Let me start out by saying that I think the food here is great (we've been twice and really liked it--the stuffed grape leaves are awesome), but the service was so bad that it warrants one star. I think this was only the second time in my life that I left absolutely no tip at a restaurant. In general, the server was not attentive at all (e.g., I had to ask twice to have my water refilled). The place was quite busy, so that alone wasn't enough for me to be annoyed. But, after he cleared our plates, we waited at least 10, maybe even 15, minutes for the check, and another 10 for him to come pick it up. My wife had to leave to get back to work. When he brought the ticket, he slapped it down and ran off. I didn't have a chance to order dessert or coffee, much less to tell him that we had a Scoutmob coupon. But when he came to take my credit card, I told him and he said, "The next time you come in here, why don't you tell us that you have this BEORE we bring you the check, so that we don't have to keep going back running tickets over and over and over again." He doesn't have to worry about a next time for me.
(1)
Margo R.
Lebanese, anyone? This food is delish. I was so torn over what to order (the menu is tantalizing) that I had the deluxe platter. The small piece of heaven came with hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves (my favorite!) falafel, and a few other tasty things I can't spell. I found it all to be intriguing, healthy, and tasty. At dinner the atmosphere was nice and quiet, with soft Middle Eastern tunes floating through the restaurant. I've heard this place is much busier at lunch. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mezza is a must!
(4)
Mark C.
Mezza - A Lebanese Bistro, is a nice little spot just off of LaVista in a small shopping center. I'm not any sort of expert on Lebanese cuisine, but good food is good food, no matter what the culture or language. Unfortunately, maybe next time I shouldn't be quite so adventurous in my ordering. I forwent safe, known items like baba ganouge, falafel, and the like and sat down to two dishes that sounded promising, but failed to really deliver. One was an assortment of pickled vegetables, which were tasty, but delivered so much pickle punch that it really ended up overwhelming other flavors I was stealing from my friends at the table. I also ordered some beef-in-a-pita, which sounded good on the menu but came out more like a quesadilla from Taco Bell that had been left in the oven too long, minus the cheese. Thankfully, I had the saving grace of being hungry, and made up for both of these with a rather tasty chicken shwarma, and the hummus for the table, along with snatches of other friends' dishes, made up for my failed experiment in Lebanese ordering. The service was decently prompt and friendly, though my two dishes took far too long to arrive - nearly ten minutes after the last dish for the rest of the table arrived. The location is nothing special. Spaced out tables dot the restaurant, giving a feeling of sparseness and emptiness and coldness, with some attempt at providing an atmosphere with cloth on the walls, pictures of what one can only assume is Lebanon, and fake votive candles in the holders. As a warning to those who are unaware of what "mezzas" are - they are the Lebanese version of tapas, in that it will take two or three, or possibly more, to really satisfy an average appetitie. On the other hand, like tapas, this provides the opportunity to sample multiple dishes instead of being set into just one. And it's cheaper than tapas as well, which can be a plus. This would be a great place, though, for those who are vegetarian or vegan. As it is, should I return, I'll probably stay away from the meat mezzas and stick with my known, vegetarian/vegan options. Perhaps the shwarma or kebab, but nothing more.
(3)
Jenna S.
I have been eating at Mezza since I first discovered it, around 2002, I think! I have never had a bad meal or bad service there and HIGHLY recommend it for tasty tapas that are really not all that small (some tapas are so tiny that you definitely need 3-4, but at Mezza, they are all good portions). Everything I've ever eaten there has been delicious, starting with the pita bread and oil that they serve while you wait for your meal. I also highly recommend the "squeaky cheese" vegetarian mezza. Always a nice crowd, yet you never have to wait long to be seated. Also -- great desserts! Thanks!
(5)
Jackson H.
Hell, Yeah. It's Lebanese (not vastly different from others you'd know in the region), and it's tapas. And it's the only tapas place I know that isn't irritating about being a tapas place. Relaxed with surprisingly good food. Eat the fried cauliflower. Eat it!!!! It's not breaded, it's not greasy, and it's a little slice of cruciferous heaven.
(4)
Autumn S.
My friends and I meet here regularly. The food is tasty. The service is great. And it is just a fun little place to be.
(4)
Rick G.
I go to Mezza once or twice a month and always enjoy my meal. They have some of the best hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in town. I'd also recommend the salmon kebabs, mudardara (lentils), and the fried cauliflower.
(4)
Jen K.
My husband and I had a date night here last night, our first time trying this place. It was good, but I am not going to say it was exceptional. We came in around 7pm and there was one other table occupied in the restaurant, and from the sound of it I think it was the owner and a friend. We stood awkwardly for a second since there was no waiter in sight, but then the bartender came over and seated us. Once the waiters came out, they were incredibly nice. However, it was really strange that we had to flag them down for more drinks (there were 3 of them hanging out near the bar, looking at something on one of their cellphones for about 5 minutes) considering there were two tables occupied. My husband and I were able to laugh this off though, as we speculated what they were looking at on the phone. I guessed photos of cars. My husband guessed boobs. We ordered the mezza sampler which, by the way, is now $18.99 instead of $16.99 as listed on their website and earlier reviews. The food was actually great - had 8 tiny plates of the baba ghannouge, goat cheese balls, falafel, artichoke and mozzarella salad, al raee, lamb kebobs, beef shawarma, and something (of course can't remember the name!) that was like a little Lebanese wrap with meat. Nice warm basket of pita which we were both pleased with. It was a delicious and mostly vegetarian meal that left us both feeling satisfied and not too stuffed. They even brought us a complimentary sample of baklava at the end, which was a nice touch. If based on the food alone, I'd give them 5 stars. One other issue though. I paid $8 for a glass of red wine, and I got a rather small (not small, but definitely no more than 5oz., and I am an 6-8oz. type of girl) glass of the dregs of the bottle. Lots of sediment, pretty disappointing. Paid $8 for another glass of wine, asked for white this time - whatever the server recommended, and got a nice big cold glass of chardonnay that I was happy with. My husband tried to order the Lebanese beer, but they were out, so he had a Corona with his meal. Overall, this is a cute little mom 'n' pop place with awesome food. I just can't get over how nice but aloof the service was. And that disappointing glass of wine. And the fact that our bill came to $75 when we included tip. I don't mind paying $75 for a nice dinner, but considering everything it seems a bit steep. I would come back, but just for a few of the plates, and wouldn't spend that much on another date here.
(3)
Thought R.
We had a good meal here. They were so helpful since we didn't know what to order. Very good clean, fresh, food.
(4)
Washington I.
i have very high standards when it comes to middle eastern food. this place is not bad but has not impressed me. the food is very simple and not the best quality i have had. they do have scoutmob so that made it acceptable.
(3)
Wayne F.
Came here for lunch, had been before for dinner. Good food. One of guys in our group was Lebanese and said that there are not may options in Atlanta but he was a fan of this place. Intimate space, friendly staff and good Turkish-style coffee.
(3)
Maitreyee R.
Is this really Mediterranean food? No, its not not. Its boiled chicken over rice which they call shawarma, baked mashed eggplant which they call baba ganoush. Would not recommend this "4 star" place to anyone.
(1)
Christian C.
Awesome food! I usually go with my GF and we order bunch of 'tappas' (they dont call them that). Fried cauliflower is crazy good. Venue is ok. Service varies; sometimes good sometimes mediocre, but never bad.
(4)
Kirk L.
Mezza is our most regular restaurant to go to in Atlanta, and we totally love the food. They have a number of great vegetarian and vegan dishes, but our meat eating friends love it too. You order a variety of "small" plates, and get all these great different tastes. It's fun and a great meal, all in one. Plus, it's very reasonable. Order whatever looks good to you, but some of our favorites are the incredible Fried Cauliflower (not deep friend--trust me, it will be the best cauliflower you've ever had), Hindbeh (spinach, swiss chard and caramelized onions--an amazing dish), and Balila (garbanzo beans done very nicely). The Falafel's, Hummus, etc. are all excellent too, and if you want to be a little decadent, get the Cilantro Garlic Fries. We're vegetarian, but the Chicken Shwarma is very popular with our friends. The service is usually quick and always friendly, and it's a great place to go with friends and order a bunch of different dishes. We always over order, so we can have more of this great food the next day at home. It's a winner--check it out.
(5)
Courtney R.
Came here for my birthday recently with a party of 30 after being told by Taverna Plaka that my party would be "hell" without paying for their $25/ fixed price menu. The staff here are beyond nice. They understand customer service and being friendly. They didn't require a fixed price menu. This was a relatively last minute reservation for such a large party too. We sat in the lounge area. Enjoyed dancing with the belly dancer. There were a few minor issues with the food taking a while to come out and checks being completely right, but in a party that large, Mezza's treatment of us was superb. Highly recommend them. Oh - and dear GOD their Chicken Shawarma is out of this world.
(4)
Sarah T.
Mezza is a perfect spot for sharing lots of small plates. It all tastes fresh, and is consistently good.
(4)
Shyam S.
Absolutely delicious and authentic food, but totally lacking service. My friend and I stopped in for a business lunch on a Thursday and got there around 1:30. We saw the sign about lunch ending at 2, but didn't really think much of it. We walked inside and saw one man hurrying around and a few tables of pairs of women, but that was about it. We waited about five minutes, but the man running around said hello, but never gave us a menu. We had to grab our own from the front. I had a chicken dish and my friend one of the kabobs and the food was delicious and very aromatic. However, we figured out the man was actually an owner or manager and he was the only working that day. He actually came to our table to tell us that he had to leave at 2 to pick up his kid so could we please finish quickly. Not very professional! I would love to check this place out again and I hope the service is better.
(3)
Mehraz A.
With some vegans and vegetarians in our group, we were in search of a restaurant that had a decent amount of options for them, while still catering to the rest of us carnivores. Mezza turned out to be an excellent choice! We ordered a large variety of different tapas and every last item was delicious. The shawarma plate (while not served as a traditional sandwich) was excellent and different from anything else I'd had before (and I'm from the Middle-East). The kebabs were a little on the dry side and the serving size was a little smaller than I'd hoped, but I would still order them again. Perhaps the most impressive thing was the fact that I actually enjoyed the cauliflower and artichokes, which are things I typically would not go near. I'm a fan of this place, and look forward to finding an excuse to go back.
(5)
Helena C.
We went on a Saturday night and I guess got there just in time because a table became available just as we went in! It was full but no waiting! I will say the crowd is more over 40 and no one was sitting at the bar. Definitely laid back and friendly. They sell only beer and wine if I remember correctly and we ordered all Vegan items which there are many vegan and veg items so yay! But really something for EVERYONE! We ordered the garlic potatoes which was huge and a must, the grape leaves, the eggplant and the fried cauliflower. Everything was super delicious but the falafel was AMAZING. Their tahini sauce was also delicious and not too bitter! Ordered an Almaza beer and a cider. The service was prompt and friendly and not overbearing which I love. I already want to go back! I only wish this place were bigger and with some hookahs or belly dancers!
(5)
Emily L.
Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants. I have been here a number of times, and I've always had a great experience! Fast and friendly service and some of the best food in Atlanta! Small plates are not always my favorite dining experience, but Mezza cannot be beat. Every dish I've ever tried is so flavorful and perfect for sharing. What an incredible place!
