Mish Mish Mezza: Burlington's New Home for Middle Eastern Comfort Food

There's a new table in town, and it's one you'll want to pull up a chair to. Mish Mish Mezza has opened at 1035 Brant Street, and after a visit from the Burlington 365 team, we can confidently say this Middle Eastern spot is one of the best additions to the city's food scene this year.

The name itself sets the tone: "Mish Mish" is Arabic for apricot — small, golden, and meant to be shared. That philosophy runs through every plate on the menu, which draws from the culinary traditions of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. The space matches the food, too, with warm lighting, illuminated pottery niches, and Arabic calligraphy artwork that make it feel like you've been welcomed into someone's home rather than just another restaurant.

The concept comes from a genuine appreciation for how meals are shared across the Levant and neighbouring regions: nothing plated for one person, everything meant to land in the middle of the table for everyone to dig into. The kitchen leans on four distinct culinary traditions — Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Yemeni — each contributing its own breads, spices, and techniques passed down through generations. It's less about a single cuisine and more about a shared philosophy of hospitality, and that comes through in how generous the portions and flavours are.

We ordered generously, and every single dish delivered.

Starters and Dips

We started with the Mushroom Soup, a creamy blend of mushrooms with herbs and warm spices — comforting, well-seasoned, and a great way to warm up the table before the mezza arrived.

From there, the dips stole the show. The Muhammara & Cheese — roasted peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses folded with cheese — struck that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty. The Hummus came topped with its own special variations, elevating a classic into something worth ordering on its own. The Baba Ghanoush, smoky grilled eggplant tossed with tomato, pepper, onion, parsley, lemon, and olive oil, was bright and beautifully balanced. And the Shawander Mutabal — roasted beet and smoky eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon — was a standout: earthy, creamy, and a gorgeous deep pink that tasted every bit as good as it looked.

To round things out, the Cheese Manakish arrived warm, with layers of melted Middle Eastern cheeses baked into soft, pillowy bread. Simple, but exactly what good comfort food should be.

Mains

For mains, we went with the Chicken Shawarma Plate — perfectly sliced, well-marinated chicken served with your choice of rice or fries, salad, pickles, and garlic sauce. The garlic sauce alone is worth the visit.

We also tried the Kabab Plate, featuring Iraqi kabab skewers alongside a choice of rice or homemade bread, grilled tomatoes, and onion. The kababs were juicy and full of flavour, and the homemade bread was the ideal vehicle for soaking up every bit of the plate.

The Verdict

Everything we ordered was excellent — no notes, no misses. Mish Mish Mezza is fully halal, open daily from 11am to 10pm, and clearly built around the idea of communal dining, so come with an appetite and people to share with. Whether you're after a quick lunch or a full spread of mezza for the table, this is a Burlington spot worth putting on your regular rotation.

📍 1035 Brant Street, Unit 5, Burlington, Ontario