The team behind beloved Wale Street favourite and Eat Out 2-star restaurant Ouzeri is taking things to new heights with the opening of Akra Bar. Their new upstairs addition is set to become Cape Town’s latest natural wine and cocktail destination, and we’re already planning our first visit.

Chef and owner Nic Charalambous describes the concept as a place where you can seamlessly transition from dinner to drinks without losing that intimate, sophisticated atmosphere. “We wanted to create a space that continues the Ouzeri experience in a more fluid way, somewhere that feels like an extension of dinner rather than a departure from it.”

The name itself tells a story. “Akra” comes from ancient Greek, meaning high point or pinnacle, evoking the elevated ground of Athens’ Acropolis. It’s a fitting tribute for a bar that’s literally perched above one of the city’s most popular dining spots.

Chef and owner Nic Charalambous

It’s not the only expansion happening at 58 Wale Street either. Ouzeri has introduced a separate dining room for larger groups and private functions. But back to the bar. What’s got us most excited? The drinks!

Guests can expect a curated selection of natural wines, sourced in collaboration with producers. Head barman Altus Ferreira has worked alongside Nic to craft a cocktail menu that hits all the right notes for the season – think classic aperitivos and digestifs, plus a dedicated section for “minis” and Negronis. They’ve concocted a thoughtful list of alcohol-free options too.

The approach feels refreshingly unpretentious: no reservations, just show up when the mood strikes. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight, Akra Bar is designed for spontaneous evenings and those magical in-between moments when you’re not quite ready for the night to end.

With Cape Town’s bar scene constantly evolving, Akra feels like exactly the kind of elevated-yet-approachable addition we’re excited to see.