(5)
A. N.
As a certified Lebanese person, this is my current number-one spot to go to when I'm craving my mom's cooking. Kteer tayib!! I love that they make great kibbe, and the labneh is delicious. It's as close as I've found to Beirut. A huge bonus, they carry Almaza (Lebanese beer) and a few nice Lebanese wines that are somewhat hard to find. If you dine here, please, I beg you--try something other than hummus and falafel. Nothing's more frustrating than being asked to play tour guide and recommend the best items on the menu only to have the whole group decide to play it safe and order hummus and falafel and the greek salad, and then say a week later, "hey, can we go to that nice Greek place again?" #whitepeople Sahtein (bon appetit)!
(5)
Melissa H.
My companions and I had reservations for Mezza at 7:00 PM on a Saturday night. The place was buzzing, but not packed completely full. We walked into the lounge first, by accident. Turns out the bistro is next door. I wonder what goes on in the lounge? As we were leaving, I could see people dancing inside. We opted for the Mezza Sampler, which allows you to choose several dishes from each category on the menu. I will do my best to remember what we ordered: Vegetarian: Grape Leaves Fried Cauliflower Falafel Hummus (we ordered this separately) Soup & Salad: Tabbouleh Al Raee Non-Vegetarian: Chicken Shawarma Lamb Baked: Chicken Curry (special of the day) Dessert: Baklawa For our drinks, we skipped the alcohol and went with rose water, toot (made with mulberries) and two Lebanese style iced teas. Everyone was pleased with their beverages. The food was very good. I was especially fond of the grape leaves and tabbouleh. The only item I didn't care for the chicken shawarma. I usually order beef shawarma; I'm not sure I've ever eaten chicken. The texture of the shredded chicken wasn't appealing to me, and it was a bit too tangy. The chicken curry was superior in my opinion. Service was very good. Our drinks were refilled moderately often and the staff didn't seem to mind that we lingered for quite a while. I felt very comfortable sitting and chatting after our food was eaten. Two thumbs up!
(4)
Ryan C.
I have visited here twice for dinner. All the food is very typical Lebanese. Everything was well made and delicious as the first time. The service was great too, although it was empty when we first arrived and had the server to ourselves. This is a great place to take a couple of friends and share all the dishes family style, usually 2-3 per person is enough. Our friends we brought with us said they would be returning too. They also had a highchair for their 1yr old. They did have an offering of some "seasonal craft beers". The only improvement there would be to put some local ones on the menu.
(4)
Jesse W.
In general, the food was really good, as was the service. We spilt a mezza salad, falafel, hummus, and a shrimp kebab. Except for the hummus having an odd after taste and the pita being a bit stale at times, we both really enjoyed our meals. I was really tempted to give this place 4 stars, but something was keeping me on the fence. I don't see ever really finding myself with a urge to go back there. I can't imagine a time in the future where I would find myself saying "I could really go for some Mezza tonight." That is the difference between 3 and 4 stars for me. So, there it is.
(3)
Scott P.
I miss Mezza! I used to eat here at least twice per month when I lived in Atlanta (for years!). This is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Sure, others can provide a more end-to-end dining experience, but for a great neighborhood/regional restaurant with great food, wine and service in a very casual setting -- this was my place! You need to know what to order. It is true that the skewers of meat (chicken, lamb) are not really worth eating. But the vegetable dishes, the salads, everything else, really, is AMAZING -- fresh, perfectly prepared and just enough for a couple of people to share. Here are the MUST eats: The Mezza Salad hummus grilled Halloumi hindbeh (Swiss chard & spinach sauted with caremalized onions) The service is always great and friendly. For those wanting to know some history, the owner's family is the family that started and then sold the Cedar Tree. We were absolutely ecstatic to find them again because we were always wondering why the Cedar Tree wasn't good anymore. Sure enough, it's because Jason & his family know how to serve up some delicoius Lebanese food -- by far the best in Atlanta. Now I live in Europe, and I'd say that, on the whole, Lebanese food is better here. But none of it is as good as Mezza!
(5)
Jane B.
I recently visited Mezza - and it was quite delicious. Service was incredible and very personal...which may have been partially due to the fact that we were the only group in the restaurant for the first hour we were there. We had a wide range of dishes including hummus, batsurma, veggie stuffed grape leaves (the best I've had - I typically don't like grape leaves), shawarma, and more... The chicken shawarma was hands-down my favorite dish of the night (and I could have easily eaten the entire dish myself - it wasn't a huge portion).
(4)
J H.
This place is great. I'm not well- versed in Mediterranean food, but everything we tried was delicious, and the service was friendly. The owners should try a more upscale atmosphere around town. I bet they'd do we'll with it.
(4)
Bailey B.
We had dinner at Mezza with some friends last night. We had a great time. The company was excellent, and that always helps. But, the restaurant was a perfect accompaniment. They serve lots of dishes, maybe a little larger than tapas sized, presented in a way that makes them easy to share. With four people ordering we were able to sample a number of delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean foods. Some were familiar, others not. Every one, though, set a standard. For example, the kickbi was absolutely delicious. I have had kickbi before but never quite understood what it was trying to be. Now I get it. And, I like it! We ordered a bottle of Lebanese wine, and it, too, was excellent. The four of us went all out, with wine, drinks, coffee, all the dishes we could eat, and still spent less than $40 per person. In fact, you could probably eat very well for under $20 per person. This is a good place. We'll be back.
(4)
Josh M.
Very, very good food. We tried all sorts of mezza, including fool mudammas, fried cauliflower and samboosik. The cauliflower and fattoush salad were the best, while the samboosik was the least favorite. Service was great!
(4)
Denise B.
We've been here several times in recent weeks, and it's quickly becoming one of our favorite places for dinner. We've always been seated quickly, and the host has been extremely helpful in explaining things on the menu. It's similar to a tapas place where you order several smaller dishes and share them. We always end up getting about 3 dishes each. The salads are very good--much like Greek salads that use a lot of romaine, tomato, cucumber, onion and feta. One of our favorites is a garlicky yogurt dip that's served with cucumber slices. We've tried several of the appetizers and all have been tasty. My favorite entrees are the chicken dishes, although I've tried a couple of the ground beef ones and they're pretty good. I don't eat lamb although my dining partner says they do a good job with it. This is a great place for vegetarians because about half their menu is meat-free. Nonetheless, it's very good food, and comes in handy when my vegetarian relatives come to visit. Don't be leery about trying this place. It's clean, it's quiet, the food is great, and the service is very attentive and helpful.
(5)
Andrew S.
I come to this restaurant on occasion when we are in the area, or when we want to get together with some friends. Very pleasant staff, the food is fresh and delicious. You can sit down and order a bunch of small plates to share with our friends and get a chance to try many things. I really like the atmosphere as well.
(5)
Megan F.
Yummy food-- I especially liked the fried eggplant (not greasy at all), hummus, and lamb stew. If you follow their recommendation and order 3 plates per person you will likely have too much food (and spend $20+ pp). 2-2.5 seems like a better ratio, depending on the overall hunger and experimentation level. The vanilla ice cream with candied nuts was *amazing*. A sleeper. I wouldn't have ordered it (who orders vanilla when there's something more exotic on offer?), but the waiter recommended it, and I was totally pleased.
(4)
JoVonn G.
I remember eating here at least 2 years ago, so I was happy that one of my friends suggested we meet up here for dinner one weekday evening. My friend is a vegetarian and there were numerous options for her as well as a meat-eater like myself. The "mezza" are larger than your usual tapas plates so we got stuffed and still had some to take home. The menu suggests 3 plates per person and I believe we had 7 plates on our table. My favorite was definitely the fried cauliflower. I loved the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves too. We ordered dessert as well. My friend had the rice pudding and I had the vanilla ice cream with caramelized onions. I liked my ice cream, but the rice pudding was delicious. I will have to make sure I visit here again when I'm in the area.
(4)
Tressi J.
This was my first experience with Lebanese food. I came in not too hungry, so I just split a few items with my fellow diner. Everything tasted fresh,and was served tapas style. The shrimp kabobs were good-- but is it really possible to mess those up? Service was friendly and attentive. I will have to go back and order more dishes to give a more thorough review. But I will go back --so that says something, right?
(4)
Dan T.
Good days vs bad days. In the past, my wife and I have enjoyed a great dining experience with Mezza. Service is as you'd expect for a medium sized room and never a complaint. The meals this time around just were out of the norm for the Mezza; unfortunately, the five dishes were equally out of the norm which spells trouble. The first indicator would be the Zaatar sauce that came with the Pita. There was an off-taste to the sesame base to the point of being rancid. The Muzzakhan didn't quite live up to the menu description....five cigarette sized wraps that would not travel well as a take-out because they went stale on the plate. My formerly favorite from Mezza was the favas...the Fool Madamas were NOT fava beans....a red, kidney bean size substitute is NOT a substitute. The seafood kabob selection for tonight went with the skewered shrimp. Tasty enough, however....if you didn't take extra care to peel the entire critter including apendages the one bite morsel would be a let down. Suffice to say....it's not enough bang for the buck for 4 shrimp per skewer that you had to peel. It's probably more my personal expectation of peeled shrimp of the 30-40 shrimp per pound size...but given the size of the plate per patron....outside of putting the spent shrimp shells on the tablecloth...there's not palatable room for discards. Nor an extra cloth or napkin to clean your fingers. The Beef Shawarma was another dish that wouldn't travel well as it sorta gummed up as it cooled...which I assume was simply due to the amount of thickening ingredient. I'm hokay with the Mezza salad.....just hokay because unfortunately it alone could not salvage the Mezza experience for the Saturday evening.
(2)
Kelly R.
I am only giving one star because I have no other choice! The food was not so great. The Babaganoush was from a can, Hummus special was more like Hummus Blah, Chicken kufta was dry without flavor, the taboula had no flavor, no bulgur wheat and no green onion. Very disappointed. What's wrong with these people? They are Lebanese owners and yet serve middle eastern food that tastes like an American with no prior cooking knowledge of this type of food made it from a recipe book! The most annoying part was the one waiter looked like a chicken with his head cut off running around the restaurant waiting on every table! Don't bother wasting your time!
(1)
Brenda M.
I went here last week. I think the food is better at Mediterranean Bakery. The best thing was the falafel. It was well seasoned and fresh. I did not enjoy the chicken or beef shawarma, though my husband liked it. Meat was more like stew instead of meat from a spit.The tabbouleh was good with lots of parsley how I like it, but sadly missing salt. The service was good though and food came out promptly. Also, the ambiance is nice compared to other Middle Eastern places.
(3)
Allison K.
Mezza is a good neighborhood restaurant. Came here for a casual dinner on a Friday and we were very happy we did. The menu has a lot of great options - so it was hard to pick just a few dishes. The restaurant serves Mediterranean food and has a lot of dishes I love that I don't see on other area Mediterranean places. Will be back again soon!
(4)
Rachita B.
i have been frequenting Mezza for years. It never disappoints. The food is fresh and filling! The prices are reasonable! The staff is nice! I highly recommend the hummus, haloumi, and zatar...but anything you order will be excellent.
(5)
Lyndsay K.
