The team behind Ouzeri has opened Akra Bar, an upstairs addition that brings the restaurant’s signature warmth and conviviality into an aesthetically refined, must-visit space. Designed as both a destination and a transition, Akra Bar is where Cape Town’s dining culture meets the charm and ease of European nightlife.
Akra Bar: A Space Designed to Linger
Akra Bar is designed for guests to linger – whether arriving before dinner for an aperitivo, unwinding afterwards with a digestif, or simply dropping in for a spontaneous drink. Inspired by the timeless bars of Europe, the stripped-back space balances understated elegance with approachability, allowing the night to unfold naturally.
Guided by the same generosity and attention to detail that has long defined Ouzeri downstairs, Akra Bar extends the restaurant’s experience rather than interrupting it.
“We wanted to create a space that continues the Ouzeri experience in a more fluid way – somewhere that feels like an extension of dinner rather than a departure from it,” says chef and owner Nic Charalambous. “Akra Bar gives guests the chance to arrive earlier, stay later, and connect in a way that feels welcoming.”
This sense of continuity is central to Akra Bar’s design and purpose, offering guests flexibility while maintaining the intimacy and warmth that Ouzeri is known for.
The Meaning Behind the Name Akra
“Akra” (or Acra) is an ancient Greek word meaning high point or pinnacle. It evokes the elevated ground of the Acropolis of Athens, where temples and monuments stood as symbols of cultural achievement. The name reflects both the bar’s physical position above Ouzeri and its role as a refined yet relaxed gathering place.
A New Rhythm for Cape Town’s Dining Scene
Conceived as both a transition and a destination, Akra Bar introduces a new rhythm to Cape Town’s food and nightlife landscape. There are no reservations; guests are welcome to arrive before or after dinner, or to drop in spontaneously.
Guests can expect a carefully curated selection of top-quality vintage natural wines, sourced in collaboration with a specialist producer, alongside a cocktail menu developed by Charalambous and head barman Altus Ferreira. The inventive offering includes classic cocktails, aperitivos and digestifs, a dedicated minis and Negronis section, as well as thoughtful non-alcoholic options – ensuring every guest can enjoy the full Akra Bar experience.
Expanded Dining for Larger Groups
Ouzeri has also introduced a separate dining room designed to accommodate larger parties of seven or more, as well as private functions. While Akra Bar remains a standalone destination, the expanded dining space provides additional flexibility for hosting groups and events, seamlessly complementing the restaurant below.
Akra Bar and Cape Town’s Dining Evolution
With Cape Town firmly established as a global dining destination, the city’s restaurant scene continues to evolve. Akra Bar meets this moment with a considered, elegant offering that reflects a growing appetite for relaxed yet elevated experiences. It sets a new benchmark for modern Cypriot-Greek hospitality in Cape Town.
Visit Akra Bar
Located above Ouzeri at 58 Wale Street, Cape Town, Akra Bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight. No reservations – Akra Bar operates on a walk-in basis only.
