Ocean Basket Summer Menu Tasting: A Dreamy Mediterranean Escape

Walking into Ocean Basket felt like stepping into the heart of a warm Greek family celebration. Adorned with flowing vines, soft bubbles, and elegant lines, the atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting. It truly felt like Mykonos had found its way to Pretoria, and with the sun casting its golden rays on the day, we were in for a feast that would transport us to the Mediterranean.

The venue was buzzing with life. The weather was perfect—sunny yet cool, a reflection of the joy in the air. Drinks flowed freely, the music gently carried us through the afternoon, and a sense of pure luxury hung over everything. It was a December afternoon that captured the spirit of summer in Pretoria—carefree, full of laughter, and brimming with delicious food.

This beautiful experience was, in many ways, rooted in the story of Mama Liza. For so many immigrant families, the kitchen is where everything begins—the heart of the home, a place where culture is kept alive and memories are made. When Mama Liza set foot in South Africa in 1961, she brought with her the flavors of her Greek homeland, and her recipes became the foundation for something extraordinary.

Her kitchen quickly became a gathering place where family and friends came together to share stories, eat, and enjoy the warmth of her hospitality. It was here that her sons, Fats and George, grew up, learning the importance of community and love through food. What began as a small family venture grew into a beloved brand, with over 200 Ocean Basket locations across the globe. Yet, despite the international expansion, Mama Liza's spirit still infuses every dish, with her signature baklava remaining a sweet tribute to the family’s roots.

As we sat down to sample Ocean Basket's summer menu, we knew we were in for something truly special. This year, the restaurant has introduced a seafood braai, a beautiful fusion of Mediterranean and South African flavors. The highlight? A squid salad that stole my heart—a perfect balance of tender, flavorful squid paired with a fresh, crisp salad that was simply bursting with flavor. Another standout was a refreshing pickled salad, whose tangy acidity complemented the creamy bed of tzatziki beneath it. And, of course, there were the fresh grilled salmon and lobster, shining as stars on the plate.

We were also treated to the melt-in-your-mouth king prawns and a classic Greek salad, followed by the most heavenly baklava. The combination of textures and flavors was a perfect way to usher in the summer season, and it was clear that Ocean Basket had set the tone for a festive, indulgent December.

In between bites, we had the privilege of chatting with Grace Harding, the CEO of Ocean Basket, who is truly a dream. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

Stagnot: Can you tell us about Mama Liza's story and how it inspired the creation of Ocean Basket?

Grace Harding: Mama Liza came to South Africa from Greece in 1961, with very little. Her husband was a carpenter, and they had to make ends meet. Mama Liza had always baked and cooked, and even though they lived in a tiny flat in Sunnyside, Pretoria, their home was always filled with food and warmth. She started selling biscuits, and as time passed, people came from all over to sit and eat at their table. Her son Fats left school at 16 and, after his army service, opened a restaurant. His mom, of course, was always there to support him. The heart of Ocean Basket has always been Mama Liza’s philosophy of generosity and love, and even now, she still makes the baklava in her kitchen.

Stagnot: So, in what ways does the brand embody Mama Liza's philosophy of food being a universal language of love and community?

Grace Harding: In true Greek tradition—and I think in many other cultures—food is a way to express every emotion. If you're happy, you eat; if you're sad, you eat; if you need to bring people together, you eat. At Mama Liza’s table, there was never a shortage of food. She always made sure there was enough to share, and her generosity is the essence of what Ocean Basket is all about. She taught her children that food should be plentiful, and there should always be something left to take home.

Stagnot: Are there any exciting new culinary projects on the horizon for Ocean Basket?

Grace Harding: Our focus will always be on seafood, and we’re always exploring new opportunities. We’ve recently introduced seafood burgers, which have been a huge hit. Seafood is often an underdog in the culinary world, but it’s healthier, delicious, and something we believe deserves more attention. We’re committed to sustainable sourcing, so we work closely with Abalobi, a company supporting fishers in the Western Cape to ensure they can sell their catch year-round.

Stagnot: How does Ocean Basket approach sourcing ingredients, and what importance do you place on sustainability?

Grace Harding: We’ve partnered with Abalobi, a company that helps fishers sell their catch more effectively and fairly. Sustainability is at the core of what we do—we don’t just want to support the fishermen; we also want to make sure they’re paid fairly and that the fishing communities are stable. We only source seafood from sustainable sources, and we’re very careful about how we impact the environment.

Stagnot: Are there any new markets or regions Ocean Basket is looking into?

Grace Harding: We’ve just entered the UK with two restaurants, and while seafood isn’t as big there as it is in South Africa, we’re excited to bring the Ocean Basket experience to them. We’re also opening new locations in Uzbekistan and focusing on expanding within the markets we already serve.

After this conversation, I couldn’t help but feel like I was living in a dream world—one where food brings people together, where every meal is an experience, and where love is served on every plate. Ocean Basket has truly set the stage for a summer to remember.

I left feeling full, not just from the food, but from the experience itself. If you want to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and love that Mama Liza instilled in this brand, do yourself a favor and visit your local Ocean Basket. Trust me, it's a place where dreams—and delicious meals—come true.

Because this, truly, is what an OB summer is all about.