I've been to Mezza several times, but it's been about 6 years since the last time I visited. I would have easily said it was in my top 3 restaurants based on my experiences back then, so in my head I was expecting to be blown away again. I'm thinking I either blew it up in my head over the years or just didn't have enough experience with food back then to really know. It was good - don't get me wrong. But it was just good. Not great. Nothing stood out like I thought it did the other times. The Halloumi was overcooked and the Kibbi lacked flavor (I'm a Kibbi fanatic, so this is what I was most excited about). The Tabbouleh was pretty good. I can't even remember the other 3 items we got because they were that forgettable. All in all - I felt sad as I left. Like I said - maybe I built it up too much in my head and the place stood no chance, but I don't think I'd go back and I really hate to say that. So why am I going with a 3? Because I refuse to believe they've turned to suckage and hope maybe it was just an off day.
(3)
Michael L.
Just came here for lunch with a group of co-workers. Just about everyone else got some version of a "sandwich" (shawarma, falafel or chicken) with some fries, but I decided to get the lamb kebab platter, which was accompanied by both hummus and baba ganoush, and some rice/noodles. The lamb skewers were on the small side, and the flavor was slightly underwhelming (3). The baba ganoush was decent (4), and the hummus was just alright (3). We also had a side of stuffed grape leaves, which was done competently, but again, nothing special. I guess I'm just not seeing/feeling the love at this spot. I guess I realize why the last time I've been here was over 3 years ago.
(3)
Lauren R.
We have eaten here a few times and have been very happy with the food and the prices.
(4)
brad h.
Interesting place if you are adventuresome and looking for something other than steak and potato... The staff was friendly. Pleasant place, with a nice med. atmosphere. It's in a strip mall, and its a glass fronted space, so it's not going to compete with some stand alone restaurants... but it's nice. Food is not expensive, but it's not cheap, not formal but there were people there wearing ties. It's kind-of home style with small dishes to be shared. I estimate 3 dishes split between two people will work for a decent meal. I can not tell you what we ordered... The food was not familiar to me so I just can't connect, but I will say that it was good. ...and since I like a good steak and potato I can suggest that the food is not difficult for the average Joe to like. In other words, it's not going to hurt you to try something new. We did get an order of "squeaky cheese". It was good, sort-a squeaks as you eat it. It would be a good appetizer.
(4)
Igor U.
Great Mediterranean/middle eastern food (we're from the region, so have authority!). Both adults and 2 small kids could easily find a lot of food options, the service was reasonably quick, and everything was delicious!
(5)
Zlatko U.
You know what, I really dig Mezza. The service is fantastic, the food is great and there is never a huge crowd so it feels a bit more relaxing. I went here with some friends the other night for a late night dinner. We order a whole bunch of plates all sorts of random Lebanese specialties. I strongly recommend the grape leaves dish. You might even want seconds.
(5)
H J.
Our group of 10 people were seated promptly during lunchtime even though we didn't have any reservations. We all decided to stick with rather "boring" menu items such as falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches. Although their fries were good, the pita wraps were drenched in tahini sauce. Another downside was that there was only one server for the entire restaurant during lunchtime. The parking in this complex is also very difficult during peak hours.
(3)
Andy S.
Had a great dinner at Mezza last night (Apr 5 2013). Hummus was awesome. chicken shawarma was very flavorful, but the chicken was a little dry. But I can excuse this because we arrived 20 minutes before they closed so it had probably been cooking all day. The house red Lebanese wine was good. We spent $50 after tax and 20% tip for 5 plates and a glass of wine which was VERY reasonable. It comfortably feed two hungry people. Will definitely be back as it is way better than the other restaurants near by (Grove or Fellini's)... Owner was super nice and friendly. He also said all the recipes come from his mom. Very authentic and tasty.
(4)
alana r.
Delish, simple and straight forward menu. My Scoutmob prompted my recent visit with a friend. We started out with the goat cheese app. Although nothing to wow over, the presentation was lovely. For dinner we shared the tabbouleh which was fresh...brimming with bursts of lemon & parsley. My friend had the aarayess and said that it was tasty. I enjoyed the lamb stew and the flavors made me want to cozy up to a warm fire. It was certainly unique and not over-powering, and to my surprise, their serving portions were spot on. Really enjoyed our dinner, and certainly will be back as the prices and food are spot on.
(4)
Diane A.
What was formerly a great place to eat Lebanese mezza has obviously been affected by the economy and a need to conserve money by not hiring a good chef. I ordered the lamb and a new item on their menu called samboosik. The lamb was so overpowered by lemon juice you couldn't even taste the meat, and the sambusik turned out to be 3 large, fried puff balls with just a sprinkling of meat inside. What was there was so over-cooked it had no taste. The crowning touch was what used to be their creamy, homemade ice cream. This came in a small puddle of condensed milk that was so frozen you could barely get a spoon to cut it, and it was more like an Indian-type ice cream that had been left in the freezer so long that it, too, was tasteless. What a total disappointment. I spent $25 on those 3 items and a glass of wine and none were edible. They should be ashamed to serve such slop!
(1)
M A.
What a great place! Parking is really the worst thing about it as it shares a tiny lot with three other restaurants, but it's worth fighting over the last space. Upon entering, you'll notice that the decor is basic yet takes you somewhere else. Lots of rich reds and golds, and plenty of curtains used as wall decor. The ambiance was pleasant, and our server was friendly as well. So far, so good, but the real merit of any restaurant is it's food, right? While not incredibly expensive, it's not too cheap either... depending on what you get. The dishes are generally small plates to be shared, and while some have just enough for two people to share, others you'll want to split with at least 4 people. My group ordered so many different things that I can't remember much of what we specifically ordered, but it put me in a food coma so it had to all be delicious! I would definitely recommend this place to someone who didn't want a burrito or burger in this town. Not that burritos and burgers don't have their place, but Atlanta often lacks on a variety of unique places with delicious results. Mezza fills in the Lebanese void with all of it's plentiful shared plates and is great for a date or a quiet night out with friends. Highly, highly recommended (I just can't say it enough!).
(4)
Fanchon T.
We have lived half a mile away from this place for nearly two years, and tonight we finally went in and i'm really glad we did. Everything was yummy and the service was great. We did the mezza sampler so we could try a bunch of things. Halloumi, cauliflower, and fool mudammas were our favorites and the assorted baklava with the lebanese coffee was a yummy way to end our meal. It wasn't crowded, service was attentive, and the food came out at a nice pace. We're excited about going back and maybe trying the lounge.
(4)
Dennis R.
I love this place! Great food. Go with a group and order a whole bunch of things for the table and try a little of everything. Very affordable. Great service. Hummus with meat is fantastic!!
(5)
Ruksana H.
Heard so much about this place so decided to check it out even though we really live literally just a 10 minute drive from here. It was a weekend so I guess I can understand the parking lot was full. There are a bunch of restaurants in the same space so parking can get cramped. We actually parked in the lot across the street and walked over. We had a bit of a wait, this was around 8.30pm I believe. And there were more people after us but we got a table in maybe 5-10 minutes. Service was great, all the wait staff were friendly and courteous. I had the rose drink and my husband tried the jalab - both unique and sweet but not an overload of sugar. I chose to go with the mezza veggie dip and some baked tilapia with rice, coriander and tomatoes. Both were flavorful and easy on the palette - not too many strong opposing flavors. My husband opted for the fried eggplant - a new preparation that was a hit, aarayes - pita bread stuffed with beef and grilled - a little too dry for my like but good none the less, and some lamb skewers which were cooked to perfection. Mezza is essentially a mediterranean tapas place and I think the dishes are priced well individually. We skipped dessert but we hear the creme brulee is to die for. We will be back here for sure, sooner than later I hope!
(5)
Charles G.
We love Mediterranean food and travel from SC to Atlanta several times a year to visit friends, but also to eat at Mezza. So, this review is based on about ten dinners over the past several years. So many items on the menu are wonderful I can't list just a few (I love the lentil soup, tabbouleh, grape leaves, cauliflower, kibbeh). The pita bread is fresh and good! The menu is perfect for vegetarian diets.
(5)
Melissa D.
Like tapas? Like middle eastern/mediterranean food? You'll definitely like Mezza. Every last authentic touch is delicious, right down to the zaatar dip and the rosewater. It's a comfortable, laid-back environment with staff ready to explain anything or provide you with whatever you crave, but without the watchful eye that makes patrons uncomfortable.
(4)
Jeremy W.
Let me start out by saying that I think the food here is great (we've been twice and really liked it--the stuffed grape leaves are awesome), but the service was so bad that it warrants one star. I think this was only the second time in my life that I left absolutely no tip at a restaurant. In general, the server was not attentive at all (e.g., I had to ask twice to have my water refilled). The place was quite busy, so that alone wasn't enough for me to be annoyed. But, after he cleared our plates, we waited at least 10, maybe even 15, minutes for the check, and another 10 for him to come pick it up. My wife had to leave to get back to work. When he brought the ticket, he slapped it down and ran off. I didn't have a chance to order dessert or coffee, much less to tell him that we had a Scoutmob coupon. But when he came to take my credit card, I told him and he said, "The next time you come in here, why don't you tell us that you have this BEORE we bring you the check, so that we don't have to keep going back running tickets over and over and over again." He doesn't have to worry about a next time for me.
(1)
Margo R.
Lebanese, anyone? This food is delish. I was so torn over what to order (the menu is tantalizing) that I had the deluxe platter. The small piece of heaven came with hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves (my favorite!) falafel, and a few other tasty things I can't spell. I found it all to be intriguing, healthy, and tasty. At dinner the atmosphere was nice and quiet, with soft Middle Eastern tunes floating through the restaurant. I've heard this place is much busier at lunch. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mezza is a must!
(4)
Jaye B.
A few weeks ago I read about Mezza on the Blissful Glutton website, so I suggested it when we were thinking of a place to go Saturday night. My brother had also read the same article and wanted to try it as well. Since we're Lebanese we like to eat at Lebanese restaurants and then tear them apart because it's not as good as our dad's cooking. Well guess what we didn't get to do? Yep, that's right, we didn't get to tear Mezza apart. This place was so good! We opted for the family style mezza and a bottle of Château Kefraya Le Bretches, a Lebanese wine. I bet you didn't know that Lebanon was a big producer of wine, did you? Well, now you do. And it makes sense. Lebanon has a climate and landscape a lot like California what with the mountains and the beach and all that jazz. As for what we ate here's the list: vegetarian stuffed grape leaves grilled halloumi (a type of cheese that is salty and delicious) muhammara (a red pepper and nut based dip) kibbeh balls beef schwarma rakakat bi jibin (kind of like a Lebanese quesadilla) fattoush (a salad) tabbouleh baklava Lebanese coffee It was a feast, but not too much food. We didn't feel overly stuffed at all, just comfortable. Our waiter was also one of the owners and super nice. Plus, my nephew got his first exposure to his heritage. Since I don't live in Atlanta, this won't be a regular haunt for me, but I know it will be for my brother and his family. And I can guarantee I'll be begging to come here when I'm in town.
(4)
Julia R.
In my case, the third time is a charm. I'd been carrying around a Scoutmob deal for the last couple of months with prior intentions of dining at Mezza but for one reason or another, I came up empty-handed... twice. What I can say, however, is that it was definitely worth the wait. Okay, okay, so the restaurant is smack dab in the middle of a small strip mall at the corner of Lavista and Oak Grove Roads and the bistro's decor is a tad bit forced with its faux grapevines and historic pictures of the city of Atlanta donning the walls. Despite the fact that the atmosphere wasn't quite as intimate as I pictured it would be, with my first bite of the labneh appetizer, all was forgotten and the world was perfect if only for that second. Having traveled to the Middle East and back several times, I have developed a fondness for its cuisine...that perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and fragrant tastes...as well as a critical palate. What I liked most about Mezza was its approach to the cuisine, a wonderful array of small plates, perfect for sharing and encouraging the sampling of a wide variety of dishes. Fattoush salad and the labneh dip were selected as appetizers and that gave way to a delightful leg of lamb that was perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned, beef shawarma that was deliciously topped with tahini, and lastly, the musakhan which melted in my mouth. In fact, the only trouble I encountered while dining was facing the daunting task of making only a few selections. I'm just glad that there are plenty of dishes left over from which to choose for the next time around...and you can bet I'll be there, Scoutmob or not.
