Cool Spaces: Ouzeri

WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Jan Ras; Yaniv Chen

Ouzeri, a new Mediterranean-inspired eatery, brings a taste of Greece and Cyprus to Cape Town’s trendy CBD.

An endeavour by young chef Nic Charalambous, the ethos is to focus on a seasonal, locally sourced menu that showcases the nostalgia and authenticity behind this unique cuisine.

The restaurant takes its name from the taverns scattered around coastal towns, where the regional dishes and decor aesthetic hail from. “What I love about the ouzeris I’ve experienced in Cyprus and Greece is that they’re very much local hangouts. It’s the place where you’d go after work for a drink and a bite, and to meet friends and family. Everyone shares meze and drinks wine and ouzo. In fact, they’re so much a part of the community that they’re often named after the towns they’re based within,” says Nic – owner and executive chef. 

Chef Nic draws on childhood memories and recipes passed down from family members and interpreted into a changing menu. The idea is to capture a sense of community, spirit and a coming together of minds in a celebratory space of comfort. “I’ve wanted to showcase these classic regional dishes for the longest time. While it’s very much my take on them, they still pay respect to tradition and heritage while incorporating a new perspective, different techniques and flavours, using the freshest, seasonal ingredients,” says Nic.

READ MORE: Cool Spaces: Ethos Restaurant

Yaniv Chen of Master Studio took control of the interiors, with a brief to have an equal balance between comfort, nostalgia and sophistication. Drawing on regional influences, such as tapestries, recessed wall shelving, patterned textiles and white-washed walls, his vision was to create an island escape on the streets of Cape Town. “For this project, we delved into the history of Cypriot artistic heritage, which was influenced by many civilisations. Notably, the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans creating the woven textiles, tapestries and soft architecture are seen throughout the island.” Says Yaniv of the project. 

A marriage of decor and authentic cuisine makes it a must-visit on Cape town’s new Hot List for 2022.

To make a reservation, visit ouzeri.co.za

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