Ouzo Taverna — Restaurant in Castle Downs

This hidden gem of a Greek restaurant in Edmonton was an absolutely wonderful surprise. After visiting most of the popular Greek restaurants in central and south Edmonton, we decided to give this new spot a try since we were in the area and noticed it had recently opened. The food was exceptional and made with clear attention to detail. Every dish had that comforting, home-cooked touch that truly sets it apart from other local Greek restaurants.

Chicken Souvlaki: Generous portions with large chunks of perfectly grilled chicken. I rarely order Chicken Souvlaki because it often turns out dry, but this was completely different. The chicken was tender, juicy, and melted in my mouth. Easily the best Chicken Souvlaki I’ve had in Edmonton.

Lamb Souvlaki: The lamb was also served in large, meaty pieces that were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. It was juicy, tender, and completely free from that gamey taste you sometimes find at other Greek restaurants. Another standout dish that shows how well this Edmonton restaurant knows its grill.

Roasted Lamb (Arni Fournou): This dish was absolutely packed with flavor. The lamb was perfectly marinated, juicy, and cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to come back again and again. Definitely one of my top recommendations if you love authentic Greek food in Edmonton.

Dolmades: The hidden star of the night! Normally dolmades can be dry or overly leafy, but here they were beautifully balanced, tender, and full of rich flavor. Perfectly wrapped and seasoned just right. If you know someone who doesn’t usually like dolmades, bring them here to change their mind. For dolmade lovers, you’ll appreciate the homemade twist on this Greek classic.

Baklava: The Baklava was a pleasant surprise, following a more traditional Greek style rather than the flaky Turkish version I’m used to. Fresh out of the oven, it was warm, rich, and delicious. My only suggestion would be to pair it with a scoop of vanilla or Greek yogurt ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert experience.

The restaurant’s location is a bit unconventional since it occupies what used to be a neighborhood pub, but that actually adds to its charm. It has that cozy, “hole-in-the-wall” Greek restaurant vibe that feels both authentic and welcoming. It’s the kind of place that works perfectly for a romantic date night or a family dinner.

Overall, there’s very little to improve here besides visibility and marketing because the food and service were truly outstanding. This is one of the best new Greek restaurants in Edmonton and deserves to be much busier than it is. If you’re looking for authentic Greek food in Edmonton with generous portions, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere, this spot should be at the top of your list.

P.S. Special thanks to the lovely couple leaving as we arrived who gave us some fantastic...

It was time to celebrate a birthday and our son chose Ouzo for Greek.

For us, the Greek restaurant scene in Edmonton seemed to center around Whyte ave and 124 St. and we had not heard of Ouzo before.

Turns out this was a great choice on every level. We avoided the crowds in the other over run neighborhoods and had access to free parking in front of the restaurant. The food was fantastic and the chef was our host.

We ordered a wide sample of appetizers and an entree to share. Spanokapita - My five companions gobbled it up before I had any. Must have been good. Maybe should have ordered more. Dolmades - A favorite of mine and these were delicious. I had an extra to make up for the missed Spanikopita. Keftedes - Nice and meaty. Fried Calamari - Tender with crispy batter. Cooked to perfection with tzatziki and lemon for a little extra zing. Ouzo Garides - I also missed out on this one. No complaints so I think it was good. Roast Potatoes - Tender and delicious. Moist with well balanced seasoning. Saganaki - Set aflame at the table, fresh and delicious. This is a great way to enjoy cheese. Crispy on the surface, firm to melty on the inside. Moussakas - Easily the best Moussakas in Edmonton. My wife's favorite, we should have ordered more. Baklava - Fantastic. Quit spending money on pumpkin spices drinks and go to Ouzo instead to have their Baklava. Generously spiced, fresh from the oven. Sweet and satisfying. Cap it all off with a shot of Ouzo. Granted Ouzo is not for everyone, but substitute in your favorite drink to end the meal.

The amount of food filled everyone up. No snacking after getting home, just napping.

The vibe was a little bit garage chic when we entered, a custom HD chopper is parked inside in front of one of the overhead doors leading to the patio. Through the course of the meal the staff were very attentive and the chef came out to talk with all the patrons. The staff was very approachable and didn't hesitate to help us out or ask how things were going. By the end we felt like regulars at the local.

We noticed the patio was pet friendly. Hurry out this month and take advantage of the fall weather...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Little Slice of Greece Right Here in Edmonton!

If you’ve been dreaming of Santorini sunsets but your vacation days are gone (again), this spot near Griesbach on 161st Ave NW is the next best thing. The moment you walk in, you’re transported to Greece — whitewashed décor, cozy lighting, and a vibe that says “pass the ouzo.” The patio looks absolutely chef’s kiss — I can already picture myself there in summer pretending I own a taverna.

Okay, real talk: the only hiccup is the shared entry with the bar next door. It’s giving “pub crawl, not Peloponnese.” If the owners could swing a separate entrance through the patio, it would be perfection on a plate.

Now, the food. We started with hummus and flaming saganaki (because life’s too short not to order cheese that’s literally on fire). The hummus was creamy, garlicky, and downright addictive. The saganaki had that perfect lemony bite — so good it nearly made us shout “OPA!” The pita? Warm, soft, and possibly baked by Greek angels.

For mains, we went classic: lamb souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, and one glorious moussaka. Everything was cooked perfectly — tender, flavorful, and seasoned like someone’s yiayia was watching. The Greek lemon potatoes were the real deal — I could’ve eaten a bowl the size of Mount Olympus. The moussaka was enormous, fluffy-topped, and deeply satisfying.

And then, the baklava — a birthday gift from the staff (how sweet is that?). Crispy, nutty, honey-soaked perfection. 🥰

Honestly, this place deserves to be packed every night. Authentic food, lovely atmosphere, and service that makes you feel like family. Go once, and you’ll already be planning your next “trip to...