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Mezze, Oakland, CA
Mezze, Oakland, CA
Mezze, Oakland, CA
Mezze, Oakland, CA
Mezze, Oakland, CA

Mezze

3.9
3.9
567 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian
Mezze is an American fine dining restaurant. Despite the elevated cuisine, the atmosphere here is fairly casual, unlike other fine dining restaurants that can feel stuffy and pretentious. Instead, Mezze looks to serve impeccable, beautiful food to guests who can relax and have a good time. The dining room itself is fairly simply decorated, with art from local artists hanging on the walls and a pleasant but simple color scheme for the decor. Mezze's menu is full of American cuisine in addition to international dishes from Mexico, Morocco and France. Small plates include pomme frites, hummus, eggplant relish and burrata, tabbouleh and a house specialty yellow fin tuna tartare with avocado, English cucumber, pine nuts, apple, mint, chilis and a truffled lime vinaigrette. One of the most popular items is actually a dessert, a decadent chocolate croissant bread pudding with vanilla bean creme chantilly.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (510) 663-2500
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Alice Lee
  • Private party facilities
    Casual yet elegant, with high ceilings, Mezzé is available for private luncheon and dinner functions any day of the week with prior arrangement. The facility is conveniently located near Lake Merritt and near the Lakeshore/Grand Avenue 580 Freeway exit. The restaurant can accommodate 65 seated guests or 85 standing with a full bar and a professional staff. Mezzé offers a seasonal Mediterranean menu.
  • Private party contact
    Maurice Darwish: (510) 663-2500
  • Neighbourhood
    Oakland
  • Cross Street
    Trestle Glen Road
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 567 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9
3.9 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.7Ambience

NoiseModerate

567 Reviews
  1. EstB

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2013

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Every course was very, very good. Warm, pleasant atmosphere

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  2. Brian

    San Francisco

    57 reviews

    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner at Mezze was excellent. It always is. They are closing in a couple of weeks and will be missed. For the same quality food in a very casual setting, the owners of Mezze run the Cove on Castro Street in SF. Last time I was there at the Cove, they were smoking their own brisket! Fabulous!!

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  3. Doug54

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had what was likely our last dinner at Mezze Saturday night. Maurice greeted us warmly as we've come to expect. Our server knew our favorite cocktails and served them promptly. The food was reliably tasty (I had the corn soup and the coriander crusted tuna, my companion had a salad and the cioppinno), and the chocolate bread pudding was wonderful. We will miss all of this when Mezze closes in less than a month. We will miss this place which always made us feel at welcome and at home.

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  4. BirthdayGirl

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2013

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    I remember many good meals at Mezze, but they were years ago. When my friends and I heard that Mezze was closing next month, we decided to have my birthday dinner there for one last farewell. The food was fine, but the service was awful. We waited more than 30 minutes for our drinks, after getting up several times to check on them at the bar and complaining to the owner. They are definitely in short-timer mode there. They are closing next month and the don't care about good service. I also had an empty water glass for at least 45 minutes until I flagged someone down to fill it up. At the same time, they had bus boys who were trying to clear your plate before you finished chewing your last bite. Time for a change at that location.

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  5. TontheTown

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So sad to see our favorite restaurant go. Thanks to Maurice and Solange and all the staff for so many wonderful years of dining and celebration, right in our neighborhood. You will all be missed!

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  6. Local30

    San Francisco

    91 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    91 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    It's been nearly a decade since I was here last but it was exactly as I remember it...many delicious menu choices with a healthy bent easily done Mediterranean-style.

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  7. Pandemonium

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Very nice food, presentation, lovely restaurant. Only comment is I would have liked the opportunity to look up to signal the waiter and bussers to come to the table for ordering, taking plates away, each pause during the meal. Well the bussers, maybe not, but they could have let the plates sit just a wee bit longer before whisking them away. As we were not really lagging and there were few diners that night, it made me feel rushed. You would think we had arrived 45 mins before closing or something. the waiter was really nice, btw so i don't want him to feel bad....just sayin"

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  8. oaktownmom

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    we heard Mezze is being sold, which is too bad. This is a solid, great restaurant.

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  9. jose

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    wonderful dining experience, as always, as expected. the place was unusually quiet that evening, great for us, sad for the establsihment a personal favorite

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  10. JenX

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2013

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    We were seated by the kitchen, under a speaker, despite a half-empty restaurant. A server took our drink order. A minute later another server came for our drink order. 15 minutes later still no drinks and no food order yet, the two servers notwithstanding. Then I saw the bartender shake a drink, which arrived as "sangria." It tasted like cheap wine with orange peel, with no other fruit in it. Lamb tagine was mediocre; chicken Caesar was fine. The receipt said $24 for the Caesar when the menu said $18. The manager made me reread the prix-fixe paragraph, which in fact didn't note a price differential, then said he forgot to type $24, and added, "If it's going to bother you, I'll change it to $18." He treated me as if I were stupid and cheap.

