oven-roasted potato fries. She really enjoyed it and the charred garlic-breadcrumb rub really kicked it up a notch. Our guest had the special of the night - 2 double-cut lamb chops (total = 6!). They were rubbed with a "Moroccan spice mix" that was primarily cardamom, cumin, pepper and sea salt. Again, perfectly cooked to med-rare-rare and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It paired with a vinaigrette-based onion salad consisting of roasted red onion, sauteed green onion and raw red onion. Very unique and it totally worked with the lamb.

I had the Pastisio, which too many restaurants in the south always describe as "Greek Lasagna." Why don't they call lasagna in an Italian place "American tomato casserole?" Who knows.... It was very good, too, with just the right amount of cinaminaminamon. It also used bucatini noodles instead of the more common elbow macaroni you often see down here. A good Greek salad accompanied it.

Frei Brothers Reserve Chard. was the drinkers' choice. At $48 was about 3.5x retail, so not totally out of line, but still a wee bit steep. My lemons were free.

Our server was exceptional and we tipped accordingly. He knew the wine list backwards, he explained that the creamy hummus had added Greek yogurt (whoda thunk?) and he explained the dishes in detail when asked. The place was packed by 8pm and then the heat started to crank up a bit. The system is just too small for the space & bodies when it's been 105 all day long. It was not overly uncomfortable, but noticeable near the end. Kelly is still flying high as far as we are concerned and this little bistro is a gem in the rough.

2 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

More detail: apparently just closed for lunch / brunch on weekends, still open for dinner.

2 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Apparently now closed on weekends. Brunch didn't work out? Is the end far behind?

2 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Food: 3/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 1/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 2/5

Somehow this turned into Bizarro Kavala night. Much like the last episode, the evening started with drinks at the Belmont just with a different cast. Then, after a game of "I don't know, where do you want to go" that was settled with a PRS tournament we decided on Kavala.

Called ahead for 6 - reportedly a table would be ready in about 20 minutes. Like Han, I had a bad feeling about that.

So, after settling our tab and heading over to the restaurant we managed to sit in the supposed lounge for about 40 minutes. Overall, I would say we were about an hour from my original call. If the place was full, sure, I'll take it, but there were several 4s / 2s that could have accommodated.

Once seated outside our server took our drink orders, or rather I should say ran away for about 20 minutes when I asked if they still had any Bocage. Meanwhile we poured ourselves some water.

Later we ordered a few smallish plates to start. The thyme pie is a minisculine dish reminiscent of a snack you might think up with leftovers that turns out not too badly. Typically, I would expect this dish hot with some cucumber or yogurt dipping, but instead it's cold and alone. Too bad.

The chicken livers deliver again! Highly recommended!

Calamari, not so much. Again, I would classify this dish as cold on a scale from rigor to absolulte.

Last time, I took the gyro recommendation. This time, I take the shrimp pizza recommendation. She goes for the seafood soup. A couple others go for the gyros.

It's about 30 minutes before the main dishes arrive. We just take them and rearrange them ourselves since it seems easier than reporting to the staff who ordered what.

Well, Coal Vines doesn't have much to worry about. If lifeless dishrags are the new Dallas standard in pizza crusts, Kavala and CV have both done well. I'm not even sure at times why I am eating what I can only imagine hours before was something corrugated before being soaked.

That being said, the seafood soup was excellent. Served in a deep square bowl that belied it's volume were stacks of moderately fresh and freshly defrosted seafood in a very pleasing, aromatic broth. Really, a very well done dish.

For gyro comments, see below. At least they are consistent.

We pass on dessert as once again it's several hours on.

Would I go back? I suppose so. Do I really crave and look forward to the opportunity? Not so much. I certainly wouldn't drop in for a quick bite. Overall, a step above casual but not quite there. Keep working.

