Review: Mezzet Lebanese Restaurant
Delicious and ideal for sharing, you can grab a bite of authentic Lebanese food just a short walk from Hampton Court Palace, writes Catherine Whyte
“We believe in friendship and tasty food,” says the footnote at the bottom of Mezzet’s menu.
And from the great experience we had at this new East Molesey restaurant the other night, this certainly is the case.
It’s only been open a couple of months, yet staff already know their regulars by name. One couple came in to eat, and were greeted like old friends! There’s nothing like being made to feel welcome.
I went with a party of eight for a colleague’s leaving do. We wanted to get some dishes to share, rather than have a main all to ourselves. Lebanese food is perfect for this type of meal. We ordered lots of dips and finger foods (think tapas with a twist) from the cold mezze and hot mezze menus.
Lebanese food was not familiar to the majority of our party, so a lot of the ordering was potluck. Yet, I can honestly say that there wasn’t one dish that disappointed. In fact, the opposite was true. We all relished the opportunity to try food that felt fresh to the palate.
The Moutabal (smoked aubergine, tahini and olive oil) was simple, but memorable. The Makanek (sautéed lamb sausages with lemon and fresh tomatoes) and the Soujuk (spicy sausages with onions, peppers and lemon juice) scored highly, too. There was just so much to choose from and try, that we had a great time; the food was a real talking point. It made such a nice change from going to have a pizza or a curry.
For ease, there are a number of set menus – ranging from the most basic (£14 a head) right up to the “Kell Chi” four course feast (£34.95 per head).
Those that want a more structured, traditional meal shouldn’t be put off. There’s an extensive selection of mains – including meat and fish dishes from the charcoal fire grill, rib eye steaks from the local butcher, and numerous chef specials – to choose from.
What’s more, vegetarians will be in their element at Mezzet. With mains and set menus tailored to suit, this menu gives real choice – there’s not a vegetable lasagne or mushroom risotto in sight. Even vegans are catered for!
There is a children’s menu too for the little ones, an early set menu for diners before 6.30pm and a very reasonable lunch menu (£9.50 incl any soft drink or a glass of wine).
I should mention that Mezzet stocks Lebanese beer and wine, too. We had a couple of lovely bottles of rose with our meal. It just made the whole dining experience complete.
Mezzet – a friendly restaurant with genuinely good food. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.
Mezzet Lebanese Restaurant
43 Bridge Road
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9ER
Email: enquiries@mezzet.co.uk
Telephone, for reservations and inquires: 020 8979 4088
Nearest train: Hampton Court
Nearest Bus: 411, 111
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