(4)
Heather N.
Sweet family restaurant with delicious, fresh food. Love the fried cauliflower, and go for lunch once a week for lamb kabob. MMmm....
(4)
Jennifer W.
The Mezza lounge is great for parties. I went for Valentines day, with a group of friends, and loved it. The food is amazing. We ordered family style. I sampled the tabbouleh, fried eggplant, hummus, grape leaves, falafel and lentil soup. The belly dancer, Melanie, was very professional. She was able to get some guys and kids to dance with her. Her sword routine is very impressive. She can balance it on her head or hips while dancing. The staff is very friendly. They have traditional low / floor seating. Great wine selection. My only complaint is when you try to leave it takes FOREVER to pay. Overall, it was a great place to spend Valentine's Day.
(4)
David P.
This place is Lebonese, and Is like a Middle Eastern tapas eatery. The falafel is amazing, as is the lamb kebob, and many other plates. The Oak Grove restaurant scene is sparse, and this is a find. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Aanal P.
Went there on a Wednesday night. First off I would like to say that the service was great! But the food was not so good. I was disappointed with the lamb and chicken kabobs. They were dry and had no flavor. However, my favorite....and yes after all I did have one favorite there and it was the cilantro and garlic fries. That was delish! The cauliflower was decent....but I was disappointed with everything else. Oh the little puffed pastries with chicken was another good dish, but I think that was it. Three stars because the service was great!
(3)
Michael W.
I was Lebanese in a former life. Must have been because I said to my GF when we opened the menus at Mezza, "I can eat one of everything on this." I think "tapas" is the right word for the menu selection, as they won't feed more than two. The location is in pseudo-Decatur on LaVista just north of Clairmont, in a non-descript shopping plaza (I think its called "Oak Grove Center"). The decor is nice, especially compared to some other Lebanese places I've visited (Falafel Cafe, Lawrence's, and Cedars *bleah!* ). The wine card is a surprise - many Lebanese selections, and what we selected was pretty darn tasty. The Lebanese beer (Almaza) was nothing special, though, and the wine is much more interesting. We had 5 tapas between the two of us - tabbouleh (better even than mine), kibbe balls (very tasty and different than most), some nummy falafel, "aarayess" (slices of pita bread stuffed with a beef, parsley, onions and spices... actually kind of dry and bland despite the buildup), and "rakakat bi jibin" (pita stuffed with feta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese mixed with oregano... very yummy). The service was attentive, but it was a weeknight so I can't forecast the weekend experience. Prices were reasonable, especially for the Lebanese wines. I will keep this one in the rotation for a while - a good weeknight refresher...
(4)
Megan R.
Amazing food. Best falafel in Atlanta. I have tried most of their menu and the only thing I have not liked was the "beef jerkey." A favorite.
(5)
Dave B.
First trip - very good. Second trip - unbelievably good. Third trip - good. I'm not sure I can account for the differences in my experience here but let me say that each was above average for all restaurants and way above for the broad category of "middle eastern" food. The service has been consistent, though we were a little confused at the sampler platter and how it works for 4 vs. 2 people. Make sure you get an explanation if you order this... but I think you should if you love to try lots of flavors. They are quite friendly and you will feel welcomed. Most of the food has been excellent. I think perhaps my second visit was so good that it raised the bar so I'm likely picking this apart some. First the superlatives... The hummus is some of the best I have ever had and I consider myself a hummus addict. The falafel is by far the best I've had. Each falafel is dense but not heavy. Somehow, once getting through the crunch of the outside, the dense inside is still light and flavorful and made even better by the tahini. Order anything with garbanzo beans and you will be fine. Each dish is great. The tabbouleh is very good, but here has been the variance in food. I wasn't as impressed the third time in. The lamb kebab was perfectly prepared, as was the rice that came with that and the shwarma. Their was a cheese in flatbread dish that was tasty but nothing special. The baklava has been a little dry but its baklava and will never be bad. If you are new to middle eastern food, Mezza is a good intro to it. If you are experienced with middle eastern food or more specifically Lebanese, then you should love this place.
(4)
Naveen D.
Spectacular lebanese food. Mark and Jason are wonderful at the front of the house... I believe Jason's mom is running the kitchen. I'm not a vegetarian but when I go to Mezza that's all I want to eat: our regular menu at Mezza consists of: Fried cauliflower mousaka'a falafel (different from any falafel i've had before) grilled haloumi home made ice cream Since being introduced to Mezza 2 months ago, I've taken friends and clients there 6 times.
(5)
Jenna S.
I have been eating at Mezza since I first discovered it, around 2002, I think! I have never had a bad meal or bad service there and HIGHLY recommend it for tasty tapas that are really not all that small (some tapas are so tiny that you definitely need 3-4, but at Mezza, they are all good portions). Everything I've ever eaten there has been delicious, starting with the pita bread and oil that they serve while you wait for your meal. I also highly recommend the "squeaky cheese" vegetarian mezza. Always a nice crowd, yet you never have to wait long to be seated. Also -- great desserts! Thanks!
(5)
Jackson H.
Hell, Yeah. It's Lebanese (not vastly different from others you'd know in the region), and it's tapas. And it's the only tapas place I know that isn't irritating about being a tapas place. Relaxed with surprisingly good food. Eat the fried cauliflower. Eat it!!!! It's not breaded, it's not greasy, and it's a little slice of cruciferous heaven.
(4)
Autumn S.
My friends and I meet here regularly. The food is tasty. The service is great. And it is just a fun little place to be.
(4)
Rick G.
I go to Mezza once or twice a month and always enjoy my meal. They have some of the best hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in town. I'd also recommend the salmon kebabs, mudardara (lentils), and the fried cauliflower.
(4)
Mark C.
Mezza - A Lebanese Bistro, is a nice little spot just off of LaVista in a small shopping center. I'm not any sort of expert on Lebanese cuisine, but good food is good food, no matter what the culture or language. Unfortunately, maybe next time I shouldn't be quite so adventurous in my ordering. I forwent safe, known items like baba ganouge, falafel, and the like and sat down to two dishes that sounded promising, but failed to really deliver. One was an assortment of pickled vegetables, which were tasty, but delivered so much pickle punch that it really ended up overwhelming other flavors I was stealing from my friends at the table. I also ordered some beef-in-a-pita, which sounded good on the menu but came out more like a quesadilla from Taco Bell that had been left in the oven too long, minus the cheese. Thankfully, I had the saving grace of being hungry, and made up for both of these with a rather tasty chicken shwarma, and the hummus for the table, along with snatches of other friends' dishes, made up for my failed experiment in Lebanese ordering. The service was decently prompt and friendly, though my two dishes took far too long to arrive - nearly ten minutes after the last dish for the rest of the table arrived. The location is nothing special. Spaced out tables dot the restaurant, giving a feeling of sparseness and emptiness and coldness, with some attempt at providing an atmosphere with cloth on the walls, pictures of what one can only assume is Lebanon, and fake votive candles in the holders. As a warning to those who are unaware of what "mezzas" are - they are the Lebanese version of tapas, in that it will take two or three, or possibly more, to really satisfy an average appetitie. On the other hand, like tapas, this provides the opportunity to sample multiple dishes instead of being set into just one. And it's cheaper than tapas as well, which can be a plus. This would be a great place, though, for those who are vegetarian or vegan. As it is, should I return, I'll probably stay away from the meat mezzas and stick with my known, vegetarian/vegan options. Perhaps the shwarma or kebab, but nothing more.
(3)
Rain H.
Mezza is a tasty restaurant that is great to have in this neighborhood! They have very good service and are friendly, and have a nice variety on the menu (with lots of vegetarian/vegan options available). Anyone with whom I have been here has found something that they enjoyed on the menu (including my picky grandmother who really liked the kebabs). The prices are also reasonable. I love their vegetarian plate, and like Falafel sandwich a lot, too (although it can be a bit heavy on the tahini sauce, but that is easily remedied - or just ask for a little less). I would definitely recommend Mezza if you are looking for tasty Lebanese food in the area.
(4)
Matthew T.
Service was on the slow side, over-charged on the bill, government food safety rating was I think an 84 which is shown in the lack of cleanliness in the bathroom. Delicious food, but I've got an upset stomach the day after which may or may not be related... so yea...
(2)
Rain H.
Mezza is a tasty restaurant that is great to have in this neighborhood! They have very good service and are friendly, and have a nice variety on the menu (with lots of vegetarian/vegan options available). Anyone with whom I have been here has found something that they enjoyed on the menu (including my picky grandmother who really liked the kebabs). The prices are also reasonable. I love their vegetarian plate, and like Falafel sandwich a lot, too (although it can be a bit heavy on the tahini sauce, but that is easily remedied - or just ask for a little less). I would definitely recommend Mezza if you are looking for tasty Lebanese food in the area.
(4)
Jim H.
Mezza was a pleasant surprise. This was my first experience with Lebanese food. Seemed very similar to Greek. The decor was fun and as far as I know fit in with the culture that the food represented. The wine recommendations where spot on, service was good, portions were decent for the price and everything seemed fresh and well prepared. I'd like to come back and try a few other items but for now I will give it a four.
(4)
Kamil B.
If you are looking for the perfect Lebanese restaurant in the ATL metro, good luck finding it, but don't be too discouraged though, because there are still some that are worth your time. I would rate Mezza in the top tier of ATL Lebanese restaurants. I've been here about 5 times. I recommend going in the evenings, where you will get to choose from various mezza dishes. My favorite dishes are the baba ghanoush, basturma, and muhammara. Falafel, cilantro fries, and chicken shawarma aren't bad either. Not impressed with the fattoush salad though.
(4)
Johnny B.
This place is just bad. The schwarma is just baked chicken breast. The hummus had too much Thani and the vibe is weird! Don't eat here it's not with your cash. Go somewhere that actually had a spit to spin their meat on.
(1)
Amy N.
Not sure how this place has such great reviews. Be warned....their chicken schwarma is NOT schwarma. Staff unfriendly, cold vibe and sime gnarly food. Won't be back.
(1)
Kim M.
This place has a great, cozy atmosphere and terrific food served tapas-style. The staff is terrific. It's upscale but laid back all at once, so I feel okay about bringing kids here. I'm vegetarian so I stick with their veggie menu. The hummus is a little more lemon-y than I am used to, but still delicious. Their grape leaves are wonderful. The last time I ate here, as a bonus they brought us a dish of pickles called kabees that I would never have thought to order, but absolutely loved. They probably get an extra half star for being walking distance from my house, but I do really enjoy eating here.
(4)
Charles G.
We love Mediterranean food and travel from SC to Atlanta several times a year to visit friends, but also to eat at Mezza. So, this review is based on about ten dinners over the past several years. So many items on the menu are wonderful I can't list just a few (I love the lentil soup, tabbouleh, grape leaves, cauliflower, kibbeh). The pita bread is fresh and good! The menu is perfect for vegetarian diets.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jeremy W.
