At restaurant KAIA in Amsterdam, you’ll eat the city’s most delicious Greek dishes
A restaurant lowering its prices is a rarity—and especially so in the capital. Yet that is exactly what KAIA, the Greek restaurant opposite the RAI, has done. The reason: switching from a fine dining restaurant to a neighborhood favorite. No more fancy frills on the plate, but Greek soul food for everyone.
Last summer, we ate at KAIA for the first time. Refined and delicious, was our verdict. The staff are no longer dressed in dark blue robes, and the interior is less classic too. But lovers of modern Greek cuisine can indulge; what comes out of KAIA’s kitchen is still of a very high standard.
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- Het terras van KAIA
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- KAIA van binnen
Fierce competition
Why the switch? The current climate calls for a different culinary approach. People are critical about what they spend their money on, and the competition is fierce. A high-end restaurant like KAIA is very popular for a perfect night out to celebrate an anniversary or for a convivial family lunch, but it also needs to attract guests at other times. Now that KAIA is focusing more on shared dining at a lower price, the restaurant emphasizes that at KAIA the door is always open to everyone and for every occasion—from an anniversary to a weekday dinner.
Bread with fig butter
KAIA’s Greek chef also works with traditional recipes and ingredients within the new philosophy, creating accessible little dishes. We start with crusty bread served with fig butter and herb-infused Greek olive oil. We also order tzatziki, which is unbelievably delicious! It’s elegant, fresh, creamy and lovely: no mountains of garlic. A delicious start, in short.
Delicious carpaccio
The lohanodolmas are delicious too—stuffed cabbage leaves with rice and dill. Fresh, crunchy and perfect for sharing. But we become wildly enthusiastic about the carpaccio: very tender meat with an egg yolk and Greek coffee. Sounds strange, but it adds a deeper layer to the dish without you actually tasting the coffee. This little dish was also on the old menu, and we’re glad this classic has stayed. There is a critical note too. We still find it rather expensive. For 17.50, you only get a few bites if you share this dish. Grandma’s potatoes are deliciously flavored, but very fatty. Exactly as you eat them in Greece, though.
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- Knapperige koolrolletjes
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- Knappe carpaccio (en te vette aardappeltjes)
Super souvlaki
Greeks love grilled meat, especially lamb and beef. On a skewer, as in popular street food dishes like souvlaki. KAIA’s interpretation of souvlaki is incredibly sophisticated. I would almost say: fine dining level. It is a small portion, especially since you really don’t want to share it. Subtle yet incredibly rich in flavor—delicious. KAIA’s lighting creates an intimate atmosphere, but is less successful for photographs. The juicy lamb comes off best. Also a real recommendation, by the way. Very well prepared and served with a fresh lemon and herb sauce.
Karydopita
And then there are the desserts! You definitely want to order Karydopita: Greek gooey walnut cake. So delicious! It is served with nougat ice cream and dark chocolate. Then there is the dessert of Greek yogurt with honey caramel and granola. Fresh, sweet, crunchy… a heavenly finale.
Friendly service
KAIA in Amsterdam is a lovely place for truly delicious and refined Greek food. Friendly service, a great atmosphere, and the fact that the new concept is catching on is clear. Reservations are recommended.
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- KAIA staat in de gids van Gault&Millau
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- Snel een keer langsgaan!
KAIA, Europaplein 21, Amsterdam
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