10 months, 3 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

cookiekhanh Anonymous

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 4/5

I went to Kavala last night after reading about it on http://eats.beloblog.com/.

the inside was nicely decorated, small, cozy with a bit of a retro feel. I ordered a glass of the cossi rosso, which was good but a bit too much "barnyard" flavor to it (I learned this term from a wine tasting I went to recently) for my taste and my date a stella. We ordered the crispy octopus with lemon aoli appetizer which was DELICIOUS!! The octopus was so meaty and flavorful and the light, almost lemon custard like, lemon aoli was a perfect accent. My date ordered the Lamb souvlaki and I got the mousaka. Lamb was well seasoned and cooked to a good crisp on the edges, but tender in the middle. The accompanying tomato/cucumber/onion salad to both our entrees was very fresh and light, with great tart flavors to accompany the richer entrees. My moussaka was so rich and complex in spices. Almost cinnamony in the meat which was, to me, a novel juxtaposition next to the strong saltier flavors. Overall the moussaka was a little salty for my taste, but it was balanced out well by the light salad. Both entrees were pretty large in serving size. The total bill for appetizer, 2 drinks, 2 entrees was $55 before tip. I thought the food was GREAT, the ambience cozy, the service good. Bathroom definitely needs to fix the unclean drain smell, but i guess it's an old building and i'm coming here to eat, not use their restroom. Nice to be able to meet Kelly Hightower though. I'll be back again for the food!

1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

coreperformance Anonymous

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 5/5

We went there on a whim and got a smattering of appetizers. My date can be indifferent to food, but had tears in his eyes, everything was so good.

We'll be back.

1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

summer Anonymous

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

I have been going to Kavala's since day one, and love it. It is great for a wonderful community that is striving on diversity. I am sad to hear the comments for the two unhappy diners, but reservations are a must everywhere. It is great to go eat wonderful food, worth the price, sweetie pizza IS 12.00 even at Pizza Hut. I have been in the industry for years, and seating complete parties is a must. Oh, and be leary I live on the other side of the river. Which means more of us to come, so be prepared.

1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Wave of indifference rising....

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Billusa99 Anonymous

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

My wife and I and another couple ate there 6 weeks ago. Had a wonderful time and the BYOB at the time (no license, yet) made it all the better! Kelly has done a wonderful job -- but we were already Hatties fans anyway. I will say that the service was uneven, but it was sincere and that's what we look for. People can learn -- burnt salmon or dry pizza can't. So, since the latter was abscent, we gave hope to the former.

I would comment on the drinks, the drapes, the tableclothes, the music and the glassware, etc. But we brought our own wine, and I had not read enough about restaurant decor and gilded lighting before that visit to realize how important it is to recognize such now in Dallas restaurant reviews.

My bad...

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

agnewman76 Anonymous

Pegasus Staff- The negative blogs that you have decided to place on your website about Kavala do not even represent critiques of the food!They are merely personal attacks from obvious insignicant people that have nothing better do do with their lives but to demean people's attire and restaurant policy. Just because Kavala is located in Oak Cliff, doesn't mean they should not take reservations. Kavala is a very small restaurant, so it is almost a necessity to have a reservation.I doubt highly that those people would have had a chance to get a table at York Street(which is just as small as Kavala)on a Thursday night with 6 people and no reservation.The fact that the "hostess" tried to accomodate them above and beyond should have been recognized.I would not be surprised if the two negative reviews were from the same table.Kavala is a wonderful restaurant and is supported my many people in the Oak Cliff neighborhood.Those two "negative Nancys" should take their business elsewhere. Maybe TGI Fridays or Norma's is more up their alley. As for your staff, I believe that if you decide to place blogs on your site, they should be sincere restaurant reviews;not vicious attacks on personality clashes and people's attire

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

happyjoi Anonymous

Dear Mr. Orren. Because they are from the same location doesn't mean they should be counted as the same review. It's unfortunate that both of of us felt the same, but does that make it less valid? This was my first time there and it left much to be desired. It's sad when even the waitstaff is telling you that you'd be better off going to one of the other WELL established places. We're sorry if we just didn't feel like we should follow the masses and eat up the crappy service. We meet up this way once a month and believe me, if we go somewhere we've been they welcome us with open arms. They alway take care of us, We always take care of them. Bottom line.

So Don't try and make it seem like we are just trying to be jerks. It was our first time there and you know what they say about first impressions.

