A taste of the Middle East

In 2015, Mezze was founded by Nicola Crowley and Dvir Nusery, when they moved to Ireland from the Middle East eight years ago. “We loved making Middle Eastern food and the joy of bringing people together for the sharing of food,” says Nicola. “We were always experimenting with food at home and inviting people over.”

“We started with a food stall at farmers’ markets and food festivals to see if Irish people enjoyed the Middle Eastern food we made. Three years later, we opened our deli and headquarters in our hometown of Tramore, Co Waterford.”

Mezze has since won Best World Cuisine (All Ireland winner) at the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2022. The meaning of ‘mezze’ is the small dips, salads, breads and nibbly bits often served at the start of a meal in the Middle East. Nicola says, “This food always stood out for my Irish friends and family when visiting us in Israel. I believe it’s not just about the delicious food, but the experience of sharing dishes. There’s so much that is unique about Middle Eastern food.”

Nicola says they love combining Irish ingredients with Middle Eastern flavours, “We use whatever veg is in season and support local growers. On our vegetarian menu, we source most of our vegetables and herbs from Tom Cleary’s farm in Wexford. Our meat is also sourced locally.”

Nicola adds, “I love putting a Middle Eastern twist on Irish favourites like our chocolate biscuit cake which has Hadji Bey Turkish delight, made in Ireland, with pistachios and rose petals.”

But it’s not just locals visiting Mezze’s Tramore base that can enjoy their mouthwatering food – everyone in Ireland can enjoy a taste of Mezze, as they have an online shop and subscription boxes delivered nationwide. They also have their own cookbook and Dvir regularly appears on RTÉ. “We run cooking workshops, collaboration dinners and catering events too.”

Nicola says, “I love being part of the community in Tramore. It’s a privilege to be able to interact with our customers, many of whom have become friends. We’re also part of the food community in Tramore. Our little network works together to host the Vitamin Sea Festival every September, which showcases our amazing food and drink producers.”

If you’re stopping by Mezze, Nicola recommends trying the falafel. “Falafel is our customers’ favourite thing to order, but those who come to visit us for the first time, or for a special occasion, order the Mezze platter (a selection of salads, dips, olives, pickles, pita breads, and falafel served in sharing bowls). People’s eyes light up when they get their order!”

To order Middle Eastern food products, hampers and more, check out mezze.ie or visit the deli at 14 Main Street, Tramore, Co. Waterford.