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  11. jrock

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our meal from start to finish. Vegetarian appetizer platter,martinis, clams, lamb shank, duck, ribs and chocolate bread pudding and wine, coffee. Delicious! Our server (Annie?) was helpful and friendly. We'll be back!

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  12. love2eat

    San Francisco

    42 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2013

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Butter lettuce salad, yellow fin tartar, and bread were good. Hamburger and fries were good, but not memorable. Risotto was bland, Ribs were juicy and meaty but the sauce was too sweet. Service was very friendly but often quite distracted and inattentive.

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  13. CarolB

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2013

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    The restaurant was not nearly crowded enough to have to wait over one half hour for our plates. The wait staff seemed to know that the kitchen was way behind, and not one person came by to explain . If this were the first time that this occurred, I would give the benefit of the doubt. This is easily the third time that the kitchen has dragged beyond reasonable.

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  14. LaryssaS

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2013

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I wanted Mezze to be better than it was. Pros: Good service. Server was helpful, attentive, made us feel welcome. Mezze Platter- a decent assortment of Mediterranean goodies. Especially tasty Olive Tapenade and Labne. Cons: The food- which is mostly why I go out to eat. We had a Ceasar Salad and Lamb, both of which I would expect to be better crafted dishes for the price we were paying. They were under-seasoned, and just missed the mark a little. Overall, in the Lakeshore/Grand Neighborhood, you are competing with Sidebar, Grand Lake Kitchen, Cana, Boot & Shoe Service. Your food and the overall value of the experience needs to stand up to these competitors, and they have set the bar just too high.

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  15. 10up

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good french fries (frites) with two sauces. Delicious falling-off-the bone lamb shank. Excellent small cioppino. atypical key lime pie, good flavor, strange creamy texture, especially the meringue, nice pastry shell and good touch with hazelnuts..

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  16. hukilau

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Got out for a date night and got a table for two near the windows that were opened and watched the near full moon rise. Great food and drinks! Loved the key lime pie for dessert, which was a change from our usual chocolate or berry desserts. The risotto was also very good.

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  17. Choice

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2013

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Mezze is a wonderful neighborhood gem. The staff is great and food is always wonderful. Perfect spot for a small or large gathering where you can sit, relax, have a lovely meal and not be drowned out by too much noise.

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  18. SharonT

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We've been to Mezze many times. We always love it. The food is delicious and beautiful. I had the tagine and ate every morsel even though I was stuffed because it was so good. My friends were equally happy. They raved about the red pepper soup and roasted chicken in the the three course dinners which were incredibly priced. Our server was friendly and attentive and our food came out quickly. They have this thing down! It's a perfect date night out. I wouldn't change a thing (except maybe adding white tablecloths). @; ).

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  19. eaea

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2013

    overall3food3service4ambience1
    Interior is plain, food just ok. Was crowded so maybe we missed out on something. Won't be going back though.

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  20. LikesFood

    Washington DC

    62 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2013

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Tuesday, August 6th ..... Not the best in a locale where good food is easy to find. Caesar salad was blah. Pizzas were OK but not great. Free corkage deal is nice. The place felt "tired." We will try again to see if we got an "off" night.

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  21. LoraineJosh

    San Francisco

    54 reviews

    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2013

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    It is a nice neighborhood restaurant. Waite staff very nice, friendly, attentive. We just don't care for the menu selections- what we had was good, but just not a memorable experience to want to return. We haven't developed a palate for the mediterranean food they serve there. Love the service and staff however....

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  22. Susan

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I ordered the butter salad with shaved cheese and pecans--delightful and perfect for what I had coming next--the cioppino. The cioppino was out of this world--primarily mussels, but also succulent prawns, some fish, and clams. Broth was perfect--fennel, garlic, tomato, onions, and white wine--not too salty or heavy. We'll definitely go back!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The service was excellent, we showed up relatively late, right before closing,, but did not feel rushed at all by the waitstaff who were exceptionally attentive and helpful. The food was very good and the croissant bread budding was excellent as were the mixed drinks.

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  24. Kipstress

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I've been a regular for years. The owners are warm and welcoming, the setting is simple and lovely, and the food is always delicious. The Bay Scallops, or ahi tuna, or wood-fired chicken are consistently good. The Mezze Platter is a tasty starter. But since I've been so often, I usually try the specials these days - always a winner. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

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  25. Drmonar

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2013

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Three of us went early for dinner about 6:15PM. The restaurant was not crowded yet. We had great service, attentive and not overbearing. The food was really outstanding. We ordered the Mezze Mediterranean plate which was excellent and ample for us to share. There were enough olives to take some home. We shared two more dishes that were flavorful to the palate. This is a definite go to again place for high quality food.

