Ouzeri Tou Laki stands on Victoria Square, five minutes on foot from Ioulianou 50. Outdoor tables, ouzo in a carafe, small plates on the counter, and the square in front of you make it a classic neighbourhood lunch stop.
What an ouzeri is
An ouzeri is not a restaurant with a full menu and main courses. The idea is different: you come for ouzo or tsipouro and order small shared plates — mezedes — that go with the drink. Fish, octopus, prawns, meatballs, cheese, olives. You eat slowly, drink in moderation, and talk a lot.
The tradition grew in Athens through refugee communities from Asia Minor in the early 20th century. The combination of anise-flavoured ouzo, seafood and small shared plates comes from that history.
Where exactly it is
Ouzeri Tou Laki sits at the edge of Victoria Square, looking out toward the fountain and the plane trees. The tables spread onto the paving stones outside. It opens late morning and quiets down by mid-afternoon, with lunchtime as the busiest stretch.
From Ioulianou 50 you head north for about five minutes and reach Victoria Square. The ouzeri is on the eastern side of the square, toward Acharnon street.
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What to order
The menu at neighbourhood ouzeria is not fixed — it changes with availability. These dishes appear most often:
Grilled octopus
Grilled with olive oil, oregano, and lemon. It usually has a little char at the edges and comes in a small portion for sharing.
Tzatziki
Strained yoghurt, grated cucumber, garlic and olive oil. At an ouzeri it is usually thicker and more garlicky than many standard restaurant versions.
Fried calamari
Small rings dusted in flour and fried, served with lemon. Eat them hot. Once they cool, the batter softens and loses the crunch.
Taramosalata
A paste of fish roe (tarama) with olive oil and lemon. Usually pale pink, and eaten with bread or breadsticks.
Prawns saganaki
Prawns in tomato sauce with feta and spices, served in a small flameproof dish. Best eaten hot, straight from the pan.
Keftedakia (small meatballs)
Minced meat with cumin, parsley and onion. Small, well-cooked, and easy to share.
The ouzo — what to choose
Most ouzeria offer house ouzo in a small carafe or bottle. Cost: 2–4€ for a 50 ml bottle, usually with a small water bottle to dilute. You add water and the liquid turns white — that is normal, caused by the anise oil.
There is no correct ratio. Some drink it neat over ice, others at 1:2 with water. It is always served with food — never alone as a shot.
If you do not drink ouzo
The ouzeri also serves tsipouro (stronger, no anise), Greek beers (Fix, Mythos, Alpha) and cold water. You can order mezedes without alcohol if you prefer.
What it costs
2–4€
Small bottle of ouzo or tsipouro (50 ml). Served with a mezes.
5–9€
One mezedes plate (octopus, calamari, prawn saganaki). Larger seafood dishes run higher.
18–28€
Two people with two ouzo, 3–4 mezedes and water. A realistic bill for a midday sitting.
1–2€
Bread that arrives at the table. Often free at neighbourhood spots in this area.
Opening hours
Neighbourhood ouzeria around Victoria Square typically run 11:00–17:00 or 12:00–18:00. The busiest window is 12:30–15:30. Most close early afternoon and do not reopen for dinner. If you want seafood in the evening, you need a different option.
In spring and summer, outdoor tables on the square fill up from 13:00. In cooler weather, most seating is inside.
How to get there from Angel Athens (Ioulianou 50)
Leave Ioulianou 50, turn left onto Fylis street and walk north. In five minutes you reach Victoria Square. The ouzeri is on the eastern side of the square toward Acharnon.
Alternatively from Victoria Metro Station (Line 1): use the square exit and walk two minutes east.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation?
No. Neighbourhood ouzeria do not take reservations. If it is full, wait ten minutes or arrive before 12:30.
Is English spoken?
A little, depending on the server. Pointing at items on the counter usually works well. The seafood in the display case is easy enough to identify.
Can children come?
Yes. Ouzeria are not adults-only — Greek families eat together here all the time. Children can eat keftedakia, fried food and bread without any issue.
Are there vegetarian options?
Some: tzatziki, taramosalata (contains fish roe — not vegan), cheese, olives, salad. The focus of an ouzeri is seafood, so strict vegans will find options limited.
