Nic Charalambous is the executive chef and owner of Ouzeri, a contemporary Cypriot-Greekrestaurant that opened in Cape Town, South Africa, in June 2022. Rooted in nostalgia yet driven by ambition, Ouzeri is a celebration of tradition elevated by innovation.
The idea took shape during Dubai’s lockdown, a time Nic spent diligently crafting menus, refining concepts, and mapping out his vision. While working at Avli by tashas, Natasha Sideris' Greek restaurant in Dubai, he received her mentorship and blessing to return to Cape Town. There, he brought with him a deep respect for tradition, a resourceful approach to ingredients, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
By honouring the rich culinary traditions of Greece and Cyprus, Ouzeri creates an experience that is both familiar and unexpected. Every detail is considered, from the sourcing of the ingredients to the meticulous layering of flavours and textures on each plate. The menu offers a journey through the region, featuring meze and larger dishes that tell the stories of their origins. When the right ingredients can’t be found, Ouzeri collaborates to create them, ensuring authenticity in every bite.
The experience extends beyond the food. The wine list is a carefully curated selection of small-batch, low-intervention wines. A highlight of our collection is the barrel wine, created in collaboration with winemakers. Inspired by the traditional 'Retsina' barrel wines from Athenian taverns, it captures the essence of an authentic tavern experience.
The interior is equally immersive—white plastered walls and arched niches nod to Cycladic architecture, with rich textures and tapestry details throughout. Ouzeri is a contemporary celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Greece and Cyprus. Tashas Group has partnered with Nic and his team to expand the concept internationally.
