3.5 stars
VIBE
Ouzeri is in the heart of Greektown on The Danforth. It's one of the nicer places to get your Greek fix or go on a date in the nabe. I love the big, black tiles on the floor and the rusticity of the orange paint on the walls. The walls and decor could use a little bit of a makeover. The tables could also be bigger because a basket of bread takes up half the table.
I was here to treat my mother for Mother's Day. It was the perfect place for a great late lunch. Lots of other families are here too and the Greek music videos on the TV in corner are entertaining to say the least. It's casual and we never felt rushed.
WE ATE
Currently, they have a $25 prixe fixe menu which give you good value over the regular menu (I added it up...though it's interesting that they don't have the dessert listed on the main menu). I also like that they are many options to persuade you into buying prixe-fixe.
Mom and I split a few of our dishes. We had the spanokopita, which are two generous portions and good. I recommend! The phylo is flaky and delish.
We also had the trio of dips with warm pita bread. Skip the bread basket, as tempting as it is staring you right in the face. They do a pretty good taramousalata here (and I think you can get it during taste of the Danforth as well).
I had the signature Rosemary lamb pie. It's hearty, meaty and filling. The flavour of the shank really does come out. It's served with a massive "salad" which is basically spring mix salad from the bag with some feta (at least they use real feta and not Canadian like at Mr. Greek's), red onion and a slathering of balsamic vinegar. I was craving roasted potatoes but with the prixe fixe won't pay extra for it. I wish I had the option. They should give you the option!
Mom had the salmon which came with more sides like horta (wilted greens with lemon and olive oil) and rice. The salmon was tender, cooked well and topped with feta and tomatoes. It was a great dish and one I would recommend if you're looking for something healthy with a greek twist!
We were pretty stuffed at this point!
Desserts were disappointing. The loukamades were drenched with honey and way too sweet for my tasting. They just looked like cheap, desperate pieces of dough screaming out to be eaten from the plate. And for $3 you get more than 4 pieces at Athens Bakery across the street.
Mom had the creme caramel. It was soft and sweet as well. Not bad but not mind blowing.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Not sure if a prixe fixe was worth $70 for two (with tax, tip and drinks) but I still consider it good value for how stuffed we were after the meal. I'm not "ouzing" to go back but it's been a mainstay of the Danforth for a reason (or they just have really good rent control). Also, this is the first Greek restaurant I've been to where the waiters didn't serve us water at all. Shocking considering it's a water refill fest at the other establishments in the hood.