Miami really loves a dining trend. For a while it was Asian cuisine—from Korean to Japanese to Chinese, we covered the whole continent with new restaurant openings. Then we moved on to omakase, filling the city with sushi counters. Now, we’ve headed east as a Middle Eastern restaurant explosion is currently underway.
The latest on the scene is Mazeh, a downtown spot that’s setting itself apart from the others with a tapas-style menu. Meze (or mezze), what’s known as an appetizer or small plate in Greece and the Middle East, is typically the best part of any regional meal, and here it’s the main attraction.
Diners are encouraged to order several dishes and craft their ideal meal with cold and hot options, including jaffa ceviche, arayes (ground lamb or fished grilled inside a fresh pita), falafel cigars served with tahini and a variety of meat and veggie skewers—from octopus to steak to cabbage. Tiffin boxes are Mazeh’s specialty, little tin troves of mouthwatering dips and spreads served with fresh pita. Make sure you get those.
For breakfast, Mazeh takes to making boards in lieu of tapas. There’s the Greek with eggs, salad, tzatziki, feta and olives, and the continental with an assortment of bread and viennoiserie accompanied by eggs, among other options. Day, afternoon or night, expect a full craft cocktail designed to enhance the tapas experience.
Mazeh opens on July 15 and plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as early as 7am. Find it inside Yotel Miami at 227 NE 2nd Street.
