Controversial Greek Restaurant Faces Backlash Over Exorbitant Prices
A luxury restaurant in Greece has found itself at the center of a growing storm of negative reviews, with customers describing their experiences as shocking and exploitative. Located on the picturesque Platis Gialos beach in Mykonos, DK Oyster is marketed as a high-end destination for those seeking exclusive dining experiences. However, recent reports have painted a very different picture.
One tourist, known only as Jessica L on TripAdvisor, shared her harrowing experience after being charged over €1,000 for just three dishes. She described the incident as “the worst experience in Mykonos,” highlighting the steep price of a single piece of fish, which came to €350. The bill was so high that she compared it to an expensive meal at Scorpions, one of the island’s most renowned restaurants.
Customers have consistently raised concerns about the lack of transparency in pricing. Some claim they were not informed of the full cost of their meals until the final bill arrived. For instance, the restaurant lists prices such as €24.80 per 100g of sea bream, but many say they were charged for fish by the gram without prior knowledge.
Other travelers have echoed similar frustrations. One customer, Sue, described the venue as a “shocking scam.” She recounted how a staff member brought an unrequested drink as a “gift” for her group of four, only for it to appear on the bill. Sue also claimed she was charged €400 for a handful of alcoholic and soft drinks, including €35 for a Coca-Cola.
Another visitor, Amrita, shared her story from June 2024, when she was lured in by free sunbeds and handed a menu. She ordered fish, unaware that it was priced by the weight of the entire fish. When the bill arrived for €400, she realized the actual fish served was more than 1kg.
Gabriela, another guest, accused DK Oyster of theft, claiming that the restaurant convinces customers to order a beer costing €35 each. She said the staff would quickly present the bill, forcing guests to pay and leave without further discussion.
The restaurant has faced repeated criticism for its pricing practices. A customer urged future visitors to avoid the place at all costs, citing an example where lunch and sunbeds cost €35, but additional items like two bottles of water and a Diet Coke added €51 to the bill. They also mentioned being charged €5 for ketchup and €18 for small fries.
DK Oyster has long maintained a controversial reputation, frequently making headlines for its alleged misleading pricing tactics. While the establishment boasts plush sunbeds and dramatic seaside views, many reviewers suggest that the luxurious ambiance is overshadowed by extortionate billing and aggressive sales strategies.
In 2024, MailOnline revealed that the owner of the restaurant, Dimitrios Kalamaras, flaunts his jet-setting lifestyle on social media. His initials form the name of the restaurant, DK Oyster, and he is believed to profit significantly from tourists who order food or drinks without checking the prices.
The controversy reached a new peak in July 2024 when the restaurant was reported to have charged €121 for three scrawny crab legs to a team of undercover journalists. Kalamaras was reportedly seen arguing with a reporter over the astronomical bill.
Despite the mounting criticism, DK Oyster continues to attract visitors, though many are now wary of its pricing policies. As the debate over fair pricing and transparency in the hospitality industry grows, the restaurant remains a focal point of concern for travelers seeking authentic and affordable experiences in Greece.
