Set the Scene
There’s a new glow in NoMad—it’s Mama Mezze, the latest concept from restaurateur Mark Barak, best known for La Pecora Bianca. Just steps from Madison Square Park, this all-day Eastern Mediterranean restaurant feels like a cheerful escape from the minute you enter via its yellow façade. Designed by Home Studios—the creative minds behind The Spaniard and Rhodora—the space feels like a breezy capsule of the region in focus, specifically during the magic of golden hour.
Inside, sunlight pours through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating an airy dining room anchored by an oversized citrus tree. Saturated hues—deep green, terracotta, and marigold—weave through the plaster walls, hand-painted tiles, and embroidered textiles, creating a palette that feels both earthy and elevated. Two lush patios with cascading greenery and floral installations extend the Mediterranean provenance outdoors.
The Food + Drink Assessment
The kitchen, helmed by chef collaborator Einat Admony—a James Beard Award finalist and the powerhouse behind Balaboosta and Moondog HiFi—brings the menu to life with her signature recipes. Designed for sharing, Mama Mezze’s offerings span the Mediterranean map with bright flavors and wood-fired depth.
Begin with the Beet Baba Ghanoush, silky and gently smoky, paired with house-made za’atar bread that’s perfectly blistered from the oven. Small plates reign supreme here—the Crispy Cauliflower bursts with texture, set against red pepper tahini and garlic fresno gremolata, while the Arayes, a pita stuffed with beef kofta, delivers satisfying, savory comfort.
From the grill, the Adobo-Rubbed Skirt Steak melts into its smoky, spiced perfection. Larger plates round out the menu: the Braised Short Rib with harissa-date glaze is rich and slow-cooked, and the Chicken Tagine glows with turmeric plus honey, offering a tender nod to North Africa’s culinary soul.
Cocktails take their cues from the same region. The Harissa Margarita is a smoky-sweet revelation, the Espresso Tahini a surprisingly seamless blend of nutty and bitter, and the Crimson Cooler, with its mix of pomegranate, hibiscus, and basil, tastes like out-of-office sunshine. The wine list leans Mediterranean, with crisp whites and mineral-forward rosés.
Final Thoughts
Mama Mezze feels akin to a Mediterranean-tinged respite in the middle of Manhattan: Haifa, Beirut, and Cyprus all come to mind, both via taste and sight. (Also, to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if the citrus tree may soon be one of downtown’s most photographed centerpieces?).
Fast Facts
Location: New York City’s NoMad District— 1123 Broadway, New York, NY
Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean
The Vibes: Mediterranean Manhattan
Pricing: $$
Reservations: Recommended via Resy
Standout dishes: I’m a carnivore, so going to have to go with the smoky notes infused in the Adobo-Rubbed Skirt Steak.
Attire: Casual
Hours: Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
