Restaurant review: Ouzerie Mezedopolio – POLITICO

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What’s good: This family restaurant has a lively atmosphere, with high quality products and authentic Greek recipes. The menu offers a wide range of mezessmall dishes to share: cold dips like tzatzikia yogurt-based dip, And Tarama, a fish roe spread; to hot dishes such as fried calamari, the traditional spanakopita or spinach pie, and tiropitaa cheese pie.

The wine list does not disappoint either. We opted for a flowery and fruity white wine, fresh and reminiscent of a sunny day on the Greek coast.

Leave room for dessert. THE galaktobourekopuff pastry with cream, and the Portokalopitaan orange glazed cake, were so delicious they left us wanting more.

What is not: The place is small and noisy. The restaurant staff are friendly but also busy, so it can be difficult to get their attention. If you are looking for a romantic atmosphere or to have a private conversation, this is not the place, especially on weekends.

Atmosphere: Old Mediterranean tavern. Yellow walls and wooden tables evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere, as does traditional Hellenic music.

Spotted: Many Greek expats seek a taste of home.

Who collects the check? All those little menu items sound tempting, but calculate the final price before you place your order. The cold and the hot mezes range from €7 to €10, although fish and meat options cost more (€16 to €18 each). Desserts cost between €7.50 and €10. Keep in mind that the portions are very small, so you’ll need at least three or four plates to fill them. The cheapest bottle of wine costs €34; ouzo, €7.

Fun fact: The name of the restaurant comes from the combination of two themes: ouzerie, a place to drink ouzo, the Greek aniseed liqueur; And mezedopoda place to eat mezes. “These two concepts work very well together and can be found in every corner of Greece,” explained Georges Tsigkalidis, the restaurant’s owner.

How to get there: Between Place Flagey and Place Fernand Cocq, this is the ideal place to stop between two afterworks.

— Review posted May 25, 2023. Art by Dato Parulava/POLITICO