Volta Taverna: Mediterranean Eats Far from Greece

A plane ticket to Greece could cost you a thousand dollars, but there is no need to even leave Oxford to get some Greek cuisine. Get your fill of hummus and gyros at Volta Taverna on North Lamar.
Randy Yates, owner of Ajax, came up with the idea for Volta. Current Volta owner Brooke Krizbai worked for Yates for several years at Ajax before opening Volta with him in July of 2005. Krizbai then bought Volta from Yates two years later.
Volta’s birthday is celebrated ever year with half price margaritas every day during the month of July.
“It’s fun for everyone,” said Krizbai.
Krizbai said the most popular items on the menu are the hummus, pita melts, gyros and the salads. The homemade desserts are also a hit. Krizbai also mentioned that everyone always comes back for the margaritas, and July is not the only time you can enjoy Volta’s margaritas at half price. Volta does half price margaritas every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Perhaps one menu item Volta is most known for are the Hotty Toddy Balls. This appetizer is made up of garlic mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, and bacon. The balls are coated in an egg wash, dipped in ranch-seasoned flour and fried. They are then served with a side of ranch for dipping.
The food is not the only thing that makes Volta unique. The atmosphere is like no other restaurant in Oxford. Volta is one of the few places with full service outdoor dining, or if you choose to eat inside, it is hard not to immediately notice all the artwork on the walls. The restaurant is completely decorated with artwork from local artists, and the artwork is for sale to the Volta customers.
“We love supporting the Oxford community any way we can,” said Krizbai.
Krizbai also took time to brag on the Volta staff.
“I have a very special staff that takes pride in making Volta a great place to eat. They care about their customers and have fun working hard, and since the staff is happy to be at work, it makes for a great atmosphere,” said Krizbai.
At least one customer seems to agree with Krizbai. Ole Miss student Kirby Thames recommends trying the spicy chicken stew, but she said the stew isn’t the only reason she keeps going back to Volta.
“Volta has a unique atmosphere and great service. I love when it’s nice out and they open up the big windowed garage doors,” said Thames.
Krizbai said she wants first time guests to not be afraid to order a few things to try because they can always take the extra home to eat later.
Volta can also cater your event or your Grove tent. The catering and Grove menus are posted on the Volta website or you can call Volta at (662) 236-1871.
Nicole Bounds is a journalism student at the Meek School of Journalism and New Media