mezeh — Restaurant in Virginia

I have been a frequent patron of Mezeh, often choosing it as my go-to spot for meals. However, my last visit (03.13.2024) was deeply disappointing, to the point where I feel compelled to share my experience. Traditionally, I request a small addition to my meal – the juice of the meat – which enhances the flavor for me. This is not a request for extra meat or anything of significant cost; merely the juice that would otherwise not be used. In the past, this has never been an issue.

Shockingly, during my most recent visit, my request was outright denied. The staff claimed that they could not accommodate such a request and insisted they have never done so, despite my having received this simple addition every two out of three times I’ve dined there. They even went as far as to double-check internally, only to return with the same disappointing response. This refusal is in stark contrast to my experiences at similar establishments like Cava, where such requests are met with pleasure and are not deemed inconvenient.

What made this refusal even more upsetting was that it occurred during Ramadan. I had gone to Mezeh for my eagerly awaited iftar, expecting a pleasant end to my fast, only to be met with rejection. This was not just about food; it was about the breaking of a fast, a significant moment, and they failed to honor my simple request.

Feeling disheartened, I canceled my order and went to Cava instead. There, not only did they happily add the meat juice to my meal, but they also provided an extra small plastic cup of it without me asking. This level of service and understanding of customer needs was what I had come to expect from Mezeh but sadly found lacking on this occasion.

This experience has been a turning point for me. It’s disheartening to see a place I frequented fall so short in customer service and understanding, especially during such an important time as Ramadan. The difference in service and accommodation between Mezeh and Cava was night and day, leading me to reconsider where I will choose to dine in the future. Mezeh, this time, you truly disappointed a...

IF you don't have the time to read .. Just Go Eat There! Pick a bowl, pita pocket or a flatbread wrap and there is no rules .. Just fill it up. Some toppings will be for extra charge , meats & dips are not unlimited!

Before everyone start bringing names and say Cava , Chipotle, etc.. That's neither a Cava nor Chipotle! That's neither Greek nor Mexican!! Got it? :)) That's a line style restaurant that serve a Mediterranean food (more close to a Lebanese and Israeli style!) So toppings are different and unique!

I salute them for the way they choose their locations , they are always at the right spot and make a huge difference and a great add to the place they go to! Talking about Fair Oaks mall and also about the National Harbour,MD.

I asked for a mix bowl , Arugula with extra rice on the top (the rice was amazing!!well spiced) then I split my bowl with half chicken Shawarma and half steak Shawarma but they also had lots of other great toppings! Spicy Kafta , Kafta , Falafel and chicken kabob.

Different choices of toppings were available ( I got taboula , pita crisp , pickled onions) and wonderful spreads (I got spicy hummes , baba gannoush, kaçik and spicy feta) They have very nice sauces and dressings to choose from , I love to get it on the side.I got Tahini & Harrisa. Tahini is a must with the meats but they really can do much better Tahini than this! I also recommend that they do a garlic sauce (tumeya in Lebanese) because it's a great match to the chicken Shawarma or kabob.

The Shawarma is not made on the vertical grill so don't really expect an authentic Shawarma however it's well spiced and the thing that you won't find all of these great toppings at a Shawarma place .

The staff is nice and friendly .. store manager gave a 5 stars customer service when I had a problem with my Groupon. Don't look for their Groupon , you won't find it anymore. It was like their opening gift!!

They offer nice drinks and juices.

Prices are in the average for that kind of a restaurant. Not bad. Make sure you use the LevelUp app with them!!

I'll go for the falafel next time...

I usually pick up food from Mezeh when I'm in the area. I noticed a trend where the bowls of the sit down and dine option appear bigger than the to-go bowls. Also portion sizes are inconsistent, it really depends on who is serving you and when you tell the server putting the portions in thr bowl that they're not putting the right amount, they look at you rudely and say that's what it is and will charge you more. I have started to also notice that the Hispanic staff (9/15/2022) is more rude than the others in general. Like others have noticed, they don't greet you. They start speaking in Spanish among themselves when you ask for something as though they're talking about you. They don't put right portions and then talk back as though - how dare I challenge them. This place used to have really good staff. I'm all for diversity but Mezeh is a professional/work environment and while you're customer-facing..speak in English with the customer unless the customer also speaks Spanish because not all their customers speak Spanish and it is extremely rude to speak in Spanish (especially in a frustrating/disgusted manner) to a colleague right in front of the customer because it can be misconstrued. Some professionalism is expected here since this place is a restaurant and not the personal home of employees working there. If the right portion of food is served in a courteous manner..I think this place will be back to old glory...because c'mon..the food ain't cheap as McDonald's to serve small portions and be disrespectful. I think the owners/managers should pay someone to randomly stop by the premises from time to time and check to see if it meets the standards set by Mezeh Management ...that is of course if Management at Mezeh cares about its customers ..especially in a...