The Byron Bay Restaurant Locals Don’t Want You to Know About
Posted: 03 December 2025
Step out of Byron Bay and straight into Greece
Every now and then, you find a place where dinner stops feeling like dinner and starts feeling like a home-cooked meal. That’s the magic of Kouzina.
Styled with our Blue Stripe Table Cloth
We sat down with Phoebe, the mastermind behind it all, to uncover the spirit, stories and flavours that make Kouzina feel so alive.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the story behind Kouzina, and how your own journey inspired the restaurant you’ve created today?
A: “Kouzina” simply means kitchen in Greek. Growing up, the kitchen has always been the heart of our household. I understood early in life that food, family and love are very much intertwined within the kitchen.
Thanks to my Greek heritage, food and travel has always been a big part of my life and eventually one of my biggest passions. After spending much of my time in Greece as an early adult, I returned to Australia with a feeling that i wanted to share something with my community here in Byron Bay. I missed the social and cultural interactions that were part of everyday life in Greece and so I found myself cooking Greek feasts at home and inviting friends over to enjoy the meal with me. Eventually I needed a commercial kitchen and was lucky enough to find the perfect place to open Kouzina, my very own Greek kitchen in my hometown of Byron Bay.
Q: Which dish on your menu always gets the biggest reaction from guests, and what do you think it is about it that people fall in love with?
A: I’d have to say it’s the Lamb Youvetsti that wins the heart of most. Youvetsi was traditionally cooked in clay pots, and although we no longer use the old method, there’s something very hearty, humble and nostalgic about the combination of the slow roasted meat, rich broth, tomato and orzo. If you enjoy the unique flavour of lamb, I am sure you will love this dish, and even if you don’t I will still encourage you to try it if you visit us.
Follow @kouzina_byronbay on Instagram
Q: There are so many Greek restaurants out there. What makes Kouzina stand out from every other option?
A: Kouzina is different in that it doesn’t feel like a typical restaurant. From the casual setting, to the familiar staff, the set menu with homestyle cooking and the option to BYO.
My intention was not to make a business but more to create a familiar and welcoming space to hold, nourish and inspire individuals through the celebration of food, community and culture.
Q:For someone who’s never been to Kouzina, what can they expect from an evening here, from the moment they walk in to the last bite?
A: When people visit Kouzina Byron Bay I want them to feel immediately welcomed, excited and comfortable, and as if returning home after a long day out. Theres no need to read menus or make any decisions on what to order, instead use this time as an opportunity to be fully present with your company and your meal. If you can relax, soak up the surroundings and immerse yourself in the atmosphere you might even feel as though you’ve been transported to a timeless taverna far, far away from Byron Bay.
Q: Your menu changes with every service. What’s inspiring you in the kitchen right now, and are there any new flavours or dishes that have you excited
A: Although our menu changes frequently, one thing that remains consistent is the generous use of herbs in my recipes. The amount of dill, parsley, mint and oregano that I use each service might seem excessive but it’s for good reason. I studied nutrition and have always believed in food as medicine. The use of herbs is not only for flavour or garnish, it can add so many nutritional benefits to your meal.
This season my mother’s garden is abundant with mint, which has inspired the latest Pantzarosalata (beetroot salad) a classic combination of beetroot, yoghurt, ground walnuts, garlic, lemon zest and of course plenty of fresh mint. It’s so vibrant on the table and in the mouth, which makes it a perfect addition to your Greek Summer feast.
Kouzina is a reminder of what true, authentic dining should feel like: warm, unhurried, and home-cooked.
Whether you’re a lover of Greek food or simply someone who appreciates meals that stay with you long after that last bite, make sure you add Kouzina to your must-visit list.
Similar inspiration
