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Meze Reviews List
Meze
We are a family-owned bar and restaurant in San Diego’s popular Gaslamp Quarter. The word “mezé” translates as “taste” – meaning both “flavor” and “a taste of something.” At Mezé Meditteranean Cuisine you’ll find both. Our menu features finely crafted regional cuisine with a California twist. It can be enjoyed as entrees in our chic high-ceilinged dining room, or in small portions as “mezé” that go exceptionally well outside on our patio with a drink, or as a bite at the bar before heading to a Padres game or a night out in the Gaslamp. On the weekends, we serve a delicious brunch with Bottomless Mimosas. Late night we recommend that you try our cocktail list and have a staff member pack a hookah for you. Come by and discover how a place can be both elegant and familiar, which is to say, Mediterranean.
See more Meze details
74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(32)
- good for groups(28)
- fit for foodies(23)
- great for outdoor dining(22)
- hot spot(16)
- great for lunch(14)
Meze Reviews List
Review 1 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious twist on Mediterranean
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tasty food (small plates or large), they accomodate special requests like gf, hookah before 10pm (outside) etc if you call them ahead of time. Our waitress was the bomb, and the water guy came by a LOT to ensure we were hydrated. The cocktails are delicous and like none I've ever had before. We had the feta/red pepper puree dip, spanokopita, and meze kabob. Everything was beyond delicious. Will definitely be coming again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just as advertised!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is excellent:: tasty, plentiful, gourmet, representative of the Mediterranean, with a some Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern elements. I enjoy the ambiance of the place in a strategic location in downtown by the Gaslamp District and close to the Petco Park. Not too romantic, not too wild. Fits many expectations. Personally, I'd return to this place on a special occasion or when I feel more comfortable to spend a little more than the average restaurant. Your bill with taxes and tips included for two persons can easily exceed $50 dlls. with just a basic plate and some wine or beer, so it's not everyday dining for many."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had another great meal at Meze the other night. The flaming cheese appetizer is always impressive and delicious. and the assortment of beef, chicken and shrimp that we ordered was outstanding. The restaurant had a very festive and fun atmosphere (helped by an assortment of very original and tasty cocktails), and further enhanced by the terrific service we received from Dre and the rest of the very courteous and friendly wait staff. To top it off, there was a very talented and entertaining belly dancer who really got the restaurant going. Highly recommend Meze for lunch, brunch and dinner!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a great place in the middle of the Gaslamp offering a modern setting with good Mediterranean food and a friendly staff. Service was attentive and friendly (Server Lizzie) without being intrusive. Water glasses were filled routinely. Great for a light snack or a heavier fare.We consider this place a nice find with plans to return soon."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a party of 8 and everyone
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a party of 8 and everyone loved their meals. Flavors are bright and vibrant. I had the Meze burger, and it was spectacular. My wife had the grilled shimp over pasta, and again, magnificent. A must hit dining experience."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 6 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Meze was great. Definitely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Meze was great. Definitely get the pita with some dips (the spicy feta, hummus, and babaganoush were AMAZING). The only problem is you fill up on bread and by the time the rest of the meal comes around, you're already stuffed. We also got the melted cheese that comes to the table set on fire, so that was fun. Very trendy, great space. Hookah and belly dancers don't start until after 10pm so if you want food & a show, be sure to come later in the evening. Drinks were tasty but not strong at all. Definitely a fun night out."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 7 for Meze
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was rushed, not that
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was rushed, not that we were in a rush. The fire shows were pretty cool, but they don't give you much warning if they're behind you and then you just feel the heat and all your arm hairs are singed. I enjoyed my food, but my friend was not a fan of the burger. Not being familiar with Greek burgers, he ordered the Meze burger and was disappointed with the texture which is best described as "unconventionally mushy for a patty." We've decided to stick to The Kebab Shop in Little Italy when we want to get Mediterranean meat."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 8 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food good...despite the noise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was good. Went for brunch got the bottomless Bloody Mary...very tasty....omelette was also very good...it was very noisy....loud...this as a Sunday morning..."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the service here was excellent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the service here was excellent and one of their specialty drinks I had was the best... rain vodka, lemon juice and jalapeno. food was fresh and simple...not greasy... yay"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Meze
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was a very noisy place.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a very noisy place. Didn't expect loud nightclub music to the point we couldn't talk. Food was so so"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food and very nice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good food and very nice ambiance, belly dancing included!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2003
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Review 12 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food and Atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a good time there with unexpected belly dancing. The ambience was a little noisy but the food and service was good. Overall we had a good time."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 13 for Meze
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Average
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Located in a busy Gaslamp. The restaurant seems very approachable. Not too many seats, the decor seemed kind of simple and raw but modern at the same time. We ordered gyro plate and smoked salmon salad as well as hummus and some veggies. The gyro plates tasted average, the portions being rather on the big side. The salad was pretty tasty , medium size. The veggies were very few and the hummus was too expensive ($8 for a small plate of hummus). The bartender messed up my simple drink - Mojito, it tasted very lemony. I probably wouldn't go back there."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find
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Review 14 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good ambience! Waiters
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good ambience! Waiters were very polite, good was very good and to top it all the belley dancer made a special appearance..."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
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Review 15 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was good and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was good and the service was excellent! The staff was knowledgeable and helpful and added to a very enjoyable dining experience. We went on a Friday night when there was a bellydancer performing for about 10 minutes which was fun and difference but very loud to the point where you couldn't really talk to the person next to you, wish it was a little less loud and didn't last so long. But still really enjoyed the dining experience!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food here was great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here was great! I got the hamburger and it was truly delicious! I was dining with friends and we had not seen each other in years. We were excited to catch up and talk. Not so fast. The music was loud and when the belly dancer started to entertain, the music was so loud it hurt your ears and there was absolutely no way we could even hear each other. The dancing goes on for quite awhile! I would love to go back because the food was really good, but I won't be because of the noise level.