Let me start out by saying that I think the food here is great (we've been twice and really liked it--the stuffed grape leaves are awesome), but the service was so bad that it warrants one star. I think this was only the second time in my life that I left absolutely no tip at a restaurant. In general, the server was not attentive at all (e.g., I had to ask twice to have my water refilled). The place was quite busy, so that alone wasn't enough for me to be annoyed. But, after he cleared our plates, we waited at least 10, maybe even 15, minutes for the check, and another 10 for him to come pick it up. My wife had to leave to get back to work. When he brought the ticket, he slapped it down and ran off. I didn't have a chance to order dessert or coffee, much less to tell him that we had a Scoutmob coupon. But when he came to take my credit card, I told him and he said, "The next time you come in here, why don't you tell us that you have this BEORE we bring you the check, so that we don't have to keep going back running tickets over and over and over again." He doesn't have to worry about a next time for me.
(1)Margo R.
Lebanese, anyone? This food is delish. I was so torn over what to order (the menu is tantalizing) that I had the deluxe platter. The small piece of heaven came with hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves (my favorite!) falafel, and a few other tasty things I can't spell. I found it all to be intriguing, healthy, and tasty. At dinner the atmosphere was nice and quiet, with soft Middle Eastern tunes floating through the restaurant. I've heard this place is much busier at lunch. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mezza is a must!
(4)Mark C.
Mezza - A Lebanese Bistro, is a nice little spot just off of LaVista in a small shopping center. I'm not any sort of expert on Lebanese cuisine, but good food is good food, no matter what the culture or language. Unfortunately, maybe next time I shouldn't be quite so adventurous in my ordering. I forwent safe, known items like baba ganouge, falafel, and the like and sat down to two dishes that sounded promising, but failed to really deliver. One was an assortment of pickled vegetables, which were tasty, but delivered so much pickle punch that it really ended up overwhelming other flavors I was stealing from my friends at the table. I also ordered some beef-in-a-pita, which sounded good on the menu but came out more like a quesadilla from Taco Bell that had been left in the oven too long, minus the cheese. Thankfully, I had the saving grace of being hungry, and made up for both of these with a rather tasty chicken shwarma, and the hummus for the table, along with snatches of other friends' dishes, made up for my failed experiment in Lebanese ordering. The service was decently prompt and friendly, though my two dishes took far too long to arrive - nearly ten minutes after the last dish for the rest of the table arrived. The location is nothing special. Spaced out tables dot the restaurant, giving a feeling of sparseness and emptiness and coldness, with some attempt at providing an atmosphere with cloth on the walls, pictures of what one can only assume is Lebanon, and fake votive candles in the holders. As a warning to those who are unaware of what "mezzas" are - they are the Lebanese version of tapas, in that it will take two or three, or possibly more, to really satisfy an average appetitie. On the other hand, like tapas, this provides the opportunity to sample multiple dishes instead of being set into just one. And it's cheaper than tapas as well, which can be a plus. This would be a great place, though, for those who are vegetarian or vegan. As it is, should I return, I'll probably stay away from the meat mezzas and stick with my known, vegetarian/vegan options. Perhaps the shwarma or kebab, but nothing more.
(3)Jenna S.
I have been eating at Mezza since I first discovered it, around 2002, I think! I have never had a bad meal or bad service there and HIGHLY recommend it for tasty tapas that are really not all that small (some tapas are so tiny that you definitely need 3-4, but at Mezza, they are all good portions). Everything I've ever eaten there has been delicious, starting with the pita bread and oil that they serve while you wait for your meal. I also highly recommend the "squeaky cheese" vegetarian mezza. Always a nice crowd, yet you never have to wait long to be seated. Also -- great desserts! Thanks!
(5)Jackson H.
Hell, Yeah. It's Lebanese (not vastly different from others you'd know in the region), and it's tapas. And it's the only tapas place I know that isn't irritating about being a tapas place. Relaxed with surprisingly good food. Eat the fried cauliflower. Eat it!!!! It's not breaded, it's not greasy, and it's a little slice of cruciferous heaven.
(4)Autumn S.
My friends and I meet here regularly. The food is tasty. The service is great. And it is just a fun little place to be.
(4)Rick G.
I go to Mezza once or twice a month and always enjoy my meal. They have some of the best hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in town. I'd also recommend the salmon kebabs, mudardara (lentils), and the fried cauliflower.
(4)Jen K.
My husband and I had a date night here last night, our first time trying this place. It was good, but I am not going to say it was exceptional. We came in around 7pm and there was one other table occupied in the restaurant, and from the sound of it I think it was the owner and a friend. We stood awkwardly for a second since there was no waiter in sight, but then the bartender came over and seated us. Once the waiters came out, they were incredibly nice. However, it was really strange that we had to flag them down for more drinks (there were 3 of them hanging out near the bar, looking at something on one of their cellphones for about 5 minutes) considering there were two tables occupied. My husband and I were able to laugh this off though, as we speculated what they were looking at on the phone. I guessed photos of cars. My husband guessed boobs. We ordered the mezza sampler which, by the way, is now $18.99 instead of $16.99 as listed on their website and earlier reviews. The food was actually great - had 8 tiny plates of the baba ghannouge, goat cheese balls, falafel, artichoke and mozzarella salad, al raee, lamb kebobs, beef shawarma, and something (of course can't remember the name!) that was like a little Lebanese wrap with meat. Nice warm basket of pita which we were both pleased with. It was a delicious and mostly vegetarian meal that left us both feeling satisfied and not too stuffed. They even brought us a complimentary sample of baklava at the end, which was a nice touch. If based on the food alone, I'd give them 5 stars. One other issue though. I paid $8 for a glass of red wine, and I got a rather small (not small, but definitely no more than 5oz., and I am an 6-8oz. type of girl) glass of the dregs of the bottle. Lots of sediment, pretty disappointing. Paid $8 for another glass of wine, asked for white this time - whatever the server recommended, and got a nice big cold glass of chardonnay that I was happy with. My husband tried to order the Lebanese beer, but they were out, so he had a Corona with his meal. Overall, this is a cute little mom 'n' pop place with awesome food. I just can't get over how nice but aloof the service was. And that disappointing glass of wine. And the fact that our bill came to $75 when we included tip. I don't mind paying $75 for a nice dinner, but considering everything it seems a bit steep. I would come back, but just for a few of the plates, and wouldn't spend that much on another date here.
(3)Thought R.
We had a good meal here. They were so helpful since we didn't know what to order. Very good clean, fresh, food.
(4)Washington I.
i have very high standards when it comes to middle eastern food. this place is not bad but has not impressed me. the food is very simple and not the best quality i have had. they do have scoutmob so that made it acceptable.
(3)Wayne F.
Came here for lunch, had been before for dinner. Good food. One of guys in our group was Lebanese and said that there are not may options in Atlanta but he was a fan of this place. Intimate space, friendly staff and good Turkish-style coffee.
(3)Maitreyee R.
Is this really Mediterranean food? No, its not not. Its boiled chicken over rice which they call shawarma, baked mashed eggplant which they call baba ganoush. Would not recommend this "4 star" place to anyone.
(1)Christian C.
Awesome food! I usually go with my GF and we order bunch of 'tappas' (they dont call them that). Fried cauliflower is crazy good. Venue is ok. Service varies; sometimes good sometimes mediocre, but never bad.
(4)Kirk L.
Mezza is our most regular restaurant to go to in Atlanta, and we totally love the food. They have a number of great vegetarian and vegan dishes, but our meat eating friends love it too. You order a variety of "small" plates, and get all these great different tastes. It's fun and a great meal, all in one. Plus, it's very reasonable. Order whatever looks good to you, but some of our favorites are the incredible Fried Cauliflower (not deep friend--trust me, it will be the best cauliflower you've ever had), Hindbeh (spinach, swiss chard and caramelized onions--an amazing dish), and Balila (garbanzo beans done very nicely). The Falafel's, Hummus, etc. are all excellent too, and if you want to be a little decadent, get the Cilantro Garlic Fries. We're vegetarian, but the Chicken Shwarma is very popular with our friends. The service is usually quick and always friendly, and it's a great place to go with friends and order a bunch of different dishes. We always over order, so we can have more of this great food the next day at home. It's a winner--check it out.
(5)Courtney R.
Came here for my birthday recently with a party of 30 after being told by Taverna Plaka that my party would be "hell" without paying for their $25/ fixed price menu. The staff here are beyond nice. They understand customer service and being friendly. They didn't require a fixed price menu. This was a relatively last minute reservation for such a large party too. We sat in the lounge area. Enjoyed dancing with the belly dancer. There were a few minor issues with the food taking a while to come out and checks being completely right, but in a party that large, Mezza's treatment of us was superb. Highly recommend them. Oh - and dear GOD their Chicken Shawarma is out of this world.
(4)Sarah T.
Mezza is a perfect spot for sharing lots of small plates. It all tastes fresh, and is consistently good.
(4)Shyam S.
Absolutely delicious and authentic food, but totally lacking service. My friend and I stopped in for a business lunch on a Thursday and got there around 1:30. We saw the sign about lunch ending at 2, but didn't really think much of it. We walked inside and saw one man hurrying around and a few tables of pairs of women, but that was about it. We waited about five minutes, but the man running around said hello, but never gave us a menu. We had to grab our own from the front. I had a chicken dish and my friend one of the kabobs and the food was delicious and very aromatic. However, we figured out the man was actually an owner or manager and he was the only working that day. He actually came to our table to tell us that he had to leave at 2 to pick up his kid so could we please finish quickly. Not very professional! I would love to check this place out again and I hope the service is better.
(3)Mehraz A.
With some vegans and vegetarians in our group, we were in search of a restaurant that had a decent amount of options for them, while still catering to the rest of us carnivores. Mezza turned out to be an excellent choice! We ordered a large variety of different tapas and every last item was delicious. The shawarma plate (while not served as a traditional sandwich) was excellent and different from anything else I'd had before (and I'm from the Middle-East). The kebabs were a little on the dry side and the serving size was a little smaller than I'd hoped, but I would still order them again. Perhaps the most impressive thing was the fact that I actually enjoyed the cauliflower and artichokes, which are things I typically would not go near. I'm a fan of this place, and look forward to finding an excuse to go back.
(5)Helena C.
We went on a Saturday night and I guess got there just in time because a table became available just as we went in! It was full but no waiting! I will say the crowd is more over 40 and no one was sitting at the bar. Definitely laid back and friendly. They sell only beer and wine if I remember correctly and we ordered all Vegan items which there are many vegan and veg items so yay! But really something for EVERYONE! We ordered the garlic potatoes which was huge and a must, the grape leaves, the eggplant and the fried cauliflower. Everything was super delicious but the falafel was AMAZING. Their tahini sauce was also delicious and not too bitter! Ordered an Almaza beer and a cider. The service was prompt and friendly and not overbearing which I love. I already want to go back! I only wish this place were bigger and with some hookahs or belly dancers!
(5)Emily L.
Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants. I have been here a number of times, and I've always had a great experience! Fast and friendly service and some of the best food in Atlanta! Small plates are not always my favorite dining experience, but Mezza cannot be beat. Every dish I've ever tried is so flavorful and perfect for sharing. What an incredible place!
(5)A. N.
