There’s something undeniably communal about meze - a tradition that brings people together over vibrant plates and flowing conversation.
Whether it’s the smoky kiss of grilled meats, the brightness of pickled vegetables or the comforting richness of dips swirled with olive oil, meze speaks of shared stories and lazy afternoons stretching into lively evenings. Across Melbourne and Cairns, a handful of venues are mastering this ancient art form with a distinctly modern style.
Here’s where to go when you’re craving a spread that does more than fill, it connects:
Stepping into Marmara on Chapel Street is like slipping into a Turkish family home layered with stories, scents and warmth. As one of the city’s oldest Turkish restaurants still helmed by the founding family, Marmara doesn’t just serve food it preserves heritage. Rich timber accents, glowing pendent lights and an inviting, lived-in charm set the tone for an experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and contemporary. Whether you're gathered with friends or stealing a moment over raki and conversation, Marmara’s ambience is a quiet celebration of time-honoured hospitality.
When it comes to meze, Marmara’s approach is lavish yet rooted in tradition. Start with seared scallops resting in garlic butter, paprika and a whisper of chilli, then move to smoky char-grilled chicken skewers nestled beside a garden salad and nutty bulgur. The mixed grill is a showstopper - doner, skewers of lamb and chicken, tender kofta and a crisped cutlet all jostling for space on a single plate, underpinned by fragrant pilaf. It’s the kind of feast best devoured with hands reaching and stories flying.
Book now to experience Turkish hospitality that lingers beyond the last bite.
Perched high above Cairns on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Riley, Rocco offers more than just dinner it delivers a sensory escape. With sweeping views across the Coral Sea and interiors that hum with earthy textures and bold Middle Eastern motifs, this venue feels like a rooftop hideaway in Beirut or Casablanca. There’s a cocktail in every hand, the air carries notes of cumin and citrus and the vibe leans effortlessly luxe. Sunset drinks melt into mezze-fuelled dinners as the sea sparkles below.
The grazing mezze platter here is an artful curation each element presented with balance and flair. Expect plump olives, smoky beetroot and creamy hummus layered with grilled pita that sings with char. Halloumi boreks ooze salty warmth, while local prawn skewers are paired with toum and cool cucumber yoghurt. The pomegranate-glazed chicken skewer, finished with smoked almond sauce, is as photogenic as it is unforgettable. It’s meze reimagined for the modern palate, yet deeply rooted in the flavours of the Levant.
Reserve your rooftop escape and taste the Middle East in every bite.
Ela Drink and Meze – Cairns, Qld
Set against the waterfront on Marlin Parade, Ela Drink and Meze is a breezy Mediterranean dream. From the open-air layout to the artfully plated dishes, this venue is soaked in a light-hearted, coastal sophistication. Ela doesn’t mimic Greek tavernas it redefines them with contemporary finesse. The cocktails are crisp, the clientele well-heeled and the menu, a tapestry of tradition and innovation. It’s a place where locals come to linger and visitors quickly feel like they’ve found something special.
Ela’s meze offering is both elegant and abundant. Begin with the standout mutabbal roasted eggplant, whipped with tahini and garlic, mellowed by Greek yoghurt and brightened with pomegranate seeds and chilli pickles. The result is smoky, creamy, tangy perfection. Larger plates shine with Mediterranean soul: grilled octopus with fava from Santorini and nduja dressing; lamb cutlets with Romesco; and chicken souvlaki elevated by pumpkin skordalia and hazelnut crumble. It’s indulgence with restraint, a tribute to balance on every plate.
Make a booking and let Ela take you on a sun-drenched culinary escape.
In a dining landscape increasingly obsessed with the next big thing, these meze masters remind us of the enduring joy in gathering, grazing and savouring the moment. Whether you're sipping cocktails above the city or sharing grilled skewers in a warmly lit room, meze is the meal that feeds both hunger and connection.
