City Road, Cardiff. 029 2047 2772 / www.mezzalunacardiff.co.uk
Food ***** Atmosphere ****
Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant Mezza Luna, opposite the Roath Park Inn, is surely one of the best not just on City Road, but in the country, a point proven by it recently being named in the British Kebab Awards as the best kebab house in Wales.
Upon entering we were greeted by friendly staff and a smart, well-designed layout, and were shown to our table and we choose from the wide choice of hot and cold mezze, as well as some za’atar and olive oil dip with Lebanese flatbreads to tide us over. We go for warak inab (stuffed vine leaves), cheese sambousek (cheeses in fried filo pastry) and sujuk (beef sausage) and halloumi. I also select a lovely Lebanese white wine (Domaine Wardy Clos Blanc, 2012), the inclusion of the region’s rich history of beer and wine is proudly shown off, something that no other Middle Eastern restaurants really seem to do in the city. The mezze are the perfect size – not too big to fill you up should you decide to have a main, but not too small to leave you feeling like you haven’t had your money’s worth.
For mains, I go for the meshawi (mix grill, featuring lamb, beef, and chicken), while my dining partner goes for shish taouk (chicken kebab). The meat is cooked to a superb standard – soft, tender, and beautifully flavoured – and the shish taouk with aioli is one of the finest bites to eat in the city. To finish, I opt for Arak Touma, a traditional anise spirit similar to ouzo along with a halva chocolate brownie. An unparalleled Middle Eastern food experience in Cardiff.
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT