Every time we drove past Oli Mazi, we thought: we really must go and eat here some time. The photos of all the food looked so good that the restaurant had been on our wish list for a long time. A few weeks ago the moment finally came. We had booked a table on a Friday evening. Now, we're quite picky, and I have a habit of expecting too much from a restaurant and then ending up just a little disappointed because the service isn't good or the food is meh. But at Oli Mazi we were pleasantly surprised. We were welcomed by the owner's mother. She chatted away nineteen to the dozen and could recommend delicious dishes. We were really surprised. Time, then, to ask the owner a few questions.
Contents
- Greek twist
- Oli Mazi is special
- The Amsterdamsestraatweg is unique
- The Amsterdamsestraatweg is changing
- Oli Mazi's dreams
- The best-kept secret on the Amsterdamsestraatweg
Greek twist
We asked Jorgos what really makes Oli Mazi special. OLI MAZI is the shared dining restaurant in Utrecht. With us you eat creative seasonal dishes with a Greek twist. But we go further than the classics and a twist. For us it's all about surprise, creativity, the pleasure of sharing and the sensation of every bite. We offer a complete experience, in which wine, bubbles, beers and musical entertainment are essential companions on this flavourful journey. The dishes we serve are for sharing, just as they are in Greece. In addition, we have an enormous range of beautiful Greek wines, signature cocktails and regular live music.
Oli Mazi is special
Oli Mazi is a unique concept, far removed from the mainstream Greek restaurant. No big plates of meat, but refined dishes made with quality seasonal produce. In addition, we are a real family restaurant. Our family has a great passion for food, drink, hospitality and everything that goes with it.
We can really pour this passion into the restaurant and hope to pass it on to our guests. The restaurant is well outside the centre (perhaps the only one in this part of Zuilen). That's not without reason. Our grandfather ran a successful restaurant here for many years. After he passed away, we chose to set up a contemporary concept at the same location. People said it wouldn't be a success because of the location, yet it's holding up pretty well 🙂
The Amsterdamsestraatweg is unique
We find the diversity, atmosphere and liveliness of the Amsterdamsestraatweg unique. I myself live towards the centre, in a side street off the Amsterdamsestraatweg, and experience this more there than at the restaurant's location. As a restaurant, the biggest plus is that our guests can park here for free.
The Amsterdamsestraatweg is changing
We have seen an enormous amount of change in customers and demand. As I wrote earlier, when we started, people thought we were crazy to open our concept at this location. I grew up in Zuilen myself, and when we opened the restaurant I already saw a very different Zuilen from the one I knew. More prosperity thanks to the arrival of young families/yuppies, and less crime. We notice this in the restaurant too: we're getting more and more guests from the neighbourhood, and our concept matches what the current residents want. They are often real ambassadors for the restaurant too. We also try to work together with the neighbourhood, for example by sponsoring a street party or by teaming up with the Zuilen tennis club as a sponsor.
Oli Mazi's dreams
We hope one day to be full every day on the Amsterdamsestraatweg and to open several branches across the country!
I think the Amsterdamsestraatweg will have changed a lot in 5 years' time. It will become a more atmospheric street with more greenery, more places to eat and drink and nice shops, and less tarmac. (A bit like the Burgemeester Reigerstraat idea.) I also think that the renewal of the start of the Straatweg will make it more popular and reduce crime. Things will also change around the restaurant, with the construction of a park along the water and new-build homes. This in turn will lead to even more positive developments.
The best-kept secret on the Amsterdamsestraatweg
OLI MAZI, of course! We're also big fans of the grilled sausage from Slagerij van Es, but I don't know if that's really a secret?
Has Oli Mazi got you excited? Then be sure to go and eat there. Would you like to buy a house in the neighbourhood? Then take a look at our listings or get in touch with us, so we can help you with our services as a buying agent.
