Fast Facts

Restaurant Name: Ouzeri

Address: 58 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

Phone Number: 061 533 9071

Opening Times: Sunday & Monday closed; Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday 12noon to 2.30pm; Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 9.30pm

Average main meal cost: R120

Corkage Fee: No BYO

Food Type: Greek cuisine

Best for…

Lunch or dinner dates, anniversaries, birthday dinners, lunch with friends.

Food

Ouzeri is a standout addition to the dining scene in the City Bowl. It offers authentic Greek and Cypriot cuisine by Nic Charalambous in a stylish, understated space. The small-plate menu is compact focused – sharing is encouraged so that you get a taste of everything. For starters, the warm green olives with spicy citrus are a must, as is the eliopita – a warm-from-the-oven olive-and-anchovy bread with roasted garlic; perfect for dunking into olive oil. The house-made taramasalata with chickpea fries is also a favourite. For mains, try the lamb ribs with skordalia and lemon and olive oil sauce (when available).

There are also vegetarian options including dolmades stuffed with lentils in a chickpea broth, as well as seafood such as braised lentils with squid and green sauce. There are two desserts: mahalepi (a milk pudding) with a tart Campari, pomegranate and clementine sorbet, and a yoghurt cake with visino (a sour cherry preserve) and Jersey milk yoghurt. The wine list is concise, with some interesting options from local wineries, including the restaurant’s own “barrel” wine, produced for it in the Swartland, typical of an authentic Greek taverna.

 

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Drinks

The restaurant has a compact but interesting wine list with interesting options from local wineries, including a few skin-contact wines. It also serves its own red and white barrel wine that’s produced in the Swartland. There are two sparkling wines on offer, including a pet nat. The staff are very knowledgeable about the wine and are happy to make recommendations.

Service

The service was excellent, from the moment I arrived, until paying the bill. The restaurant was quite smoky as there was load shedding, as a result they couldn’t use the extractors and couldn’t keep the door open as it was too cold – they explained this and apologised for the inconvenience. They also explained each dish very well and accommodated special dietary requirements well. A very good experience all round.

Ambience

The restaurant is decorated in a typical Greek style, with white walls and minimalist furniture. The style suits the food and wine, nothing is overcomplicated or unnecessary.

 

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