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dolcicakes Anonymous

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I have had dinner at Kavala once, and lunch there twice. I have to say that on the whole, food is very good, and portions are on the large side. I found the spinach salad with scallops and lemon vinegarette to be fabulous. The chicken souflaki was very good, and the mussels I had there once were really delicious. I think that the worst problem I encountered was a wait staff person who was less that attentive or helpful. We had this staffer two times, and the slow service did not differ either time. Love the food and the place, though!!

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

happyjoi Anonymous

Food: 1/5  Vibe: 1/5  Service: 1/5  Value: 1/5  Overall: 1/5

First of all let me start out by saying that when you set up a restaraunt in a neighbourhood like Oak Cliff you don't ask for reservations. Okay so the evening started out by my arrival at about 615 or so. two of my party had arrived and as usual we sat waiting for the rest to arrive. Well the Hostess or whoever she was came up and asked how many were in our party. We told her 5 for sure and one would arrive later. "Yes, well we don't usually sit incomplete parties. Hello, do you need a Q-tip. We said we were waiting for the rest of our party. Anyway she went about getting that done. About the time the rest of the party get's there they sit us in a booth that even with my skinny frame was small. they sat us in a booth in stead of putting two tables together. just a note I was leaning my arm on a chair next to me. The hostess came removed it from where it was at and put it up agianst another wall RUDE! Anyway about 20 minutes later the 6th in our party arrived, so we had to look for another chair. We got it from another table.

Later they seated the booth next to us. The lady was like I'm not gonna sit in there. So I was gracious enough to give up my chair so she wouldn't start yammering away. Seriously lady it's not about you when there is a bigger table next to you. learn that now and you will enjoy your meal that much more.

Drinks: I ordered a dirty martini 3 olives. I got a somewhat dirty martini 2 olives. for all intents and purposes the drink was watered down. And since when do you not ask what kind of vodka for the martini. The rest of the table was just as disappointed. oh and the thursday night matini special. Sux. tastes like a cherry cinnimon roll that you buy at 711 when your running late for work.

Food: Seriously! $12 for a freakin 10" pizza? You ar not at the west end or the west village. At least their food is worth the price you pay.

Service: Well the waiter did his best with what he could. I tell you what the best part about this was the young man with the blonde hair refilling everyone's water. Not once was I asked if I wanted another drink. Wouldn't have ordered one if they had. Sorry, not really big on $7 watered down drinks.

Oh by the way they have this COOL new invention. It's called and A/C a.k.a. Air Conditioner. I stepped outside twice and it was cooler out than in. Which explained why all the fly's were inside.

Overall if pretentious defines you this is the place for you. From the Hostess, who by the way should try visiting her local Friday's to see what a hostess should appear as. Yes i know they are usually kids with slacks and a Friday's shirt, but you get my point right. Fashion no no.

Oh and the little candle they were burning in the men's restroom to mask the smell of gas staion dingy restroom was not working. Aslo, isn't there a statistic that says that when you flush a comode that bacteria can fly up to 10 feet around the toilet. If there is then maybe someone should let these people know about these other two inventions. Paper towel Dispenser or Hand dryer.

I'm just sayin.

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

niceguy Anonymous

Food: 2/5  Vibe: 1/5  Service: 1/5  Value: 1/5  Overall: 1/5

SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THEIR ACT TOGERTHER !!! THIS IS OAKCLIFF, A COMMUNITY THAT WELCOMES EVERYONE. LAST NIGHT, IT WAS SO HOT - CUSTOMER'S WERE FANNING THEMSELVES WITH THEIR MENU'S. THE ATTITUDE OF THE STAFF WAS NOT WORTH LEAVING A TIP. THE BAGS OF WATER ON THE PORCH -- GET A FAN TO KEEP THE FLIES AWAY. WORSE, THE HOSTESS LOOKED LIKE SHE GOT HER OUTFIT FROM ROSS FOR LESS. THE PRICE WE PAID FOR OUR MEAL WAS NOT WORTH IT !!!! SHOULD OF GONE NEXT DOOR TO NORMA'S, THERE THE DOOR IS OPEN AND THE SERVICE IS EXCELLENT. OH, YEAH !!! THE AIR CONDITION WORKS THERE. I WILL NOT TELL ANYONE TO GO TO THIS PLACE. MOST IMPORTANT --- KAVALA - DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER - THINK ABOUT IT !!!!

