Set to redefine the in-between, Akra Bar offers a sophisticated yet approachable addition to Cape Town’s bar scene.
The team behind Ouzeri introduces Akra Bar, an upstairs addition that brings the restaurant’s signature warmth and conviviality into an aesthetically refined, must-visit space where Cape Town’s dining culture meets the charm of European nightlife.
Akra Bar is designed for guests to linger before dinner over an aperitivo, unwind after a meal with a digestif, or simply drop in for a drink. The stripped-back spot, inspired by the timeless bars of Europe, where elegance is effortless and the night unfolds slowly, is guided by the same generosity and sophistication that has always defined Ouzeri downstairs.
“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.”
“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.
Conceived as both a transition and a destination, Akra Bar introduces a new rhythm to the Ouzeri experience and Cape Town’s food scene. There are no reservations, guests are welcome to arrive before or after dinner, or drop in spontaneously. In a city seeking more relaxed, inviting gathering spaces, Akra Bar sets a new standard for transitional dining.
Guests can expect a carefully curated selection of top-quality vintage natural wines, sourced in collaboration with a producer, alongside a cocktail menu developed by Charalambous and head barman Altus Ferreira. The inventive menu features classic cocktails – including aperitivos, digestifs, and a special section dedicated to minis and Negronis – as well as non-alcoholic options, ensuring every guest can enjoy the full Akra Bar experience.
Ouzeri has also now introduced a separate dining room designed to accommodate larger parties of seven or more, as well as private functions. While the bar remains a standalone destination, the expanded dining space provides flexibility for hosting bigger groups or events, seamlessly complementing the restaurant below.
With Cape Town’s global reputation as a must-visit dining destination, the city’s restaurant scene has never been more dynamic. Akra Bar meets this moment perfectly, offering a fresh approach to the experience. It reflects the city’s appetite for elevated experiences, and sets a new standard for modern Cypriot-Greek dining in Cape Town.
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. Follow Akra Bar on Instagram.
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Images: Supplied
