New Restaurant Ouzo is Oozing with Mediterranean Goodness
Image: OUZO Bar and Restaurant, Darlinghurst. Image: supplied
Ouzo is a newly opened bar/restaurant on Victoria St in the bustling dining precinct of Darlinghurst.
David Cooper and Brett Ayton, the foodies behind the successful Tommy’s Mexican restaurants in Darlinghurst and Manly, opened Ouzo with a view to recreating the amazing taste-bud adventures they’ve had around the Mediterranean.
The aesthetic begins on the street, with several outdoor tables on the footpath allowing European style alfresco socialising and people watching. Or head inside where cabaret tables, wooden chairs, dim lighting and rustic decor help create a relaxed taverna feel.
The design scheme is clean and modern with distinct traditional influence and a few inspired touches, for instance, the little shelves on the walls that feature an ouzo or vodka bottle spotlit by an overhangind light.
The bar at the back of the room is small and unpretentious, operated by a friendly and knowledgeable bartender who can advise you on the perfect wine choice or make one of Ouzo’s delicious bespoke cocktails.
By the way, the name “Ouzo” may be a little misleading. While Greek cuisine absolutely features in the menu, it interacts with the cuisines from Spain, Turkey and France. It’s a harmonious blend of the Mediterranean’s best.
The restaurant is upstairs, where the cool colour scheme and sparse, tasteful decor promotes good conversation and easy digestion.
Head Chef, Ignacio Morales, formerly of Ikaria, uses ingredients the way an artist uses colours, allowing bold, strong tastes to create a theme, while blending in complementary and contrasting flavours for an overall effect that is surprising and pleasing.
The dishes are designed for sharing and that gives you a chance to try lots of different items. Here’s a sample menu itinerary.
Open with a small bowl of kalamata and Sicilian olives, plates of taramasalata, Hummus, eggplant Labneh and yummy saganaki along with some pita bread for dipping.
For mains, you can’t go wrong with slow-cooked lamb shoulder that simply flakes into juicy pieces; flavoursome coral trout with beaure blanc and celeriac sauce; perfect slices of Tajima wagyu sirloin in a tasty wine reduction; and roasted cauliflower in Jerusalem artichoke purée.
Surround these mains with a plate of beef fat potatoes, toated brussel sprouts sprinkled with grated pecorino, dutch carrots with tamarind glaze, and classic, authentic Greek salad.
Leave just enough room for the amazing halva cheese cake served with vanilla yogurt and kumquat marmalade and the rich camomile panacotta.
Ask your waiter for wine recommendations. You won’t be disappointed. Then complete the gustatory tour of the Mediterranean with one of Ouzo’s incredible cocktails. Some suggestions:
España — Malfy gin, creme de peche, fino sherry, dried peach and stuffed pimento olive; Invisible Negroni — Malfy Gin, Italicus Rosolio, vermouth blend, blue curacao dust: or the extremely popular Yia Yia’s — olive oil washed-Havana Club Spiced, Metaxa 7 Star, Disaronno, honey, mixed citrus, chamomile, whey, walnut.
Ouzo is the kind of place you can bring friends or family for a special night out and not be disappointed. The atmosphere is vibrant and you can practically smell the salty air off the Mediterranean Sea.
259 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Tuesday 4pm – Late
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – Late
Sunday 12pm – 6pm
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