Kati Allo Offers A Taste Of The Mediterranean

Kati Allo remains as charming and authentic now as the day it opened four years ago just off Francis Lewis Boulevard at 29-06 172nd Street in Bayside. The quaint, stucco façade illuminated by old-fashioned lampposts is matched by the charm of the interior, where exposed brick and warm stucco walls are enhanced by Greek paintings and icons. The wicker furniture suggests summer, even on the coldest winter night. The name means “something else” and it fits—if at first you don’t see something among the variety of reasonably priced menu offerings that stimulates your appetite, there’s always something else you’re sure to find to your liking here. All the menu offerings are available to dine in or to go.

The polite, personable young wait staff sees to your every need while owners Manny and Christina Zavolas keep the orders moving swiftly behind the counter of the exposed kitchen. Because Kati Allo is so busy, all the Greek style fish, pork, lamb, salads and vegetables come to your table at their peak of flavor and freshness. Start with one of the tempting appetizers, such as grilled octopus cooked tender and delicious, with just the right amount of vinegar and olive oil. Saganaki, a hunk of fried kefalograviera cheese, is finished with a touch of flaming brandy. Loukaniko, savory Greek sausage, are grilled and served with wedges of lemon. Cold appetizers include a number of tasty salads. If you can’t decide, sample a trio of traditional spreads that includes homemade eggplant salad (melitzanosalata) with a fresh and light smoky flavor, taramosalata delicate caviar spread and scordalia, a puree of potato and garlic. Spread on triangles of warm pita bread, all were excellent. Homemade, flaky spinach pie, cheese pie or stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) also make great starters to share. Try a bowl of avgolemono soup, a hearty combination of egg drop chicken soup and lemon. A glass of wine or beer will enhance these dishes.

Kati Allo’s fish and seafood offerings prepared simply with lemon, olive oil and herbs are fresh and delicious. Try the whole fish of the day, which might be porgie, red snapper or striped bass. Stuffed salmon, a new item, is filled with spinach and feta cheese and served with vegetable, rice or potatoes. Shrimp kebabs are a popular item, as is the Kati Allo Seafood Special. This generously sized entrée offers sautéed jumbo shrimp, scallops and fillet of sole over a mound of pasta ($18.95).

At Kati Allo, marinated meats are prepared on the spot and served piping hot and juicy. Shish kebabs, tender chunks of marinated lamb, are skewered with peppers, tomatoes and onions. At just $9.95, this is a great meal, especially when you consider that it comes with a crunchy salad, lemon potatoes or rice and warm pita. The doner plate contains thinly sliced marinated rotisserie pork that melts in your mouth. Traditional gyro and souvlaki meats can be ordered as an entrée with all accompaniments or stuffed in fresh pita bread for a sandwich for about $4.50.

Each night Christina Zavolas prepares wonderful, delicious specials. I really enjoyed the sliced eggplant stuffed with caramelized onions and baked till soft and tender. Her side dish of tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach was unforgettable. Such Greek dishes as lamb stew with orzo (giouvetsi) and moussaka are available as well. A special sautéed chicken dish is also featured each night, so there’s always something new and different to try at every visit to Kati Allo. In warm weather, a tranquil garden provides a very pleasant setting for a Mediterranean meal shaded by an umbrella.

Visit for lunch or call in your orders for free delivery. The lunch menu includes juicy meat or veggie burgers and gyro, sausage and chicken sandwiches with French fries, Greek or Caesar salads and more. Credit cards are accepted.

Visit Kati Allo soon and enjoy a great meal in their quaint dining room or call in your order for delivery. You’ll see why Kati Allo is “something else” in Greek dining. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner to 11 p.m. There’s plenty of street parking and off-premises catering is available.

You’ll see why

Kati Allo is

“something else

in Greek dining.