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

Posted on June 23, 2025July 3, 2025 by Auri Duham by Auri Duham

Nine years ago, I packed my bags, boarded a flight alone, and flew off to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been—Greece. It turned out to be one of the best solo trips of my life. I wandered through sun-drenched islands, met incredible people, and ate food so good it made my taste buds do a happy dance. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a whole vibe.

Since then, not a year goes by without me missing something about Greece. The salty sea breeze, the charm of the islands… but most of all, the food. There’s just something magical about Greek cuisine. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. But here’s the catch: authentic Greek food is hard to come by in Malaysia.

So when my partner found Mazi Greek Taverna in Kuala Lumpur, I was instantly excited. We actually planned to check it out for my birthday last year but somehow ended up choosing a different place. So this year, I was determined—Mazi was happening. No more postponing. It was finally time to scratch that Greek food itch I’d been carrying for years.

📍 Location – Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur

Mazi is located in Bukit Tunku, one of those upscale, leafy neighborhoods where the homes quietly scream old money. I honestly didn’t know what the exact complex or building was called, but the area itself is known for its exclusivity.

We didn’t expect parking to be such a challenge, though. We drove around in circles twice, hoping to find a spot, but nope. There are only a handful of parking spaces, which feels odd considering the area has multiple eateries and cafes. They do offer valet service, but since there was a queue, my partner didn’t want to bother—or pay—for it. 😅

In the end, 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.

🍽️ The Restaurant–Understated Fancy with Island Feels

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 made a reservation the night before (just to be safe!) and chose to sit outdoors, thinking it might get crowded. 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 stiff or 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 Food–Greek Cravings, Finally Satisfied

One look at the menu and I had flashbacks to my trip—stuffed capsicum, grilled octopus, baklava, and of course, Greek salad. I learned to actually enjoy eating salads in Greece (shocking, I know), and I still can’t stop raving about how fresh and flavorful their tomatoes are. Sweet, juicy, not sour like the ones we usually get here.

What We Ordered:

Appetizer: Greek Salad (Roka Beet)
Main: Grilled Stuffed Squid
Main: Greek Beef Kofta Kebab

✅ Greek Salad (Roka Beet)

Okay, real talk—there’s no way I’m stepping into a Greek restaurant without ordering a Greek salad. I picked this one out of curiosity because I’ve never had beetroot 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 for me either, but the cherry tomatoes were sweet and delicious. As for the dressing? Just okay—nothing to rave about.

✅ Grilled Stuffed Squid

This was the star of my plate. The squid was tender, juicy, and perfectly grilled, stuffed with flavorful rice that was soft and well-seasoned. It was served with a simple arugula salad and topped with a yellow herb-based sauce with chickpeas, which had a rich, earthy flavour—probably a blend of Mediterranean herbs that tied everything together beautifully.

Every bite reminded me of the fresh 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 (as all good partners do). The kofta was moist, well-seasoned, and grilled just right. It came with a side of pita bread and a creamy, tangy yogurt-based dip (probably tzatziki) that balanced the spices beautifully.

My partner had this brilliant idea of pairing the kebab with the leftover sour beetroot from the salad—and surprisingly, it worked! The contrast of flavors was so good. We both agreed this was the highlight of the lunch.

🔹 Portion Thoughts

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 but not overwhelming. We left the table satisfied, not stuffed, which is exactly how a good lunch should feel.

💸 The Price – A Little on the High Side, But Worth the Treat

Let’s be real—Mazi isn’t cheap. The prices are definitely on the higher end, especially compared to our typical lunch spot. But since it was a special day for me, my partner decided to splurge a little and treat me to some really good food.

But considering the quality of the ingredients, the thoughtful presentation, the beautiful ambiance, and the attentive service, I’d say it was a fair price for a special occasion. It’s not a place I’d go to every weekend, but for birthdays, anniversaries, or those “I really need to feel like I’m back on a Greek island” days? Totally worth it.

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

👨‍🍳 The Service–Friendly, Warm & Attentive

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 a meal feel extra special.

Final Thoughts: Did I Finally Satisfy My Greek Craving?

Yes, yes, and opa!—YES.

Dining at Mazi Greek Taverna truly brought back a flood of memories from my solo trip to Greece. The flavors, the atmosphere, the little details in service—it all reminded me why I fell so deeply in love with Mediterranean cuisine in the first place. There’s something so soulful about Greek food: 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.

Was it perfect? Not entirely—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, all was forgiven. Well… almost. 😅

Would I come back? Maybe not on a regular weekend whim, but for special occasions or when that Greek craving hits hard again? 100%. It’s a place that deserves to be enjoyed slowly, with good company, a full stomach, and no rush.

So if you’ve been missing Greek food, or if you’re just curious to try something different, I wholeheartedly recommend checking this place out. Just do yourself a favor and Grabcar your way there—trust me, it’ll save you the parking drama and let you enjoy your Mediterranean escape stress-free.

Craving: satisfied.
Birthday: made special.
Heart (and tummy): full.