As a certified Lebanese person, this is my current number-one spot to go to when I'm craving my mom's cooking. Kteer tayib!! I love that they make great kibbe, and the labneh is delicious. It's as close as I've found to Beirut. A huge bonus, they carry Almaza (Lebanese beer) and a few nice Lebanese wines that are somewhat hard to find. If you dine here, please, I beg you--try something other than hummus and falafel. Nothing's more frustrating than being asked to play tour guide and recommend the best items on the menu only to have the whole group decide to play it safe and order hummus and falafel and the greek salad, and then say a week later, "hey, can we go to that nice Greek place again?" #whitepeople Sahtein (bon appetit)!
(5)Melissa H.
My companions and I had reservations for Mezza at 7:00 PM on a Saturday night. The place was buzzing, but not packed completely full. We walked into the lounge first, by accident. Turns out the bistro is next door. I wonder what goes on in the lounge? As we were leaving, I could see people dancing inside. We opted for the Mezza Sampler, which allows you to choose several dishes from each category on the menu. I will do my best to remember what we ordered: Vegetarian: Grape Leaves Fried Cauliflower Falafel Hummus (we ordered this separately) Soup & Salad: Tabbouleh Al Raee Non-Vegetarian: Chicken Shawarma Lamb Baked: Chicken Curry (special of the day) Dessert: Baklawa For our drinks, we skipped the alcohol and went with rose water, toot (made with mulberries) and two Lebanese style iced teas. Everyone was pleased with their beverages. The food was very good. I was especially fond of the grape leaves and tabbouleh. The only item I didn't care for the chicken shawarma. I usually order beef shawarma; I'm not sure I've ever eaten chicken. The texture of the shredded chicken wasn't appealing to me, and it was a bit too tangy. The chicken curry was superior in my opinion. Service was very good. Our drinks were refilled moderately often and the staff didn't seem to mind that we lingered for quite a while. I felt very comfortable sitting and chatting after our food was eaten. Two thumbs up!
(4)Ryan C.
I have visited here twice for dinner. All the food is very typical Lebanese. Everything was well made and delicious as the first time. The service was great too, although it was empty when we first arrived and had the server to ourselves. This is a great place to take a couple of friends and share all the dishes family style, usually 2-3 per person is enough. Our friends we brought with us said they would be returning too. They also had a highchair for their 1yr old. They did have an offering of some "seasonal craft beers". The only improvement there would be to put some local ones on the menu.
(4)Jesse W.
In general, the food was really good, as was the service. We spilt a mezza salad, falafel, hummus, and a shrimp kebab. Except for the hummus having an odd after taste and the pita being a bit stale at times, we both really enjoyed our meals. I was really tempted to give this place 4 stars, but something was keeping me on the fence. I don't see ever really finding myself with a urge to go back there. I can't imagine a time in the future where I would find myself saying "I could really go for some Mezza tonight." That is the difference between 3 and 4 stars for me. So, there it is.
(3)Scott P.
I miss Mezza! I used to eat here at least twice per month when I lived in Atlanta (for years!). This is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Sure, others can provide a more end-to-end dining experience, but for a great neighborhood/regional restaurant with great food, wine and service in a very casual setting -- this was my place! You need to know what to order. It is true that the skewers of meat (chicken, lamb) are not really worth eating. But the vegetable dishes, the salads, everything else, really, is AMAZING -- fresh, perfectly prepared and just enough for a couple of people to share. Here are the MUST eats: The Mezza Salad hummus grilled Halloumi hindbeh (Swiss chard & spinach sauted with caremalized onions) The service is always great and friendly. For those wanting to know some history, the owner's family is the family that started and then sold the Cedar Tree. We were absolutely ecstatic to find them again because we were always wondering why the Cedar Tree wasn't good anymore. Sure enough, it's because Jason & his family know how to serve up some delicoius Lebanese food -- by far the best in Atlanta. Now I live in Europe, and I'd say that, on the whole, Lebanese food is better here. But none of it is as good as Mezza!
(5)Jane B.
I recently visited Mezza - and it was quite delicious. Service was incredible and very personal...which may have been partially due to the fact that we were the only group in the restaurant for the first hour we were there. We had a wide range of dishes including hummus, batsurma, veggie stuffed grape leaves (the best I've had - I typically don't like grape leaves), shawarma, and more... The chicken shawarma was hands-down my favorite dish of the night (and I could have easily eaten the entire dish myself - it wasn't a huge portion).
(4)J H.
This place is great. I'm not well- versed in Mediterranean food, but everything we tried was delicious, and the service was friendly. The owners should try a more upscale atmosphere around town. I bet they'd do we'll with it.
(4)Bailey B.
We had dinner at Mezza with some friends last night. We had a great time. The company was excellent, and that always helps. But, the restaurant was a perfect accompaniment. They serve lots of dishes, maybe a little larger than tapas sized, presented in a way that makes them easy to share. With four people ordering we were able to sample a number of delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean foods. Some were familiar, others not. Every one, though, set a standard. For example, the kickbi was absolutely delicious. I have had kickbi before but never quite understood what it was trying to be. Now I get it. And, I like it! We ordered a bottle of Lebanese wine, and it, too, was excellent. The four of us went all out, with wine, drinks, coffee, all the dishes we could eat, and still spent less than $40 per person. In fact, you could probably eat very well for under $20 per person. This is a good place. We'll be back.
(4)Josh M.
Very, very good food. We tried all sorts of mezza, including fool mudammas, fried cauliflower and samboosik. The cauliflower and fattoush salad were the best, while the samboosik was the least favorite. Service was great!
(4)Denise B.
We've been here several times in recent weeks, and it's quickly becoming one of our favorite places for dinner. We've always been seated quickly, and the host has been extremely helpful in explaining things on the menu. It's similar to a tapas place where you order several smaller dishes and share them. We always end up getting about 3 dishes each. The salads are very good--much like Greek salads that use a lot of romaine, tomato, cucumber, onion and feta. One of our favorites is a garlicky yogurt dip that's served with cucumber slices. We've tried several of the appetizers and all have been tasty. My favorite entrees are the chicken dishes, although I've tried a couple of the ground beef ones and they're pretty good. I don't eat lamb although my dining partner says they do a good job with it. This is a great place for vegetarians because about half their menu is meat-free. Nonetheless, it's very good food, and comes in handy when my vegetarian relatives come to visit. Don't be leery about trying this place. It's clean, it's quiet, the food is great, and the service is very attentive and helpful.
(5)Andrew S.
I come to this restaurant on occasion when we are in the area, or when we want to get together with some friends. Very pleasant staff, the food is fresh and delicious. You can sit down and order a bunch of small plates to share with our friends and get a chance to try many things. I really like the atmosphere as well.
(5)Megan F.
Yummy food-- I especially liked the fried eggplant (not greasy at all), hummus, and lamb stew. If you follow their recommendation and order 3 plates per person you will likely have too much food (and spend $20+ pp). 2-2.5 seems like a better ratio, depending on the overall hunger and experimentation level. The vanilla ice cream with candied nuts was *amazing*. A sleeper. I wouldn't have ordered it (who orders vanilla when there's something more exotic on offer?), but the waiter recommended it, and I was totally pleased.
(4)JoVonn G.
I remember eating here at least 2 years ago, so I was happy that one of my friends suggested we meet up here for dinner one weekday evening. My friend is a vegetarian and there were numerous options for her as well as a meat-eater like myself. The "mezza" are larger than your usual tapas plates so we got stuffed and still had some to take home. The menu suggests 3 plates per person and I believe we had 7 plates on our table. My favorite was definitely the fried cauliflower. I loved the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves too. We ordered dessert as well. My friend had the rice pudding and I had the vanilla ice cream with caramelized onions. I liked my ice cream, but the rice pudding was delicious. I will have to make sure I visit here again when I'm in the area.
(4)Tressi J.
This was my first experience with Lebanese food. I came in not too hungry, so I just split a few items with my fellow diner. Everything tasted fresh,and was served tapas style. The shrimp kabobs were good-- but is it really possible to mess those up? Service was friendly and attentive. I will have to go back and order more dishes to give a more thorough review. But I will go back --so that says something, right?
(4)Dan T.
Good days vs bad days. In the past, my wife and I have enjoyed a great dining experience with Mezza. Service is as you'd expect for a medium sized room and never a complaint. The meals this time around just were out of the norm for the Mezza; unfortunately, the five dishes were equally out of the norm which spells trouble. The first indicator would be the Zaatar sauce that came with the Pita. There was an off-taste to the sesame base to the point of being rancid. The Muzzakhan didn't quite live up to the menu description....five cigarette sized wraps that would not travel well as a take-out because they went stale on the plate. My formerly favorite from Mezza was the favas...the Fool Madamas were NOT fava beans....a red, kidney bean size substitute is NOT a substitute. The seafood kabob selection for tonight went with the skewered shrimp. Tasty enough, however....if you didn't take extra care to peel the entire critter including apendages the one bite morsel would be a let down. Suffice to say....it's not enough bang for the buck for 4 shrimp per skewer that you had to peel. It's probably more my personal expectation of peeled shrimp of the 30-40 shrimp per pound size...but given the size of the plate per patron....outside of putting the spent shrimp shells on the tablecloth...there's not palatable room for discards. Nor an extra cloth or napkin to clean your fingers. The Beef Shawarma was another dish that wouldn't travel well as it sorta gummed up as it cooled...which I assume was simply due to the amount of thickening ingredient. I'm hokay with the Mezza salad.....just hokay because unfortunately it alone could not salvage the Mezza experience for the Saturday evening.
(2)Kelly R.
I am only giving one star because I have no other choice! The food was not so great. The Babaganoush was from a can, Hummus special was more like Hummus Blah, Chicken kufta was dry without flavor, the taboula had no flavor, no bulgur wheat and no green onion. Very disappointed. What's wrong with these people? They are Lebanese owners and yet serve middle eastern food that tastes like an American with no prior cooking knowledge of this type of food made it from a recipe book! The most annoying part was the one waiter looked like a chicken with his head cut off running around the restaurant waiting on every table! Don't bother wasting your time!
(1)Brenda M.
I went here last week. I think the food is better at Mediterranean Bakery. The best thing was the falafel. It was well seasoned and fresh. I did not enjoy the chicken or beef shawarma, though my husband liked it. Meat was more like stew instead of meat from a spit.The tabbouleh was good with lots of parsley how I like it, but sadly missing salt. The service was good though and food came out promptly. Also, the ambiance is nice compared to other Middle Eastern places.
(3)Allison K.
Mezza is a good neighborhood restaurant. Came here for a casual dinner on a Friday and we were very happy we did. The menu has a lot of great options - so it was hard to pick just a few dishes. The restaurant serves Mediterranean food and has a lot of dishes I love that I don't see on other area Mediterranean places. Will be back again soon!
(4)Rachita B.
i have been frequenting Mezza for years. It never disappoints. The food is fresh and filling! The prices are reasonable! The staff is nice! I highly recommend the hummus, haloumi, and zatar...but anything you order will be excellent.
(5)Lyndsay K.