Hint - You need to change the rating scale for your 'noise' level. There has to be more choices."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
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Review 18 for Meze
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good. Owner came
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good. Owner came by and asked how we were doing. Pleace is right by the ballpark- would be a good place to grab a bite before a game. Not a lot of ambiance, but a great place for a quick bite."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
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Review 19 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Flaming cheese apatiser was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Flaming cheese apatiser was excellent."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
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Review 20 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The restaurant is outstanding.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is outstanding. The service is impeccable, (Lizzy is the best ever) and food is wonderful. Their brunch menu is amazing, bottomless mimosa's and high class bloody mary's are the best I've ever had for a gaslamp brunch. I also enjoy the music that they played, great playlist and just the right volume. I highly recommend. They are also patio dog friendly!!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The wife and I have been looking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The wife and I have been looking forward to Meze for a while. We live in the most northern part of San Diego county and don't get downtown that often so when we do, we want our dining experience to count. Located on a less traveled area on "J" even though lots of action 1/2 a block away on 5th (Gaslamp). Staff was very efficient and friendly... not extremely polished like some upscale restaurants but they did an excellent job. We had four dinner items; hummus with pita bread, Greek salad, chicken kabobs, and a chicken quesadilla. All were great. PLENTY of food for two of us. For desert we split the baklava. I brought my own wine (I always do) and glad I did. The wine list was very basic and lacking IMO. Can't wait to return"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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Review 22 for Meze
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
food was subpar: I ordered
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food was subpar:
I ordered the gyros sandwich. It was greasy and not flavorful. full of cheap tomatoes rather than meat.
My boyfriend ordered the Pasta. He said it had no flavor and seems like a good choice at first but was very disappointed.
Fries, Hummus and Lentil soup are a must.
I ordered the gyros sandwich. It was greasy and not flavorful. full of cheap tomatoes rather than meat.
My boyfriend ordered the Pasta. He said it had no flavor and seems like a good choice at first but was very disappointed.
Fries, Hummus and Lentil soup are a must.
Overall: The starters are great, but the finishers fell short."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
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Review 23 for Meze
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was not that great.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was not that great. We ordered falafels for the appetizer which were good. Dinner we had the Gyro. The meat was extremely soft and the Greek salad I ordered with it came with wilted brown lettuce covered with lots of Feta cheese with the usual salad toppings. My husband ordered French fries. They were shoe-string fries also covered in Feta cheese. Meze was disappointing, no fresh ingredients used here unlike other restaurants in the Gaslamp area. I would not recommend."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2009
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Review 24 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AWESOME MEAL
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Patrick, the co-owner, with his brother, the Chef, have done an excellent job in adjusting fire since they opened. They take a personal interest in their customers to make sure they are enjoying their food and drink.
We had several Tapas (Meze) and it ended up being too much, as the servings are very generous. And tasty. As I walked out, I noticed a diner with a plate of awesome looking jumbo shrimp. Next time I will try that.
Keep up the good work.
PS the girls that waited on us were very friendly and helpful in out food selection."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 25 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional waitress
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Got a nice table on the patio under the heater. It was our anniversary and we had bought a food voucher fron the Union Tribune but my wife couldn't find it after she left the car. Made 2 trips back to the car. No good. I ordered the grilled asparagas salad which had grapes and nuts and asparagas and greens, absolutely delicious. My wife had the ground meat and lamb kebob with egg plant. It was moist and tender. They gave us a delicious baklava for our anniversary and when I mentioned we couldn't find the voucher but would pay full price, the waitress went out of her way to get us the discount, I mean way over and above. When I said it was $20 for $40 she said you have a UT voucher and we have a list. Just give me your credit card and voila!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 26 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was decent but not
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was decent but not extraordinary. I'd go here for apps and drinks with creative cocktails and a fantastic wine selection."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 27 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my new favorite restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my new favorite restaurants in East Village. All their food is made from scratch with authentic ingredients. Definite for any foodie who loves mediterranean food, looking for a fun loungy vibe. Sat night they had a belly dancer which definitely spiced things up ;)."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 28 for Meze
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good with a coupon
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beautiful restaurant with great ambiance. Food was good but too expensive for the cuisine (gyros, rice and veggies = $13 with small portion and a salad with asparagus, strawberries with no meat = $15). Glad I went with a coupon."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 29 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great fine...we will be
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great fine...we will be back!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 30 for Meze
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Greek food! Drea is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Greek food! Drea is such a great server. Took such good care of us - fun and friendly. Will be back soon."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Meze
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic