Still fresh on the Halifax restaurant scene, Mezza won Best New Restaurant last year and this year has found its niche as Best Middle Eastern. Owner Tony Nahas ran Venus Pizza for years with his brother, but his newer operation is a bit more upscale. “It’s more fine dining. Other places are more take-out and casual,” says manager Michele Thompson. “And he makes all the best effort to buy locally." What is brought in from elsewhere is authentic Lebanese wine and ingredients. And the family still is involved. “Tony’s mother is here every day helping to make things,” says Thompson. 6386 Quinpool, 444-3914
First runner up: Tarek's Cafe
Second runner up: Tarboosh Lebanese Cuisine
