our story

A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant specializing in pasta and seafood, nestled beside the scenic town park in downtown Madison. Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch or a relaxing dinner, we invite you to come experience great food and genuine hospitality.

Ricardo then gained great experience working for Marriott Hotels doing banquets from 1985 to 1988 and then Ramada Hotels, first as a Banquet Manager and then promoted to Assistant Food and Beverage Director.

In 1995 Ricardo moved to Georgia and served as General Manager for Einstein Bagels and Athens Pizza Kouzzina for nine years. In August of 2007 he opened Tequilla Express Cafe in Madison, Georgia serving freshly prepared food with a family atmosphere.

In May of 2013 Ricardo relocated and reimagined his very popular restaurant, Tequilla Express, to across the street in the location of the prior Ice House Restaurant under the new name of Ricardos Kouzzina ( Greek for 'Kitchen' )

'I am excited about having a larger kitchen space which allows me to be more creative and expand my menu selection, giving my customers a unique dining experience not found anywhere else in Downtown Madison' states Ricardo.

Ricardo's Kouzzina is open six days a week serving lunch and dinner. The restaurant is on two levels with many seats overlooking the downstairs lounge which features a full service bar. There is also a private dining room for special functions as well as a charming outside tin-roofed covered seating area.