Otto’s Mediterranean Kitchen

If you enjoy fresh flavourful food with a Greek and Turkish theme then you will enjoy Otto’s Mediterranean Kitchen, newly opened in the Fortieth and Hurstmere restaurant collective in Takapuna.

We arrived during a busy lunch hour, and helpful staff guided us through the short menu, which represents the various cuisines of the Mediterranean region:  Greek Souvla; Cypriot Kofta; Borek; Istanbul Guzleme.

There are also sides of falafels, grilled haloumi and dolmades, plus a repertoire of carbs:  rice, corn polenta goujones, fries and pita bread.  Otto opens in the morning, so there are a couple of breakfast items on the menu, too.

My daughter chose the Greek Souvla wrap with beef pieces ($13.50) while I ordered the Cypriot Kofta with grilled mince beef ($16). Instead of beef, I could have ordered either chicken or falafels.  My Kofta also came with my choice of two salads, two dips and two toppings.

For salads, I opted for the Hellenic Slaw and Roasted Squash with Chickpeas, while I chose the Beetroot Hummus and Roasted Carrot dip. I selected the mild Harissa dressing and Tzatziki to top everything off.

There were three very tempting-looking sweets offered, including a Baklava Noir that I had not seen before. However, for once my resolution held firm, and I passed it by.

Although most people ordered their food to take away, we chose a table in the shared dining space behind the restaurant. While we sat and enjoyed our meal, we were served complimentary tea in small glass cups, courtesy of Otto’s.  It was a lovely personal touch.

My meal was a delicious blend of flavours and spices.  The mince beef was particularly tasty, and I detected a hint of warming cinnamon amongst the spices. The salads were a simpler flavour contrast to the meat, and benefitted from the two toppings that I selected. I would probably go with the hot Harissa dressing next time. My daughter was very happy with her wrap, although once she saw my meal she was rather envious.  I think it is worth the extra $3 to upgrade from the wrap to the meal with salads.

There is a lovely saying written on the wall of the restaurant:

“May what you eat bring you wellbeing”.  If we returned to eat at Otto regularly, that would be a certainty.