As much of the country ventured to Europe this summer, those who stayed behind had the chance to savour the flavours of the Mediterranean right here at home. For anyone enamoured with the cuisines of Greece, Spain, France, and Italy, Ouzo offers an exquisite escape, serving a refined take on Mediterranean dining in the heart of Darlinghurst.
The restaurant’s aesthetic mirrors its culinary ethos: clean, modern, and understatedly elegant. With sharp lines and a subtle polish, the venue exudes sophistication without veering into pretentiousness—a hallmark of Darlinghurst’s dining scene.
We opted for the Premium Set Menu ($99 per person), a feast that embodies the rich and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean.
The experience begins with a generous spread of mezze. Warm, pillowy pita bread arrives seasoned with fennel seeds, ready to scoop up the house-made dips. The Taramasalata, made with cured red mullet roe, and the lemon hummus with fried chickpeas, offer a balance of briny and citrusy notes, while the earthy, velvety eggplant labneh rounds out the trio. The Sicilian and Kalamata olives, kissed with cardamom, are an aromatic touch that elevates every bite.
From the small plates, the Saganaki is a standout. A slab of kefalograviera cheese, golden and crisp, draped in honey and lemon sauce, is a glorious interplay of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors—a quintessential taste of Greece.
The Kingfish Crudo with passionfruit and yuzu adds a fresh, zesty dimension to the meal. A nod to Ouzo’s sister restaurant, Tommy’s, it may stray from the Mediterranean theme, but its vibrant flavors earn it a rightful place on the menu.
The main courses are a testament to culinary craftsmanship. The MBS7-8 Tajima Wagyu Sirloin, paired with a Pedro Ximénez reduction, is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Meanwhile, the Coral Trout with Beurre Blanc and celeriac sauce, drizzled with rocket oil, channels the essence of a French bistro—delicate, buttery, and perfectly executed.
Sides are anything but an afterthought. Brussels sprouts with red wine reduction deliver a sweet and tangy complexity that will convert even the most reluctant sprout skeptics, while the confit beef fat potatoes are crisp-edged squares of indulgence. The Greek salad provides a refreshing counterbalance with its vibrant, herbaceous flavors.
To end, the Halva Basque Cheesecake redefines dessert. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, nutty, and caramelized notes—a delightful union of Mediterranean ingredients with Basque culinary tradition.
Ouzo doesn’t just serve food; it transports you. From the first mezze to the final bite of cheesecake, every dish speaks to the beauty of the Mediterranean, reimagined with precision and creativity. For a culinary escape that feels worlds away yet sits close to home, Ouzo is a must-visit.
Ouzo
259 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010
Tuesday 4pm – Late
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – Late
Sunday 12pm – 6pm
