A piece of the Mediterranean popped up next to the Hudson in June. Mezze on the River, the latest restaurant by New York’s Merchants Hospitality, whose other notable spots include Art Bar and Ophelia, offers waterside dining in Battery Park. A shareable, Greek-inspired menu, plus impressive river views make the scenic venue ideal for date nights or group dinners.
“Mezze [on the River] is a fusion of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with an energetic and vibrant atmosphere,” says Stephanie Mendoza, Mezze on the River’s general manager. “Combining elements of traditional Greek recipes with influence from New York City helps us balance the best of [all] worlds—a refined menu, beautiful views, and a joyful experience.”
Mezze on the River’s Greek plates are made to share. Antelmo Ambrosio, executive chef at Merchants Hospitality, curated the menu, a mix of small plates and cold dishes, larger, shareable entrees, and a few Instagram-friendly surprises. The flying octopus comes clipped on a fishing line—servers provide metal scissors to guests, who can cut their own slices. “The flying octopus adds an interactive option to our menu and has been loved by guests,” Mendoza says of the popular dish.
A decadent lobster and truffle pasta is served with the lobster head and tail, while a trio of especially photogenic tartares are presented on a bed of ice for optimal sharing. Expect whimsical twists on traditional Greek dishes, such as gooey saganaki cigars that give the mozzarella stick treatment to the flambéed cheese appetizer. Though the menu itself is inspired by Greece, ingredients, such as seasonal produce and freshly caught East Coast seafood, are sourced from New York whenever possible.
Also unique to the restaurant: A $75 per person Taste of Mezze selection, which includes a family-style spread of signature items, and complimentary captain’s hats that are playful nods to the neighboring river and its boats.
The restaurant’s drinks channel a leisurely, Mediterranean getaway. Mykonos nights mixes mezcal, chile liqueur, orange liqueur, blood orange, agave, lime, hot sauce, and orange bitters; Take me to Oia is a citrusy, rum-forward concoction. By-the-glass wines hail from Greece, southern France, and Long Island, while the extensive beer list is filled with international offerings, though heavy on the Greek brews.
Inspired by Nammos, a chic beach bar and seafood restaurant in Mykonos, Mezze on the River offers a vacation-like escape just west of Wall Street. Designed by creative consulting agency Space NY, the fluid indoor-outdoor space was decorated with maximalism in mind, decked with colorful flowers—both faux and real—neon lights, and eye-catching wallpaper. River views are unobscured and outside, there are dog-friendly cabanas. Fans and shades make the al fresco seating more comfortable in the summer heat; heat lamps will be added for the colder months.
Mezze on the River is now open from 4 pm to 10 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 4 pm to 12 am on Fridays, 12 pm to 12 am on Saturdays, and 12 pm to 11 pm on Sundays. There’s a weekend brunch menu and a weekday happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm. Book a table just before sunset for the best dusk and evening views.
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer based in Brooklyn, where she lives with her wife and rescue dog. You can follow her on Instagram @melissabethk and Twitter @melissabethk
