Mezza Offers Worldly Cuisine in Downtown Westwood

For anyone who ever wanted to try the fish at Manhattan's Le Bernadin or the molecularly-inspired dishes from Spain's el Builli or England's Fat Duck, Westwood's own may be a pleasant surprise from a chef whose resume looks like an international guide of great restaurants.

Mezza was opened earlier this year by chef Michael Merida, who has made a name for himself at restaurants in Manhattan and other major cities including Vong, Park Avenue Cafe, Ryu Gin and Plaza Athenee. He has also ran Maize Cantina on Long Island and partnered with Food Network judge Donatella Arpaia for the Manhattan-based Mia Dona.

Merida met his wife while he was working at Demarest's Alpine Country Club and ended up moving to Bergen County. Now he's offering a variety of cuisine from around the Mediterranean at 31 Westwood Avenue.

"I thought, 'let's bring something totally different to town that people will like,'" Merida said. "It's light. It's healthy."

The restaurant features dishes from Italy, Spain, France, Israel, Turkey and Moracco, like the aromatic chicken tagine or the braised lamb shank. There is also a healthy children's menu and a variety of new specials each week.

While the food may be world-class, the prices and casual atmosphere are comprable to other area restaurants.

"It's not a white table cloth, fancy Manhattan service-type restaurant," Merida said.

Merida said he is working on plans to open another restaurant nearby and expand the Mezza name into other towns.

For now, the restaurant is preparing for Mother's Day brunch, featuring choices like buttermilk pancakes with blueberry or strawberry compote, a Mediterranean omelet and Texas-style French toast with glazed applies and maple whipped cream.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (201) 722-8822.