Dedham Business Spotlight: Kouzina Estiatorio Restaurant

The Kouzina Estiatorio Restaurant located in Dedham Square at 557 High St. is right from grandma's kitchen to you. This family run business, where mom is right there in the kitchen preparing meals for you, has all authentic Greek recipes.

Some of their specials are stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki dip, lamb kabob, meatballs, greek salad with shrimp and several chicken and beef dishes including a favorite lamb shank with rice and lamb kabob.

Patch sat down with one of the owners Xeno Sountoulidis and asked about Kouzina Estiatorio. Brother Tony Sountoulidis and mom Eleni all work together to bring you their authentic Greek recipes.

Patch: How long have you been in business in Dedham Square?

XS:  We first opened our doors here in Dedham Square in November of 2007 (5+ years).  Prior to that, we owned a deli in Back Bay for 10 years as well as a pizza shop in Hyde Park for 10 years prior to that.  All were family run businesses with my parents, Eleni & Niko, and my brother Tony.

Patch: Where do your recipes come from?

XS: The recipes we use today in our restaurant have been passed down for many generations.  My mom shared her recipes with me, which she learned from her mom, and so forth.  These are the same recipes that have been used to cook Sunday dinners in our family for many generations, giving our food the home-cooked taste our customers love.  

My grandfather and uncles also ran "Tavernas" in Greece.  These traditional restaurants focus on serving grilled meats, salads, and simple sides...and of course, lots of beer & wine!  As children, my brother and i would spend our summers in Greece.  Every night, we would go to my uncles' taverna and have dinner with the whole family.  After dinner, all the kids would run off playing. Except for me. That is when I would sneak into the kitchen to try and learn what my uncles did, what "magic" they used, to make this food taste so delicious!  We've kept the same, simple approach with our grilled meats, char-grilling them in the traditional way.

Patch: What are your specialties?

XS: One of our most popular dishes is the Souvlaki (kabob).  The lamb and chicken versions are the most popular but we do also offer beef and pork as well.  Another very popular dish, and one of my favorites, is the Mousaka.  It is a casserole style dish which consists of layered eggplant, potato & seasoned ground beef and is topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.

Patch: Do you offer catering for events and parties?

XS: Because our kitchen is so small, we do offer catering but on a smaller scale. We can certainly cater you holiday party for 50 people, but not your 250 person wedding! We offer dine in and take out all day.

Our hours of operation are:

Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m.  - 9:30 p.m.

We are closed Sunday and Monday.