Ouzeri; a type of Greek tavern which serves ouzo and mezedes.
Has acquired a permanent spot on Cape Town’s Wale Street after a run of successful pop-ups across town and a variety of dinner-at-home ideas via lockdown. The new restaurant reflects the same feeling of comfort, kindness, and camaraderie as the taverns found across Cyprus and the Greek Islands from which it gets its name.
Charalambous intends to expose customers to a kind of food they may not have encountered by drawing on childhood memories, time spent growing up in his grandmother’s kitchen, and family recipes he learned along the road, as well as inspiration from his travels around the regions.
The seasonally driven menu pays homage to Cyprus and Greece’s regional specialties and culinary traditions, all of which are mirrored and articulated via the outstanding young chef’s modern approach to cooking and eating.
The Ouzeri Menu
Each menu item is an interpretation of a cuisine, method, or idea found in one of the islands’ numerous areas, combined with a passion for fresh, locally produced ingredients. The chef has assembled a team of producers and partners to guarantee that his visitors have a genuine and upgraded experience.
Notably, he’s collaborated with Maria van Zyl of Cream of the Crop butter to develop his dairy goods, particularly their Cypriot-style halloumi, as well as Jasper Wickens, with whom he’s created the restaurant’s barrel wine, which will be served in traditional carafes. Furthermore, the dedicated chef is drying his own oregano, which he obtained from Meuse Farm in Hout Bay.
Chef Nic painstakingly curates everything from the tableware and silverware to the minimal but fascinating wine selection and even the soundtrack in order to provide the greatest possible experience.
Ouzeri Interiors
The design, by Master Studio, is very much in line with the cuisine, drawing on regional elements from Cyprus and Greece combined with modern twists. Classic Cycladic architecture has white plastered walls and arched wall niches, as well as textured and patterned tapestries and embroideries seen in traditional Cypriot cafés.
These sophisticated interpretations are combined with a touch of sarcasm in the shape of scalloped wall lamps and a classical marble-style pedestal, which lend a breath of fun and flare to the area.
Ouzeri, a convivially cool addition to Cape Town’s dining scene, will no doubt be an amazing addition, serving zesty and flavorful Cypriot-Greek cookery with superb wine and attentive, down-to-earth service.
Find Ouzeri at 58 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre.
Ouzeri is open for lunch (Wednesday-Saturday) and for dinner (Tuesday-Saturday).
To find out more, follow Ouzeri on Instagram.
For more information and bookings visit www.ouzeri.co.za
Images: Jan Ras
