Birthday Lunch at Mazi Greek Taverna–A Taste of Greece in Kuala Lumpur

9 years ago, I packed my bags, boarded a plane all by myself, and flew off to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Greece. It was my first time traveling to Europe by myself, and I had absolutely no idea what awaited me. What started as just another solo trip quickly turned into a whole vibe. I met some incredible people, wandered through stunning islands and ate food so good it made my taste buds do a happy dance.

Since then, not a year goes by without me missing something about Greece… but most of all, the food. Just thinking about it makes me hungry, but finding truly authentic Greek food in Malaysia isn’t easy.

So when my partner found Mazi Greek Taverna in Kuala Lumpur, I was instantly excited. We had actually planned to check it out for my birthday last year, but somehow ended up choosing a different place instead. This year, though, I was determined—“Mazi is happening.”

📍 Located at Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur

Mazi is located in Bukit Tunku, one of those lush, quiet neighbourhoods where the houses softly scream old money. I couldn’t tell you the exact complex it’s in, but the area definitely gives off exclusive brunch spot energy.

What we didn’t expect was how tough it’d be to find a parking spot. We circled the area twice, hoping for a miracle, but nope… only a handful of spaces. For a spot surrounded by restaurants and cafes, it’s oddly limited.

They do offer valet, but since there was a queue (and my partner wasn’t keen on paying for it 😅), we did what Malaysians do best: parked by the roadside, crossed our fingers, and hoped for the best.

Thankfully, it was a Sunday and we weren’t the only ones taking that gamble. A few other cars were lined up along the road too, so we figured… we should be safe.

🍽️ First Impressions… Classy, Yet Relaxed

Mazi has a small, almost hidden entrance that you could easily miss if you’re not paying attention. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but once you step in, it opens up into a surprisingly spacious space with both indoor and outdoor seating.

We’d made a reservation the night before, thinking it might get busy. But when we arrived, the restaurant wasn’t packed at all. Turns out, we probably could’ve just walked in.

The outdoor seating area felt peaceful and intimate, surrounded by greenery that gave off a subtle Mediterranean charm. It had that fancy, polished vibe, but not in a way that felt intimidating. I loved the decor—it was clean, cozy, and gave me major Greek island cafe energy. I even told my partner,

“Today, let’s pretend we’re rich people having brunch” 😂

The overall ambiance? A solid win.

✅ The Greek–Food Cravings, Finally Satisfied

The menu instantly brought back memories of Greece—grilled octopus, stuffed capsicum, baklava, and of course, Greek salad. Fun fact: I learned to actually enjoy salads while in Greece (shocking, I know), and I still can’t stop raving about how fresh and flavorful their tomatoes are. Sweet and juicy. Unlike the ones we usually get here.

Here’s what we ordered:

✨ Greek Salad (Roka Beet)

I never skip a Greek salad, but this version caught my eye because of the beetroot—something I’d never tried before, and now I know: it’s sour! Not really my thing, but I’m glad I gave it a shot.

The goat cheese wasn’t my favourite either, but the cherry tomatoes were delightfully sweet. The dressing? Just okay… nothing that wowed me.

✨ Grilled Stuffed Squid

This dish stole my heart. The squid was tender, juicy, and perfectly grilled, stuffed with flavorful rice that was soft and well-seasoned. It was served with simple arugula and a yellow chickpea-herb sauce that tied everything together beautifully.

Every bite reminded me of the seafood I had in Milos. I just wish the portion was bigger! But flavor-wise? Chef’s kiss. Pure comfort.

✨ Greek Beef Kofta Kebab

This was my partner’s order, but of course, I stole a few bites. The kofta was moist and perfectly grilled, served with pita and a creamy, tangy yogurt dip (definitely tzatziki).

Then my partner had this brilliant idea of pairing the kebab with the leftover beetroot from the salad… and it worked! The contrast of flavours was surprisingly good.

We both agreed this was the highlight of the lunch.

💸 Portion Thoughts and The Price

At first, we were a bit worried the portions wouldn’t be enough. We’ve had our fair share of date nights where we ended up over-ordering just in case, so this time we decided to trust our instincts and keep it simple.

And honestly? We made the right call. The dishes were just the right amount—filling without being heavy. We left the table satisfied, not stuffed, which is exactly how a good lunch should feel.

For the price, Mazi isn’t cheap, but since it was a special day for me, my partner decided to splurge a little and treat me to some really good food.

Given the quality, presentation, and ambiance, I’d say it’s fair for a special treat. It’s not an every-week kind of place, but for birthdays, anniversaries, or those “I miss Greece” moments—totally worth it.

So yes… prepare your wallet, but also prepare to be impressed.

✅ Service That Warms the Heart

From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with genuine smiles and a calm, welcoming energy that instantly set the tone for the meal. Our server was the perfect mix of professional and personable—attentive without being overbearing. She made sure we were comfortable, topped up our drinks without us even having to ask, and checked in just the right amount so we felt looked after but never interrupted.

She also did her best to take birthday photos for us, which was such a thoughtful gesture. That kind of warmth and attention to detail always makes the experience even more special.

✅ Did I Finally Satisfy My Greek Craving?

Yes, yes, and opa!—YES.

Mazi Greek Taverna brought back so many memories from my solo trip to Greece. The flavours, the warmth, the charm—all of it reminded me why I fell in love with Greek food in the first place. There’s something so soulful about it: the olive oil, the herbs, the grilled seafood, the fresh ingredients that speak for themselves. And Mazi managed to capture a piece of that magic.

I wholeheartedly recommend checking this place out if you love Mediterranean cuisine or just want to try something different.

Sure, the parking situation was definitely a mood-killer at first (still side-eyeing Bukit Tunku for that). But once we sat down and the food started coming out, everything else melted away. 😅

Would I come back for a casual weekend? Maybe not, but for special occasions or when that Greek craving hits again? 100%.