Restaurant review: Ouzerie Mezedopolio
Chaussée d’Ixelles 235
What’s good: This family-run restaurant has a lively atmosphere, with high-quality products and authentic Greek recipes. The food menu offers a broad range of mezzes, small dishes which are perfect for sharing: from cold dips such as tzatziki, a yogurt-based dip, and tarama, a fish roe spread; to warm options such as fried calamari, the traditional spanakopita or spinach pie, and tiropita, a cheese pie.
The wine menu also does not disappoint. We opted for a flowery and fruity white wine which tasted fresh and conjured up a sunny day on the Greek coast.
Do leave some space for dessert. The galaktoboureko, puff pastry with cream, and the portokalopita, a glazed orange cake, were so delicious they left us craving more.
What’s not: The place is small and noisy. The restaurant staff is friendly but also busy, so it can be challenging to get their attention. If you are looking for a romantic atmosphere or to have a private conversation, this is not the place — especially over the weekend.
Vibe: Old Mediterranean tavern. The yellow walls and wooden tables evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere, as does the traditional Hellenic music.
Spotted: Lots of Greek expats seeking a taste of home.
Who’s picking up the check? All those little items on the menu sound tempting, but calculate the final price before making your order. The cold and warm mezzes range from €7 to €10, although the fish and meat options cost more (€16 to €18 each). Desserts run between €7.50 and €10. Keep in mind that the portions are very small, so you will need at least three or four plates to fill up. The cheapest wine bottle costs €34; the ouzo, €7.
Fun fact: The restaurant’s name comes from the combination of two themes: ouzerie, a place to drink ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek liqueur; and mezedopodio, a place to eat mezzes. “Those two concepts work very well together and can be found in every corner of Greece,” explained Georges Tsigkalidis, the restaurant owner.
How to get there: In between Place Flagey and Place Fernand Cocq, it’s the perfect place to stop by between after-work drinks.
— Review published on May 25, 2023. Illustration by Dato Parulava/POLITICO
