Located on the Corniche bay of Jeddah, behind Park Hyatt at the Equestrian club, it offers the mix of Arabia on a platter by the Arabian waters. As traditional Lebanese music welcomes you inside, the outdoors offers a contemporary feel. Mezze is predominantly Lebanese, offering exclusive eateries from Morocco and Turkey, all served with a different stroke.

Their opening ceremony, with a sky lit event, ignited curiosity of all those present and marked the beginning of Mezze. The standard prospect of Mezze was “another Arab joint to add to the chain of Lebanese restaurants in town,” except they played their stroke with graceful reflection. High tables suspended amidst the section of the Equestrian club with a social ambiance radiating of the elite, set the mood of the evening. VOSS bottles were served for those who prefer luxury in every sip, as they gathered to explore the new dining experience.

The interiors of Mezze are French and Italian inspired, with a sense of open space and airy feel with curtains flowing against the brick setting of the walls, rather than humdrum wallpaper. The comfortable chairs and velvet textured couches are a product of TON, from Czech Republic. Hanging Italian ceiling lamps fall perpendicular to the painting bearing walls. Tables are covered with striking white linen sheets, and the cutlery is stainless steel with amusing glasses, adding a feel of grandeur. In addition, white roses and candles sit on tables carefully to dazzle the contiguous aura.

Mezze is able to serve 110 people on any occasion. For starters, the Tabbouleh is delicious, and the Fattoush, surprisingly fresh. Their cold appetizers of Hummus Beiruti are served with warm, fresh from the oven, soft bread. Kebbeh, Potatoes Provencal, Sojok, Merguez and fries are well cooked and light, unlike the greasy variety. The items are served in appetizer quantities, so it is safe to say you may order seconds if one order does not suffice.

Some of the main dishes are filled with incredulity. Mezze grills come in pottery-based utensils, hot from the stove and oven. The Shish Tawouk was offered in an appealing fashion, with pita covering the dish to envelope heat and retain its warmth. The chicken is distinct in taste, just like the interesting display of Saj Tava and Grilled Meat Fillet that tickle the taste buds.

For dessert, the Halawa Chocolate Pie is definitely a treat for chocolate lovers with creamy chocolate, Halawa and Sahlab on a crusty pie. Mouhalabiya, a creamy, rose fragranced delight, is light and enjoyable. Kunafa, served hot, is another delectable item. They also offer Pistachio, Chamiye and Rose flavoured ice creams to add a different flavor. Offering a range of colorful drinks, Jellab and Tamer Hindi offer a sugar rush — if you are up for one. Serious drinks, but iced and refreshing, like the rose water, is a treat for most women. The Mango with Cardamom cooler is a definite venture. They also offer Café Blanc, white coffee, to keep you wrapped up in a typical Lebanese drape.

Mezze seems to be at your service, with an amiable manager and staff. For sheesha lovers, there seemed to be quite an acceptance with the favorite flavor being Grape and Raspberry.

An upscale location, such as Mezze, renders equivocal prices of an average of SR100 per person, and that would be excluding sheesha. Of course, that is another SR100 blown up in scented smoke, which people arguably deem as pleasurable.