Hummus Where the Heart Is – 5 Joints for a Mezze Fix

Mezze is a small Middle Eastern dish served alongside a main course that can be eaten throughout the meal. There are many different types of mezze but they all share some common characteristics:

•They are bite-sized and meant to be eaten with your fingers.

•Mezze is served cold or at room temperature, so you can eat them throughout your meal without waiting for them to be heated up.

•They are meant to complement other foods rather than compete with them for attention.

Here are five joints for a mezze fix:

Just like its owners, Olive Thyme Turkish Cuisine on Sandgate Road in Albion is where Turkish tradition meets modern inspiration. Nestled in a beautiful heritage-listed 1920s building, this restaurant has a warm, welcoming ambience of polished wood floors, intimate table settings clothed in white linen and walls adorned with colourful china plates.

 

In true Turkish style, a centrepiece counter displays tempting entrée platters and desserts so guests can take a peek before ordering mezze plates like beef soujouk with local halloumi and fig purée, or white anchovies with Turkish bread, red onion and parsley; move onto larger plates like spiced lamb meatballs, sumac onion, parsley, cucumber, yoghurt and pilav, or octopus, tahini bean purée, daikon, green olives and activated walnuts.

Transporting visitors to the Mediterranean from the familiarity of Coolangatta is Xenia Grill, a Greek-inspired restaurant well-suited to the tropical, laidback setting on the corner of McLean Street and Marine Parade. Aqua tones and vibrant paintings set the scene, while a breezy alfresco setting brings the iconic Gold Coast ambience inside with locals cruising up from the beach for lunch, as those already dining link arms and start up a flurry of Zorba the Greek.

 

To satisfy ravenous hunger, opt for mezze plates and enjoy a taste of everything with a glass of wine; perhaps try char-grilled lamb cutlets, mint and green chilli tzatziki, herb and red pepper salad, or spiced and smoked Cypriot-style pork Scotch fillet with red wine cure, ancient grain salad, lemon and herb sauce. Finish with a dessert of traditional baklava and ice cream.

Santorini vibes set on the Brisbane River await at Opa Bar & Mezze on Eagle Street in the heart of the CBD. Shouted with passion at Greek celebrations, ‘Opa’ is an expression usually accompanied by plate smashing; enjoy celebrating at Opa whether a special occasion or just the end of the day – just go easy on the crockery!

 

This is riverfront Greek dining at its best with a breezy terrace to sip a cocktail and check out the Story Bridge, while indoors, a light and bright vibe of whitewashed walls, trailing greenery and cosy circular booth seating set the tone for a meal to remember. Start with mezze plates like grilled lamb cutlets, red onion and tzatziki, or feta saganaki in filo pastry with mavrodaphne sauce; for the main, opt to share Angus rib fillet, Opa jus and sides of lemon potatoes, green peas, carrots, onion, dill and lemon.

Find a haven of heart-warming tradition and cherished memories at Kuzina on Main Road in Eltham. Taking its name from the Greek word for ‘kitchen’, this Melbourne dining destination encapsulates the essence of familial warmth and togetherness; extending a heart-felt welcome inviting you to embark on a nostalgic journey through the flavours of authentic Greek and Cypriot cuisine.

 

Mezze plates such as pork, red wine and shino sausage with tahini tempt to start your culinary adventure; moving on to a Gyros platter of lamb or chicken, cooked on the charcoal spit, served with pita and tzatziki. Seafood lovers opt for prawns saganaki, baked in red sauce with kefalogrieviera and crumbled feta; finish indulgently with a divine dessert of baklava and vanilla ice cream.

Celebrate decades of Greek hospitality at Steki Taverna on Enmore Road in Enmore. This iconic Sydney restaurant is a living legend within the European dining scene – a place where Greek culture, cuisine and camaraderie come together in perfect harmony creating unforgettable moments with delicious food and live entertainment.

A stacked stone wall, recycled timber and tiled floors set a rustic vibe for embarking on your culinary adventure with barbequed King prawns, marinated in garlic, lemon and olive oil, or octopus with vinegar, garlic and oil dressing. For the main, think spaghetti, prawns, mussels, calamari and scallops, served with a tomato-based sauce; or traditional moussaka – baked layers of potato, eggplant, minced beef and béchamel sauce - finish sweetly with authentic baklava.