- A Legacy of Love and Flavor: Mama Liza Lazarides’ Greek-inspired recipes laid the foundation for Ocean Basket, now a global seafood brand with over 200 locations.
- A Hands-On Matriarch: Mama Liza worked alongside her sons in the restaurant’s early days, bringing her philosophy of family and food to life.
- Global Reach, Local Heart: Despite its international success, Ocean Basket remains rooted in Mama Liza’s vision of food as a universal language of love and community.
Mama Liza Lazarides, now celebrating her 90th birthday, embodies a legacy of love, food, and family. When she arrived in Pretoria, she unknowingly laid the foundation for one of South Africa’s most cherished restaurants—Ocean Basket.
For many immigrant families, the kitchen symbolizes home, culture, and connection. From her arrival, Mama Liza infused her South African kitchen with Greek flavors, treating every guest like family. Her sons, Fats and George, grew up immersed in her culinary traditions, learning that food made with love leaves a lasting impression.
In 1995, this philosophy gave birth to Ocean Basket, a humble seafood restaurant in Pretoria. Far from being a behind-the-scenes figure, Mama Liza worked alongside her sons, crafting dishes, desserts, and even table settings. Her family-centered approach transformed the restaurant into a welcoming space where every meal felt like a shared moment.
Ocean Basket’s appeal quickly spread. Today, with over 200 locations across 16 countries—from Mauritius to Cyprus—Mama Liza’s influence endures. Her belief in food as a universal language remains at the brand’s core, and her signature baklava continues to honor the traditions that started it all.
Every meal at Ocean Basket celebrates the simple joys of community, dreams, and love—a story Mama Liza began at her family table.