I've been to Mezza several times, but it's been about 6 years since the last time I visited. I would have easily said it was in my top 3 restaurants based on my experiences back then, so in my head I was expecting to be blown away again. I'm thinking I either blew it up in my head over the years or just didn't have enough experience with food back then to really know. It was good - don't get me wrong. But it was just good. Not great. Nothing stood out like I thought it did the other times. The Halloumi was overcooked and the Kibbi lacked flavor (I'm a Kibbi fanatic, so this is what I was most excited about). The Tabbouleh was pretty good. I can't even remember the other 3 items we got because they were that forgettable. All in all - I felt sad as I left. Like I said - maybe I built it up too much in my head and the place stood no chance, but I don't think I'd go back and I really hate to say that. So why am I going with a 3? Because I refuse to believe they've turned to suckage and hope maybe it was just an off day.
(3)Michael L.
Just came here for lunch with a group of co-workers. Just about everyone else got some version of a "sandwich" (shawarma, falafel or chicken) with some fries, but I decided to get the lamb kebab platter, which was accompanied by both hummus and baba ganoush, and some rice/noodles. The lamb skewers were on the small side, and the flavor was slightly underwhelming (3). The baba ganoush was decent (4), and the hummus was just alright (3). We also had a side of stuffed grape leaves, which was done competently, but again, nothing special. I guess I'm just not seeing/feeling the love at this spot. I guess I realize why the last time I've been here was over 3 years ago.
(3)Lauren R.
We have eaten here a few times and have been very happy with the food and the prices.
(4)brad h.
Interesting place if you are adventuresome and looking for something other than steak and potato... The staff was friendly. Pleasant place, with a nice med. atmosphere. It's in a strip mall, and its a glass fronted space, so it's not going to compete with some stand alone restaurants... but it's nice. Food is not expensive, but it's not cheap, not formal but there were people there wearing ties. It's kind-of home style with small dishes to be shared. I estimate 3 dishes split between two people will work for a decent meal. I can not tell you what we ordered... The food was not familiar to me so I just can't connect, but I will say that it was good. ...and since I like a good steak and potato I can suggest that the food is not difficult for the average Joe to like. In other words, it's not going to hurt you to try something new. We did get an order of "squeaky cheese". It was good, sort-a squeaks as you eat it. It would be a good appetizer.
(4)Igor U.
Great Mediterranean/middle eastern food (we're from the region, so have authority!). Both adults and 2 small kids could easily find a lot of food options, the service was reasonably quick, and everything was delicious!
(5)Zlatko U.
You know what, I really dig Mezza. The service is fantastic, the food is great and there is never a huge crowd so it feels a bit more relaxing. I went here with some friends the other night for a late night dinner. We order a whole bunch of plates all sorts of random Lebanese specialties. I strongly recommend the grape leaves dish. You might even want seconds.
(5)H J.
Our group of 10 people were seated promptly during lunchtime even though we didn't have any reservations. We all decided to stick with rather "boring" menu items such as falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches. Although their fries were good, the pita wraps were drenched in tahini sauce. Another downside was that there was only one server for the entire restaurant during lunchtime. The parking in this complex is also very difficult during peak hours.
(3)Andy S.
Had a great dinner at Mezza last night (Apr 5 2013). Hummus was awesome. chicken shawarma was very flavorful, but the chicken was a little dry. But I can excuse this because we arrived 20 minutes before they closed so it had probably been cooking all day. The house red Lebanese wine was good. We spent $50 after tax and 20% tip for 5 plates and a glass of wine which was VERY reasonable. It comfortably feed two hungry people. Will definitely be back as it is way better than the other restaurants near by (Grove or Fellini's)... Owner was super nice and friendly. He also said all the recipes come from his mom. Very authentic and tasty.
(4)alana r.
Delish, simple and straight forward menu. My Scoutmob prompted my recent visit with a friend. We started out with the goat cheese app. Although nothing to wow over, the presentation was lovely. For dinner we shared the tabbouleh which was fresh...brimming with bursts of lemon & parsley. My friend had the aarayess and said that it was tasty. I enjoyed the lamb stew and the flavors made me want to cozy up to a warm fire. It was certainly unique and not over-powering, and to my surprise, their serving portions were spot on. Really enjoyed our dinner, and certainly will be back as the prices and food are spot on.
(4)Diane A.
What was formerly a great place to eat Lebanese mezza has obviously been affected by the economy and a need to conserve money by not hiring a good chef. I ordered the lamb and a new item on their menu called samboosik. The lamb was so overpowered by lemon juice you couldn't even taste the meat, and the sambusik turned out to be 3 large, fried puff balls with just a sprinkling of meat inside. What was there was so over-cooked it had no taste. The crowning touch was what used to be their creamy, homemade ice cream. This came in a small puddle of condensed milk that was so frozen you could barely get a spoon to cut it, and it was more like an Indian-type ice cream that had been left in the freezer so long that it, too, was tasteless. What a total disappointment. I spent $25 on those 3 items and a glass of wine and none were edible. They should be ashamed to serve such slop!
(1)M A.
What a great place! Parking is really the worst thing about it as it shares a tiny lot with three other restaurants, but it's worth fighting over the last space. Upon entering, you'll notice that the decor is basic yet takes you somewhere else. Lots of rich reds and golds, and plenty of curtains used as wall decor. The ambiance was pleasant, and our server was friendly as well. So far, so good, but the real merit of any restaurant is it's food, right? While not incredibly expensive, it's not too cheap either... depending on what you get. The dishes are generally small plates to be shared, and while some have just enough for two people to share, others you'll want to split with at least 4 people. My group ordered so many different things that I can't remember much of what we specifically ordered, but it put me in a food coma so it had to all be delicious! I would definitely recommend this place to someone who didn't want a burrito or burger in this town. Not that burritos and burgers don't have their place, but Atlanta often lacks on a variety of unique places with delicious results. Mezza fills in the Lebanese void with all of it's plentiful shared plates and is great for a date or a quiet night out with friends. Highly, highly recommended (I just can't say it enough!).
(4)Fanchon T.
We have lived half a mile away from this place for nearly two years, and tonight we finally went in and i'm really glad we did. Everything was yummy and the service was great. We did the mezza sampler so we could try a bunch of things. Halloumi, cauliflower, and fool mudammas were our favorites and the assorted baklava with the lebanese coffee was a yummy way to end our meal. It wasn't crowded, service was attentive, and the food came out at a nice pace. We're excited about going back and maybe trying the lounge.
(4)Dennis R.
I love this place! Great food. Go with a group and order a whole bunch of things for the table and try a little of everything. Very affordable. Great service. Hummus with meat is fantastic!!
(5)Ruksana H.
Heard so much about this place so decided to check it out even though we really live literally just a 10 minute drive from here. It was a weekend so I guess I can understand the parking lot was full. There are a bunch of restaurants in the same space so parking can get cramped. We actually parked in the lot across the street and walked over. We had a bit of a wait, this was around 8.30pm I believe. And there were more people after us but we got a table in maybe 5-10 minutes. Service was great, all the wait staff were friendly and courteous. I had the rose drink and my husband tried the jalab - both unique and sweet but not an overload of sugar. I chose to go with the mezza veggie dip and some baked tilapia with rice, coriander and tomatoes. Both were flavorful and easy on the palette - not too many strong opposing flavors. My husband opted for the fried eggplant - a new preparation that was a hit, aarayes - pita bread stuffed with beef and grilled - a little too dry for my like but good none the less, and some lamb skewers which were cooked to perfection. Mezza is essentially a mediterranean tapas place and I think the dishes are priced well individually. We skipped dessert but we hear the creme brulee is to die for. We will be back here for sure, sooner than later I hope!
(5)Charles G.
We love Mediterranean food and travel from SC to Atlanta several times a year to visit friends, but also to eat at Mezza. So, this review is based on about ten dinners over the past several years. So many items on the menu are wonderful I can't list just a few (I love the lentil soup, tabbouleh, grape leaves, cauliflower, kibbeh). The pita bread is fresh and good! The menu is perfect for vegetarian diets.
(5)Melissa D.
Like tapas? Like middle eastern/mediterranean food? You'll definitely like Mezza. Every last authentic touch is delicious, right down to the zaatar dip and the rosewater. It's a comfortable, laid-back environment with staff ready to explain anything or provide you with whatever you crave, but without the watchful eye that makes patrons uncomfortable.
(4)Jeremy W.
Let me start out by saying that I think the food here is great (we've been twice and really liked it--the stuffed grape leaves are awesome), but the service was so bad that it warrants one star. I think this was only the second time in my life that I left absolutely no tip at a restaurant. In general, the server was not attentive at all (e.g., I had to ask twice to have my water refilled). The place was quite busy, so that alone wasn't enough for me to be annoyed. But, after he cleared our plates, we waited at least 10, maybe even 15, minutes for the check, and another 10 for him to come pick it up. My wife had to leave to get back to work. When he brought the ticket, he slapped it down and ran off. I didn't have a chance to order dessert or coffee, much less to tell him that we had a Scoutmob coupon. But when he came to take my credit card, I told him and he said, "The next time you come in here, why don't you tell us that you have this BEORE we bring you the check, so that we don't have to keep going back running tickets over and over and over again." He doesn't have to worry about a next time for me.
(1)Margo R.
Lebanese, anyone? This food is delish. I was so torn over what to order (the menu is tantalizing) that I had the deluxe platter. The small piece of heaven came with hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves (my favorite!) falafel, and a few other tasty things I can't spell. I found it all to be intriguing, healthy, and tasty. At dinner the atmosphere was nice and quiet, with soft Middle Eastern tunes floating through the restaurant. I've heard this place is much busier at lunch. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mezza is a must!
(4)Jaye B.
A few weeks ago I read about Mezza on the Blissful Glutton website, so I suggested it when we were thinking of a place to go Saturday night. My brother had also read the same article and wanted to try it as well. Since we're Lebanese we like to eat at Lebanese restaurants and then tear them apart because it's not as good as our dad's cooking. Well guess what we didn't get to do? Yep, that's right, we didn't get to tear Mezza apart. This place was so good! We opted for the family style mezza and a bottle of Château Kefraya Le Bretches, a Lebanese wine. I bet you didn't know that Lebanon was a big producer of wine, did you? Well, now you do. And it makes sense. Lebanon has a climate and landscape a lot like California what with the mountains and the beach and all that jazz. As for what we ate here's the list: vegetarian stuffed grape leaves grilled halloumi (a type of cheese that is salty and delicious) muhammara (a red pepper and nut based dip) kibbeh balls beef schwarma rakakat bi jibin (kind of like a Lebanese quesadilla) fattoush (a salad) tabbouleh baklava Lebanese coffee It was a feast, but not too much food. We didn't feel overly stuffed at all, just comfortable. Our waiter was also one of the owners and super nice. Plus, my nephew got his first exposure to his heritage. Since I don't live in Atlanta, this won't be a regular haunt for me, but I know it will be for my brother and his family. And I can guarantee I'll be begging to come here when I'm in town.
(4)Julia R.
In my case, the third time is a charm. I'd been carrying around a Scoutmob deal for the last couple of months with prior intentions of dining at Mezza but for one reason or another, I came up empty-handed... twice. What I can say, however, is that it was definitely worth the wait. Okay, okay, so the restaurant is smack dab in the middle of a small strip mall at the corner of Lavista and Oak Grove Roads and the bistro's decor is a tad bit forced with its faux grapevines and historic pictures of the city of Atlanta donning the walls. Despite the fact that the atmosphere wasn't quite as intimate as I pictured it would be, with my first bite of the labneh appetizer, all was forgotten and the world was perfect if only for that second. Having traveled to the Middle East and back several times, I have developed a fondness for its cuisine...that perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and fragrant tastes...as well as a critical palate. What I liked most about Mezza was its approach to the cuisine, a wonderful array of small plates, perfect for sharing and encouraging the sampling of a wide variety of dishes. Fattoush salad and the labneh dip were selected as appetizers and that gave way to a delightful leg of lamb that was perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned, beef shawarma that was deliciously topped with tahini, and lastly, the musakhan which melted in my mouth. In fact, the only trouble I encountered while dining was facing the daunting task of making only a few selections. I'm just glad that there are plenty of dishes left over from which to choose for the next time around...and you can bet I'll be there, Scoutmob or not.