1 year, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

adrian Anonymous

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

I'm a longtime resident of the Cliff and I love it dearly. I'm always excited to try a new restaurant in our neighborhood that offers something we didn't have before. A friend and I tried Kavala for the first time last night. It was a fantastic dining experience from the point we walked in the door, until we finished the last drops of the deliciously strong, but smooth coffee. The staff was cordial and attentive. The food was nothing short of perfection. We chose the hummus as an appetizer, even though I’m picky when it comes to hummus. I was very pleased with Kavala’s. We shared our entrées of scallops in a crème sauce with cabbage, and the gyro. I had a glass of a pinot gris I’d not tried before, but definitely will again. It wasn’t until today, when I realized the owner/chef had been involved with the Mansion and Hattie’s that it all fell into place – no wonder it was superb. I admit that I didn’t order the molten chocolate cake when I saw it on the menu, because how could it be as good as Hattie’s? Now I know. Thanks for an unexpected pleasure. Kavala is my new favorite restaurant.

1 year, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Food: 3/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 2/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 3/5

Another night with the gay fabulous. After drinks at the hipster Belmont, off to Kavala. Now, I'll predicate this by saying I'm not really into Greek food as a genre, but I'm willing to try anything, and if a chef can get me to take to something I wouldn't normally, all the kudos.

Outside, the place is still a drive in, without any signs of life. The windows are drawn, so it looks about as happening as Puro Party on Tuesday afternoon.

Inside, the room is full. To the left, a smallish bar, with the ubiquitous plasma screen tuned so you can cringe every time they pass by The Drizzle. On the right, seating for about 30 or so.

8:30 reservations? Sorry, we thought you were coming tomorrow. No, really, we were going to the Belmont then coming here. Well, how about a bottle of wine on the house while waiting?

See, there are six of us, so a single bottle is obviously going to translate into two. Smart. There is a sectional and two blocks for a lounge where we're all waiting for our space. Clearly now, by the time we enjoy the wine, drive someplace else, we'll be eating, so we wait.

It's about an hour. Not that I wasn't enjoying the company, but we pretty much went straight from work to Belmontinis to here and two slices of pita and hummus aren't going to do it.

We're asked to clear our bar tab before being seated, like we had nothing better to do, like eat!

So whatever. Appetizers - calamari and shrimps, not bad. Breaded lightly in panko, not dripping in grease. Pleasant without too much salt. Heinz level dipping sauce.

Chicken hearts are excellent. Lacking fat, heart is quick to overcook into rubber. These are not. Accompanied by a lightly spiced tomato sauce, these are definitely a highlight. Points for offering an organ meat and doing it well.

Apparently, the gyros are the signature dish, so who am I to differ?

Salads are a little on the anemic side - cheese and tomatos, really.

She has the pasta / tomato sauce / sh*ttake mushroom dish.

The gyro is a little tower. Pita on bottom. Onions. Tomato slice. Meat. Sauce. Overall, I'm a little underwhelmed. Maybe I'm a donair guy, but I was kind of expecting to pick this thing up - get over it. The meat is somewhat thick, so it lends itself to cutting rather than simply chewing. The sauce is pleasant, but lacks a punch - perhaps some extra garlic would help.

The pasta has no sh&*%%$takes. No explanation. It's otherwise an acceptable dish, set deep in a tomator tomato creme sauce.

We order another bottle of unoaked chardonnay. They're out.

For dessert, apple 'turnover' (?) it's not bad - kind of a deep fried apple pie. A nice departure from the creme brule's of the world (or lack thereof - Luqa hello?!), so I would't say there's a problem.

We're the last table in the place.

Damages? Well, shared apps, two entrees, couple of glasses of wine and a shared dessert - about $70 before tip. Gyros have gone upscale, I guess. I'll have to ask Antone about setting up a duel.

Overall, it started poorly in not having our reservation ready. Probably worth a second try.

Oh, yeah, I tried posting this, but big brother says: "Watch your mouth! The words "s--t" are not allowed here."

It's going to be a long night writing that review of the steak and shrimp dishes at the finer entertainment establishments at that rate!

1 year, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )