Mezze

Recommends

Solaar55

Joined 4 years ago

Great option for dining by Lake Merritt. This is great place for a nice, charming dinner. Near lake merritt, and along the busy lakeshore ave, it hasn't dissapointed both times we've been there. I love lamb, and they have two lamb dishes, both of which I've tried. I would go for the lamb shank, if you're fan of cous cous also. All in all, a great restaursnt.

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liveonlakeshore

Joined 6 years ago

Great upscale fine dining in the East Bay. From the moment the eagerly-anticipated doors of Mezze Bar & Restaurant opened six years ago, I knew our neighborhood would be in for a special treat! The Lakeshore Avenue district has a plethora of fast food-style spots for burritos, casual Italian, or Chinese on-the-go, but we've lacked an upscale eatery to frequent.

Mezze creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and on hot summer nights, the windows are opened, and outdoor seating beckons you to recreate the cafe society of Paris and Italy.

My husband and I have been dining at Mezze for over six years, and we have never been disappointed! It may be a cliche to say that the food is creative and innovative, but that's the truth! The chefs continue to create dishes that you'll talk about for weeks to come. The lamb, rabbit, scallops, chicken and tuna are off the charts!

The bartenders are known for inventing specialty drinks not found elsewhere....just ask them to make something special for you, and Laurence or Terry will rise to the challenge. The wine list is very comprehensive, and your waitstaff well informed to guide a choice when needed. The desserts are terrific... the chocolate bread pudding is a must.

I was known as a timid eater for many years, but after eating at Mezze, I've expanded my tastes to include more adventurous fare. I've been planning events at hotels and restaurants for over two decades, and Mezze is on par with some of the finest S.F. restaurants I frequent.

The owners live in the neighborhood and have created a place you'll return to year, after year. So try Mezze! You won't be disappointed.

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chaucer123

Joined 7 years ago

Terrific menu and welcoming staff. The one off reviewer must have had an unusual night. Recently we had an amazing chicken dish that was mouth watering. I sent friends immediately to Mezze. They also raved. Maurice is always welcoming and and would have bought that guest his drink had he known the issue.

Try Sunday night dinner with jazz music.

A great local place for a full entree delicious dinner or pizza and salad...

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Mediterranean small plates, wood-oven roasted vegetables and house-made pasta draw locals to this warm and inviting Oakland restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

trestleglen

Joined 6 years ago

If your definition of Mezze is disappointment then this is the restaurant for you. It is disappointing that after three years and various attempts to see if this restaurant would improve, it has not. Although the food is tasty, the service is appalling especially when you consider the value against the price. Its has been a long time since I have tried to order a cocktail and I had to ask for it with my check only to have the waiter ask if I still wanted it because it was now ready but they would only charge me half price. If you looking for a place to go where you would you do not have an expectation to impress someone or want a memorable evening then this is the restaurant for you. Otherwise I would suggest you spend your time and money at Milano, Luka's, Di Bartolo or Zaa's. If you do decide to eat here you cannot say someone did not warn you. Even upon informing management upon my disappointment the only response I receive is yes we have been having problems, sorry to hear that but its not unexpected.

Recommends

sonyacrowley

Joined 6 years ago

Excellent Service, not food. The ambience of this place is delightful; it's well lit but not bright, and has a peaceful quality. The wine list is great, the cocktails are interesting, but the food was a huge disappointment. It just... wasn't good. There wasn't much of it (even for "little plates"), and it tasted of little besides salt. The pickled beets were the only item we enjoyed.

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svalenta62

Joined 6 years ago

Delightful Dinner. Friends and I were driving by and, on a whim, decided to drop in for dinner. We were in for a wonderful evening. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and provided us the time and space we needed. The food was incredibly delicious, a good balance between decadent and light and the portions were reasonable. The dessert was.... just incredibly decadent! We actually ordered a bottle a wine, that uncharacteristically, had a cork that smelled stale. The waiter instantly took the bottle and came back with a new one. Personally, I usually avoid higher priced restaurants, I'm pretty happy with a Cheeseboard pizza and a bottle of wine from TJs; however, I would definitely say that the price of having dinner at Mezze was worth every penny!

Doesn't Recommend

abriel2

Joined 6 years ago

Excessively noisy; bad service; overrated food... I wish I'd read your ratings here because you wrote: "Not good for groups." I went in a group and we were seated in the middle of this excessively crowded room. Although we came before 7 pm we were not served until about 8:15...I'm not kidding! The service was terrible; first we were given some other party's food, then we had to wait -- for over an hour! I couldn't hear anyone speak, and when my food came, it was dried out and tasteless. I'm a bit of an expert in Middle Eastern food, having traveled there and knowing the cuisne from inside out, as I'm a pretty good mediterranean cook myself. This was absolutely the worst middle eastern food I have ever eaten, especially in the Bay Area which is famous for its international restaurants. I would not suggest this restaurant to anyone; I think it is overrated and overpriced.

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jejenett

Joined 8 years ago

One of the best meals I've ever had. It's pricey, but it's worth it. My partner and I went there to celebrate an anniversary 2 months ago and still talk about our meal there. It's on par with A Cote, our very favorite restaurant. The staff was very knowledgable and friendly, the portions quite sufficient and the quality is incredible. We got the tuna appetizer (green apple, etc in in). The combinations of flavors in all our dishes were unique and quite spectacular! If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, do yourself a favor and try Mezze.

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juliettemojoe

Joined 8 years ago

where i eat n Oakland, most often. I have been eating at Mezze for about 3 1/2 yrs and have yet to have a bad meal. I have celebrated the beginning of my birthday there and thought it was excellent enough to have a staff dinner there, also. The menu is consistent and when they do a special food menu it is amazing(Heirloom tomato, comes to mind). The staff is very friendly and helpful when suggesting items to try. The drinks and wine selections are just right without being overwhelming. Prices are reasonable. Eating at Mezze is like eating with good friends. And for me I like the fact that it is not a kid kind of place. I would recommend it for that fact alone.