Nestled at 458 B St. in the heart of Santa Rosa’s Brickyard Center, Kalimera Bar & Grill brings a fresh, sunny Mediterranean spirit to downtown dining. Under chef-owner Ilyas Karaoglan’s direction, this lively spot—once known as Grill Santa Rosa—offers a menu rooted in Greek, Turkish, and broader Mediterranean traditions, using locally sourced ingredients in both classic and inventive ways (pressdemocrat.com).

A Warm Welcome With Every Bite

Right from the first course, Kalimera sets itself apart. The Warm Cabbage Roll Dolmas are a standout: tender white cabbage leaves stuffed with savory lamb, fragrant rice, parsley, dill, and onion, all finished with Greek yogurt and aromatic brown butter. This dish melds comforting flavors and textures—a true touch of home-meets-restaurant finesse (kalimerabarandgrill.com).

Oceanic Sophistication

For seafood lovers, the Grilled Octopus delivers a refined bite. It’s plated alongside sautéed kale, hearty garbanzo beans, roasted beets, capers, and drizzled with a zesty beurre blanc. The octopus arrives charred tender, balancing earthiness and brightness in a dish that feels both elegant and approachable (kalimerabarandgrill.com).

Veggie Bowl Brilliance

A perfect choice for plant-forward diners is the Kebab Veggie Bowl, featuring crisp, golden-toasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, yellow squash, baby carrots, chickpea rice, and a drizzle of vibrant chimichurri. Each bite blends smoky-charred vegetables with nutty rice and spirited herbal sauce—vibrant, nourishing, and thoroughly Mediterranean in essence .

Atmosphere & Accolades

The space, infused with natural light, airy décor, and eye-catching chandeliers, echoes Greek island style while radiating a convivial energy. Boasting a 4.4-star OpenTable rating and recognition as a top Turkish/Mediterranean eatery in Santa Rosa , Kalimera cultivates a friendly, upbeat ambiance perfect for everything from solo lunches to group dinners.

Why It Stands Out

• Consistent quality: The restaurant kept its much-loved menu following relocation and name change (opentable.com).

• Chef's passion: Ilyas Karaoglan and his team persevered through challenges to revive the restaurant, supported by the community (pressdemocrat.com).

• Balanced menu: From house-made dips like hummus and tzatziki to meat skewers, seafood, veggie-forward bowls, and decadent desserts, there’s something for every palate .

This spot delivers memorable flavors and genuine hospitality. A must-visit for anyone seeking casual, vegetable-conscious Mediterranean cuisine with local flair. Insider Tip: Stop by on a sunny afternoon for a bright dining experience, or come evening when the place buzzes with laughter, clinking glasses, and the promise of an unforgettable meal .