(4)Heather N.
Sweet family restaurant with delicious, fresh food. Love the fried cauliflower, and go for lunch once a week for lamb kabob. MMmm....
(4)Jennifer W.
The Mezza lounge is great for parties. I went for Valentines day, with a group of friends, and loved it. The food is amazing. We ordered family style. I sampled the tabbouleh, fried eggplant, hummus, grape leaves, falafel and lentil soup. The belly dancer, Melanie, was very professional. She was able to get some guys and kids to dance with her. Her sword routine is very impressive. She can balance it on her head or hips while dancing. The staff is very friendly. They have traditional low / floor seating. Great wine selection. My only complaint is when you try to leave it takes FOREVER to pay. Overall, it was a great place to spend Valentine's Day.
(4)David P.
This place is Lebonese, and Is like a Middle Eastern tapas eatery. The falafel is amazing, as is the lamb kebob, and many other plates. The Oak Grove restaurant scene is sparse, and this is a find. We will definitely be back.
(4)Aanal P.
Went there on a Wednesday night. First off I would like to say that the service was great! But the food was not so good. I was disappointed with the lamb and chicken kabobs. They were dry and had no flavor. However, my favorite....and yes after all I did have one favorite there and it was the cilantro and garlic fries. That was delish! The cauliflower was decent....but I was disappointed with everything else. Oh the little puffed pastries with chicken was another good dish, but I think that was it. Three stars because the service was great!
(3)Michael W.
I was Lebanese in a former life. Must have been because I said to my GF when we opened the menus at Mezza, "I can eat one of everything on this." I think "tapas" is the right word for the menu selection, as they won't feed more than two. The location is in pseudo-Decatur on LaVista just north of Clairmont, in a non-descript shopping plaza (I think its called "Oak Grove Center"). The decor is nice, especially compared to some other Lebanese places I've visited (Falafel Cafe, Lawrence's, and Cedars *bleah!* ). The wine card is a surprise - many Lebanese selections, and what we selected was pretty darn tasty. The Lebanese beer (Almaza) was nothing special, though, and the wine is much more interesting. We had 5 tapas between the two of us - tabbouleh (better even than mine), kibbe balls (very tasty and different than most), some nummy falafel, "aarayess" (slices of pita bread stuffed with a beef, parsley, onions and spices... actually kind of dry and bland despite the buildup), and "rakakat bi jibin" (pita stuffed with feta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese mixed with oregano... very yummy). The service was attentive, but it was a weeknight so I can't forecast the weekend experience. Prices were reasonable, especially for the Lebanese wines. I will keep this one in the rotation for a while - a good weeknight refresher...
(4)Megan R.
Amazing food. Best falafel in Atlanta. I have tried most of their menu and the only thing I have not liked was the "beef jerkey." A favorite.
(5)Dave B.
First trip - very good. Second trip - unbelievably good. Third trip - good. I'm not sure I can account for the differences in my experience here but let me say that each was above average for all restaurants and way above for the broad category of "middle eastern" food. The service has been consistent, though we were a little confused at the sampler platter and how it works for 4 vs. 2 people. Make sure you get an explanation if you order this... but I think you should if you love to try lots of flavors. They are quite friendly and you will feel welcomed. Most of the food has been excellent. I think perhaps my second visit was so good that it raised the bar so I'm likely picking this apart some. First the superlatives... The hummus is some of the best I have ever had and I consider myself a hummus addict. The falafel is by far the best I've had. Each falafel is dense but not heavy. Somehow, once getting through the crunch of the outside, the dense inside is still light and flavorful and made even better by the tahini. Order anything with garbanzo beans and you will be fine. Each dish is great. The tabbouleh is very good, but here has been the variance in food. I wasn't as impressed the third time in. The lamb kebab was perfectly prepared, as was the rice that came with that and the shwarma. Their was a cheese in flatbread dish that was tasty but nothing special. The baklava has been a little dry but its baklava and will never be bad. If you are new to middle eastern food, Mezza is a good intro to it. If you are experienced with middle eastern food or more specifically Lebanese, then you should love this place.
(4)Naveen D.
Spectacular lebanese food. Mark and Jason are wonderful at the front of the house... I believe Jason's mom is running the kitchen. I'm not a vegetarian but when I go to Mezza that's all I want to eat: our regular menu at Mezza consists of: Fried cauliflower mousaka'a falafel (different from any falafel i've had before) grilled haloumi home made ice cream Since being introduced to Mezza 2 months ago, I've taken friends and clients there 6 times.
(5)Jenna S.
I have been eating at Mezza since I first discovered it, around 2002, I think! I have never had a bad meal or bad service there and HIGHLY recommend it for tasty tapas that are really not all that small (some tapas are so tiny that you definitely need 3-4, but at Mezza, they are all good portions). Everything I've ever eaten there has been delicious, starting with the pita bread and oil that they serve while you wait for your meal. I also highly recommend the "squeaky cheese" vegetarian mezza. Always a nice crowd, yet you never have to wait long to be seated. Also -- great desserts! Thanks!
(5)Jackson H.
Hell, Yeah. It's Lebanese (not vastly different from others you'd know in the region), and it's tapas. And it's the only tapas place I know that isn't irritating about being a tapas place. Relaxed with surprisingly good food. Eat the fried cauliflower. Eat it!!!! It's not breaded, it's not greasy, and it's a little slice of cruciferous heaven.
(4)Autumn S.
My friends and I meet here regularly. The food is tasty. The service is great. And it is just a fun little place to be.
(4)Rick G.
I go to Mezza once or twice a month and always enjoy my meal. They have some of the best hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in town. I'd also recommend the salmon kebabs, mudardara (lentils), and the fried cauliflower.
(4)Mark C.
Mezza - A Lebanese Bistro, is a nice little spot just off of LaVista in a small shopping center. I'm not any sort of expert on Lebanese cuisine, but good food is good food, no matter what the culture or language. Unfortunately, maybe next time I shouldn't be quite so adventurous in my ordering. I forwent safe, known items like baba ganouge, falafel, and the like and sat down to two dishes that sounded promising, but failed to really deliver. One was an assortment of pickled vegetables, which were tasty, but delivered so much pickle punch that it really ended up overwhelming other flavors I was stealing from my friends at the table. I also ordered some beef-in-a-pita, which sounded good on the menu but came out more like a quesadilla from Taco Bell that had been left in the oven too long, minus the cheese. Thankfully, I had the saving grace of being hungry, and made up for both of these with a rather tasty chicken shwarma, and the hummus for the table, along with snatches of other friends' dishes, made up for my failed experiment in Lebanese ordering. The service was decently prompt and friendly, though my two dishes took far too long to arrive - nearly ten minutes after the last dish for the rest of the table arrived. The location is nothing special. Spaced out tables dot the restaurant, giving a feeling of sparseness and emptiness and coldness, with some attempt at providing an atmosphere with cloth on the walls, pictures of what one can only assume is Lebanon, and fake votive candles in the holders. As a warning to those who are unaware of what "mezzas" are - they are the Lebanese version of tapas, in that it will take two or three, or possibly more, to really satisfy an average appetitie. On the other hand, like tapas, this provides the opportunity to sample multiple dishes instead of being set into just one. And it's cheaper than tapas as well, which can be a plus. This would be a great place, though, for those who are vegetarian or vegan. As it is, should I return, I'll probably stay away from the meat mezzas and stick with my known, vegetarian/vegan options. Perhaps the shwarma or kebab, but nothing more.
(3)Rain H.
Mezza is a tasty restaurant that is great to have in this neighborhood! They have very good service and are friendly, and have a nice variety on the menu (with lots of vegetarian/vegan options available). Anyone with whom I have been here has found something that they enjoyed on the menu (including my picky grandmother who really liked the kebabs). The prices are also reasonable. I love their vegetarian plate, and like Falafel sandwich a lot, too (although it can be a bit heavy on the tahini sauce, but that is easily remedied - or just ask for a little less). I would definitely recommend Mezza if you are looking for tasty Lebanese food in the area.
(4)Matthew T.
Service was on the slow side, over-charged on the bill, government food safety rating was I think an 84 which is shown in the lack of cleanliness in the bathroom. Delicious food, but I've got an upset stomach the day after which may or may not be related... so yea...
(2)Rain H.
Mezza is a tasty restaurant that is great to have in this neighborhood! They have very good service and are friendly, and have a nice variety on the menu (with lots of vegetarian/vegan options available). Anyone with whom I have been here has found something that they enjoyed on the menu (including my picky grandmother who really liked the kebabs). The prices are also reasonable. I love their vegetarian plate, and like Falafel sandwich a lot, too (although it can be a bit heavy on the tahini sauce, but that is easily remedied - or just ask for a little less). I would definitely recommend Mezza if you are looking for tasty Lebanese food in the area.
(4)Jim H.
Mezza was a pleasant surprise. This was my first experience with Lebanese food. Seemed very similar to Greek. The decor was fun and as far as I know fit in with the culture that the food represented. The wine recommendations where spot on, service was good, portions were decent for the price and everything seemed fresh and well prepared. I'd like to come back and try a few other items but for now I will give it a four.
(4)Kamil B.
If you are looking for the perfect Lebanese restaurant in the ATL metro, good luck finding it, but don't be too discouraged though, because there are still some that are worth your time. I would rate Mezza in the top tier of ATL Lebanese restaurants. I've been here about 5 times. I recommend going in the evenings, where you will get to choose from various mezza dishes. My favorite dishes are the baba ghanoush, basturma, and muhammara. Falafel, cilantro fries, and chicken shawarma aren't bad either. Not impressed with the fattoush salad though.
(4)Johnny B.
This place is just bad. The schwarma is just baked chicken breast. The hummus had too much Thani and the vibe is weird! Don't eat here it's not with your cash. Go somewhere that actually had a spit to spin their meat on.
(1)Amy N.
Not sure how this place has such great reviews. Be warned....their chicken schwarma is NOT schwarma. Staff unfriendly, cold vibe and sime gnarly food. Won't be back.
(1)Kim M.
This place has a great, cozy atmosphere and terrific food served tapas-style. The staff is terrific. It's upscale but laid back all at once, so I feel okay about bringing kids here. I'm vegetarian so I stick with their veggie menu. The hummus is a little more lemon-y than I am used to, but still delicious. Their grape leaves are wonderful. The last time I ate here, as a bonus they brought us a dish of pickles called kabees that I would never have thought to order, but absolutely loved. They probably get an extra half star for being walking distance from my house, but I do really enjoy eating here.
(4)Charles G.
We love Mediterranean food and travel from SC to Atlanta several times a year to visit friends, but also to eat at Mezza. So, this review is based on about ten dinners over the past several years. So many items on the menu are wonderful I can't list just a few (I love the lentil soup, tabbouleh, grape leaves, cauliflower, kibbeh). The pita bread is fresh and good! The menu is perfect for vegetarian diets.
(5)