Ocean Basket, renowned for its Mediterranean spirit of generosity, quality ingredients, and simplicity, is celebrating its 29th anniversary. This milestone marks nearly three decades of inviting diners to savor the fabulous flavors of the ocean with friends and family, reflecting the passion and love for seafood inspired by Mama Liza, the mother of founders Fats and George Lazarides.
Mama Liza’s generosity and spirit of abundance, combined with the warmth and love she instilled in her home, laid the foundation for every Ocean Basket around the world. Fats and George, driven by their mother’s ethos, saw an opportunity to make delicious, quality seafood accessible to everyone. At the time, seafood was considered a luxury, a delicacy enjoyed only by the wealthy. The Lazarides brothers changed this narrative, bringing simple, generous portions of meticulously prepared seafood to South Africans, who quickly fell in love with the offerings.
The initial success of Ocean Basket was fueled by their irresistible creamy lemon sauce, big-hearted hospitality, and a touch of Mediterranean madness. As queues began forming outside their restaurant doors, Fats and George realized they had a winning recipe. Their vision extended beyond the borders of their home city, prompting them to take the brand to other parts of the country.
By 2008, Ocean Basket embarked on international expansion. Today, in 16 countries across the globe, 18 million people come together in over 200 Ocean Basket restaurants each year to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean Home of Seafood. From Kazakhstan to Cyprus, Mauritius to Saudi Arabia, couples, friends, families, and colleagues unite in their appreciation of Ocean Basket’s award-winning seafood and commitment to value.
Despite the geographic diversity, each Ocean Basket restaurant remains true to the brand’s philosophy: an affordable seafood restaurant with an unmistakable Mediterranean spirit, where each guest is welcomed like family. The Mediterranean passion for seafood, conversation, and sharing continues to be the heartbeat of Ocean Basket, making it a beloved destination for seafood lovers worldwide.
As Ocean Basket turns 29, it not only celebrates a rich legacy of culinary excellence and hospitality but also looks forward to continuing its mission of bringing the joy of seafood to everyone, everywhere. Here’s to many more years of delicious seafood, shared stories, and cherished memories at Ocean Basket!
