New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Galena

A brand new Mediterranean restaurant has opened their doors in Galena, IL, offering the kind of cuisine that isn't easy to find in the Tri-States. Even better, the new eatery prioritizes local ingredients to boot.

Per Telegraph Herald, Caliza Mediterranean Cuisine is now open at 204 Perry Street in Galena, IL. The restaurant is designed to be comparable to the Mediterranean coast, with muted colors, flowers, and exciting, authentic flavors in a wide variety of dishes.

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The shop is owned and operated by Gregory Pernia and his daughter Nathalia Pernia-Hefel, per the Telegraph Herald. Nathalia operates the front of the house while Gregory does the cooking. Together, the two took over the former Market House Restaurant in the summer, renovated the space, and just recently opened for business.

You can bet the food is authentic too. Gregory started cooking in his home country of Venezuela, and went on to be a chef at his sister's Italian restaurant before attending culinary school in Venezuela and subsequently opening his own eatery in Miami, per the Telegraph Herald.

At Caliza, the Pernia family specializes in lighter-tasting meals with "a fresh, garden taste." Lots of leafy greens and oregano, and dishes are cooked to order, with vegan and gluten-free options available. The restaurant draws on a lot of Italian cooking conventions. Options include Spanish-style ham croquettes, chicken kebabs, and sweet corn spaghetti, the eatery's signature dish.

Per Telegraph Herald, the restaurant is awaiting its liquor license. When that arrives, drink specials and Sangria nights will follow. Presently, Caliza's hours are 12pm - 9pm. They are closed on Wednesdays, and close at 8pm on Sunday. Reservations can be made by calling 815-281-9446. You can find out more about Caliza Mediterranean Cuisine on Facebook as well.

Read more about Galena's newest eatery on the Telegraph Herald's website.