Fresh, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at the new Mezzet Restaurant at South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa, CA –June 10, 2016) The plates are small but the fresh and bold tastes are large at the new Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine, which is the latest addition to South Coast Plaza’s dynamic dining scene. The restaurant, which opened June 9, has a relaxed coastal vibe and it located in the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wing. Named for the wide array of Middle Eastern small plates called mezze, the tantalizing flavors of the Mediterranean can be enjoyed in an airy bar, on an intimate patio and in an open dining room that faces a bustling exhibition kitchen. Guests at Mezzet will take an exotic culinary spin through the tastes of Spain, Morocco, Lebanon, Greece and the South of France.
Proprietors Joseph Dib and Wael Nasser (co-owners of Boubouffe Mediterranean Grille on lively Second Street in Long Beach) have teamed up with consulting chef Colin Colville and chef de cuisine Antonio Mattina to create a menu bursting with generous salads and savory kebobs, fish, lamb, flatbreads and more, served in a relaxed yet upscale setting that is bright with natural light—the perfect spot for a light lunch, a cocktail and appetizer or an early dinner.
Joe Dib is a familiar face at South Coast Plaza. For more than 25 years he has been the general manager at the popular Antonello Espresso Café.
DÉCOR
Janet Romey of Romey Design has created a contemporary, sunny coastal Mediterranean feel with whites and creams, natural woods and rustic touches of wrought iron and rattan. Mezzet Mediterranean Grille can accommodate up to 150 (100 in the dining room, 40 on the patio and 10 in the bar) in a 5,000-square-foot space.
The exhibition kitchen features a wood-burning pizza oven. An attractive open area, canopied by awnings, includes an elevated bar with additional seating. The intimate outdoor patio offers both dining and sofas for lounging and enjoying a coffee or glass of wine.
BAR/SPIRITS
Mezzet offers a full bar and an extensive offering of domestic and imported wines by the glass and bottle. Guests may select from a variety of bottled beers.
FOOD
The modern Mediterranean menu serves small plates in both modern and traditional interpretations. Besides classics such as baba ghanoush and tabouleh, the menu features an octopus carpaccio duo, cauliflower humus, and roasted beet kopita with goat cheese and water spinach. Guests can savor a variety of salads, like fattoush, and super grains-roasted market vegetables; entrees of lamb tajine with Moroccan spice, and kebobs of beef tenderloin, chicken or salmon served with Persian rice and Mezzet salad. From the pizza oven guests may order a variety of Neapolitan pizzas, rustic flatbreads and Italian-inspired focaccetta. And the big and bold flavors come at modest prices. Entrees range from $10 to $28; appetizers run $6 to $13; salads $8 to $11, and desserts $6 to $8. The restaurant will feature lunch specials and a children’s menu will be available.
FACTS
Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine is located at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St. Costa Mesa 92626. It is in the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wing, level 1, next to Sur La Table. Phone: 714.540.3365. Private dining and catering is available. Phone-in reservations accepted.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Find more delicious Orange County Restaurants ANNIVERSARIES.