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  26. debraC

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delightful; great service; and since we had just gone wine-tasting over the weekend, the "no-corkage fee" Monday/Tues/Wed. was a perfect way to enjoy our new bottles.

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  27. Janet1771

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Mezze is a Lake Merritt favorite. Like many locals, I return regularly for a satisfying meal in this gracious, relaxed environment. I appreciate the flavorful, healthy Mediterranean menu, and I'm often delighted by interesting and fresh seasonal variations. I'm a vegetarian and, while the menu isn't extensive it is often updated and supplemented by innovative specials. There's always something delightful to sample, like the Asparagus Rissotto with wild mushrooms. The specialty cocktail menu is also small but perfectly satisfying. On hot summer days I like the Jade Martini (with lime and muddled basil) or the Elder (with cucumber and elder flower).

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  28. Sheldon

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Once again had dinner at ANZU before show at FEINSTEIN'S. Service is truly outstanding and food is very good and beautifully presented. We've enjoyed the free range chicken and salmon, and their wedge salad. if you're having dessert, their opera cake is very small, but the best.

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  29. DeniseD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2013

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    I went to Mezze on a Monday for my Birthday Party. It was a nice experince. We had good service and the food was really good. The flavors were great and the prentation was fresh and colorful. After dinner we all went over to The easy for Karaoke night! It was just what I was looking for.

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  30. OaktownMomma

    San Francisco

    83 reviews

    4.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Enjoyed the shrimp and scallop ceviche, roast chicken, asparagus risotto and amazing fries. Perfect, perfect fries. Mezze is a reliable good meal.

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  31. Joyce

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Mezze is just down the street from where we live so we frequently invite friends over to our house for a drink and then walk over to Mezze for dinner. The menu has a good range of options from the burger to vegetarian fare and the prices are moderate. It's possible to order hardy dinners with multiple courses or a couple of appetizers or a salad. It's almost always possible to get a reservation at our desired time.

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  32. PSPS

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    On busy nights a second bartender is needed. Not the first time our cocktails arrived late...as in after our appetizers were already on the table... And the wine came after we add begun our main course. The table was bussed too aggressively. Plates removed when some at the table were still eating. Bread not replaced. Water glasses gone empty.

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  33. OaklandNancy

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We were one older couple and one couple with a small child, and everyone was pleased with the food, the service--everything!

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  34. TexasGirl22

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2013

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    The food was good and the location is nice, being down in the Lakeshore area, but we were surprised that they had only two servers, one bartender and a bus boy running tables--and it was PACKED. It was very slow service, they forgot things and didn't check in on us until we had to go and tap the server on the shoulder to let her know we needed drinks, that our bread never came, and that our waters needed refilling. I NEVER do that since it seems tacky, but she literally walked past us five times and didn't even look over to see that we were trying to flag her down. If the service was better, the price would be fine, but I wouldn't go back given the price and lack of service--and the food was fine, but not great....there's better out there..

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  35. loveOakland

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    3.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2013

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Vibrant space and bar. Good Mediterranean appetizer platter. Good asparagus-mushroom risotto. Chicken kabobs and risotto too salty.

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  36. Jodi

    San Francisco

    130 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    130 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2013

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    The quality of the food remains flavorful and interesting yet it was not exceptional.

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  37. RobertJ

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2013

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    Mediterranean cuisine at your finger tips. Of course, I had the lamb! Lamb or Fish have to a must when having this type of cuisine (unless you have Goat!) You'll enjoy a simple mellow ambiance with really nice staff plus a hardworking owner! If you're into sizable portions then this place is just right. They don't over do it but you'll fill up. Try the LAMB!!! Come here & let me give you a kiss on each cheek!

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  38. mamag

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2013

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Food is great unfortunately the service is not. While the staff is friendly, the service is so slow I'm not sure we'll go back.

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  39. vealparmesan

    San Francisco

    46 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Went with a big group for a birthday. They did a great job. Something for everyone on the menu.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always love going to Mezze. Wonderful servers, great food. It's a real gem in our neighborhood.

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FAQs

Mezze offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 663-2500.

Mezze is rated 3.9 stars by 567 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Mezze

3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Trestle Glen Road
  • Neighbourhood
    Oakland
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Alice Lee
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (510) 663-2500
  • Private party facilities
    Casual yet elegant, with high ceilings, Mezzé is available for private luncheon and dinner functions any day of the week with prior arrangement. The facility is conveniently located near Lake Merritt and near the Lakeshore/Grand Avenue 580 Freeway exit. The restaurant can accommodate 65 seated guests or 85 standing with a full bar and a professional staff. Mezzé offers a seasonal Mediterranean menu.
  • Private party contact
    Maurice Darwish: (510) 663-2500
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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