mezeh — Restaurant in Rockaway Township

A Disappointing Mediterranean Experience

I had been eagerly anticipating the opening of Mezeh, hoping to find a new spot for delicious Mediterranean cuisine in my area. Unfortunately, my experiences have been nothing but disappointing.

I first visited Mezeh a couple days after they opened and was immediately let down. The service was poor, with staff seeming unsure of basic procedures and even coming across as outright rude at times.

The food quality was also lacking. The vegetables served with my chicken kabob were shockingly hard, to the point that I had to throw them away. And on a separate visit, I was given an incredibly skimpy portion of chicken shawarma, with just 3 large pieces and some measly crumbs. When I asked for more, the staff member only added one more small piece.

Even after giving them another try more recently, nothing seems to have improved. The food still tastes stale and the service remains subpar. It's clear the restaurant is still struggling to get its act together.

Overall, I would not recommend Mezeh to anyone looking for a quality Mediterranean meal. There are better options in the area, like Cava, that provide a much more satisfying experience. Mezeh has a lot of work to do before it can compete with the better establishments...

I didn’t want to believe the reviews that mention how often Mezeh messes up, but sadly, they’re true. My first visit went off without a hitch, so I was excited to return. They forgot the pita that’s supposed to come on the side, though I noticed this while still at the store, so I was able to grab it from the cashier. Unfortunately, I ordered the yalla lamb bowl for pickup and did not realize until I got home that it was missing both the tzatziki dip (my favorite part!) and the pickled turnips. Additionally, the ratios of the ingredients in the bowl were seriously skewed — there was TONS of the Lebanese tabbouleh, but maybe 6 slices of sumac cucumber. My first bowl had a perfect balance between all of the toppings, so I was disappointed to crunch through bite after bite of tabbouleh when there were such miserly portions of everything else. The food is very tasty, so I can’t recommend that you avoid it entirely. My suggestion is to order at the restaurant (which is very nicely decorated, BTW) and watch them make it on the Chipotle-style assembly line to ensure that nothing is being left out. While pickup is convenient, it’s a gamble on whether you’ll receive everything...

Mezeh in Rockaway is a true gem! From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing aromas emanating from the kitchen. The menu boasts a diverse selection of Mediterranean dishes, showcasing fresh, flavorful ingredients. We started with a selection of appetizers, including the hummus, which was creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the tabbouleh, bursting with fresh herbs and a delightful tang. For our main courses, we opted for the shawarma plate and the moussaka. The shawarma was incredibly tender and flavorful, served with perfectly cooked rice and a generous portion of their signature garlic sauce. The moussaka was a masterpiece – layers of eggplant, ground lamb, and béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The service was impeccable. Our server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. We were thoroughly impressed by the overall dining experience. Mezeh in Rockaway is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The food is exceptional, the service is top-notch, and the ambiance is inviting. We can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious...