Our recent Worcester Foodie adventures took us to Meze Greek Tapas Bar & Grille – a new addition to the bustling dining scene on Shrewsbury Street. This was my second visit there as I was able to check it out over the summer when it first opened – at that time we enjoyed the nice patio seating and summer cocktails.
My first time I shared various plates or Tapas with my friend which really gave me chance to try many different dishes. For this visit I decided to keep it simple and just get two small tapas dishes for myself.
When trying a new restaurant I always go for a “traditional” menu item which allows me to compare it to other restaurants that I might already enjoy. My mind immediately went to the Dolmathes – at Meze they were stuffed grape leaves with white rice with a slight lemony flavor to the leaves accompanied with a side of Greek yogurt for dipping. While the grape leaves were ok, I prefer when they have some meat in them and slightly more seasoning. A vegetarian might enjoy them more.
My other dish was something new for me – Soutzoukakia Smirneika – think mini meat loaves of ground beef and port that are lightly fried and topped with a homemade tomato sauce. It was a good combination of meat and sauce and would be something I would get again, though I was disappointed with the rice that came with it as it was kind of mushy.
Overall, while I know traditional Greek food is lighter on the seasoning, I still left feeling the grape leaves and other dishes I have had there in the past could pop more. I am one for lots of bold flavors and wish there were heavier in the hand on the seasoning.
Due to the tapas style eating, photos may not match the foodies review or description.