(Visited in April 2010)
It was a Sunday afternoon, at around 4 o'clock. We were intended to eat at one of fish restaurants in Hatzikyriakio, but the ones we wanted were full. We could have gone down to Peiraiki, but decided to go the other way instead, toward Kantaros side where this cafeteria/mezedopoleio is.
We had been there several times for coffee, but never for meal. It was time to try.
I was not hugely hungry, so we decided to order just some dishes to share.
First to arrive were grilled bread with ladolrigani (olive oil and oregano) and a mix salad with manouri cream (€7.50).
The vegetables in the salad there were rocket, romaine lettuce, bits of red radish, shredded carrot and a half slice of tomato. Never having eaten manouri cheese as such, I could not really tell what was added in the cheese cream. However, I thought the added substance that made its colour green did not have much to add to the flavour. The green cream certainly have surprise effect, but the white cheese cream in the green back ground would be more beautiful and appetising, IMHO.
We wanted meat, but meat dishes were scarse, there are keftedakia, sausages or plate of mixed grill for 2 or 4 persons.
And we chose keftedakia (€6).
These were deep fried meat balls with lots of herbs.
Personally I am not foud of meat balls with mint leaves (diosmos), but it is just a personal taste. My Greek companion was very happy with these.
The menu generally is fish heavy and they offer even ahinosalata (sea urchin) and kydonia (shell fish, larger than vongole).
We tried grilled xifias (swordfish) served with ladolemono (olive oil and lemon sauce which is not in the photo). I presume it was frozen, although it wasn't stated so on the menu The fish was slightly stinky and dry from overcooking. I would be angry if it wasn't €10 which I think is pretty reasonable for swordfish in Greece. I am not saying that they can overcook the fish; I am just appreciating their effort.
Besides, we ordered also a portion of fried potatoes (average), a bottle of water, a 500ml of beer, and two espresso coffees. The total bill came to pretty reasonable €39.
To Leontari tou Peiraia is not a gourmet paradise, but is a comfortable mezedopoleio offering variety of dishes with modern twists. The service is all right and the sea view is an absolute plus. Most of all, they don't charge you rip-off price as in many other places on seaside. So, why not?
To LEONTARI TOU PEIRAIA
Marias Hatzikyriakou 20 & Akti Haveriou
Piraeus
Tel. 210-4511118
http://www.leonpireaus.gr/
Go to Piraeus Restaurant Index
