PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Doncaster’s Kouzina, as a companion to the Southgate restaurant, is impressive on a number of counts. First, no one expects decent food in a vast shopping centre. Second, it’s a restaurant that would look good anywhere: fresh, sleek, with dark tables and good light. Third, it’s got a fabulous view, looking westwards to the high-rise towers of the Melbourne CBD. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the food is good and fairly priced, as is the wine list.
Kouzina’s menu offers a fairly extensive range, and its strength is in the wonderful selection of meze – those small dishes that can be eaten as a starter or a snack or even, if eaten in quantity, as a complete meal.
There are mezedes from the land, the sea and vegetarian choices as well. There are also some unique twists on familiar dishes; check out the fried calamari with ouzo aioli, and the saganaki flamed with Greek brandy, or the wonderful baked fetta with Roma tomatoes and Cretan barley rusks, enlivened with oregano and chilli and served in a small terracotta pot. Main courses include a delicious cinnamon-spiced chicken and tomato braise on house-made pasta (yes, it is Greek). The mixed platter is great for sharing, and there is also a banquet for a minimum of four.
Kouzina offers the full menu all day and also boasts a reasonably priced wine list. Located close to the cinemas, Kouzina is a great pre- or post-movie dining option. - Rita Erlich, December 2008
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