Traditional Greek & Mediterranean with a Palestinian influence, Chef George brings his recipes and love of feeding people that his grandmother in Ramallah shared with him to the community of Oakland!
George & Rochael welcome you to Ikaros Mediterranean Greek Restaurant! We want you to feel as comfortable in our restaurant as you would in your best friend’s home.
Executive Chef George’s great grandfather emigrated from Greece to Jerusalem in the late 1800s. George began cooking with his grandmother in Ramallah when he was a boy. With her he learned to use a range of spices from across the Mediterranean including Northern Africa - allspice, sumak, cumin, cloves and coriander - to bring out the best flavors in savory food. Many of our dishes come from this blend of George’s Greek lineage and youth in Jerusalem and Ramallah.
All of our recipes are authentic and made from scratch. Our dishes and wines tell stories - such as our Mussels (which George made for Rochael the first time he cooked for her) are cooked in our house Greek wine and pair nicely with either of our Retsinas. Our Branzino (inspired by the St. Peter’s Fish George’s family would grill on the shores of the Sea of Gallilee) pairs perfectly with the Santorini Assyrtiko. Please ask for a sample of wines and allow our hosts to pair it with your food.
Ikaros is named for the Greek island of Ikaria, famous for its relaxed lifestyle, minimal stress, daily socializing and healthy diet. Allow us to bring this blend of Mediterranean life to your dining experience!
