Escape to the Mediterranean without leaving Kingston! Mezza Luna is now open, transforming the rooftop of McMaster Plaza at 110 Constant Spring Road into a stunning new dining destination, the latest bold venture of Karina Mahbubani.

The concept for Mezza Luna — Italian for half moon — was directly inspired by the rich Lebanese culture of business partner William Mahfood. Further shaping the restaurant’s identity was Mahfood’s wife, Frances, who played a key role in developing a menu rich with authentic and healthy Mediterranean and Lebanese choices.

“The half moon represents a moment of becoming, not quite full, yet full of promise. It reflects the heart of Mezza Luna: A place where heritage meets creativity,” explained Mahbubani.

“Frances has been super involved in the menu, bringing out the best flavours for us. She is also a nutritionist, so she is really focused on the health aspect of the menu, and we are really excited to have that collaboration with her,” Mahbubani shared with Thursday Food.

The menu offers classics such as hummus and falafel, as well as fusion varieties like the prime New York strip with labneh mash or pizza topped with roasted garlic and lamb kafta. The wide range of menu offerings ensures there is something for everyone.

Mahbubani, who is also the driving force behind Mystic Thai, promises a distinct experience with Mezza Luna. Where Mystic Thai leans towards glamour and high energy, Mezza Luna is designed to be comfortable and relaxed — a place where the rich flavours of Lebanese cuisine can be leisurely savoured and appreciated, enhanced by its rooftop location, which has received positive feedback since its official opening on Tuesday, December 9.

“I think Mezza Luna is more grounded. It’s more celebrating the flavours of the Mediterranean world, which are vibrant, warm and wholesome,” Mahbubani explained. “We are convinced the rooftop experience is going to be incredible. We received such good feedback at the opening — everyone loves the vibe here. Imagine just sitting here as the sun sets, looking over the mountains. It genuinely feels like you have been transported to the Amalfi Coast. It is a beautiful experience, and a different one from Mystic Thai.”

Mezza Luna

Location: McMaster Plaza, 110 Constant Spring Road, Kingston

Telephone: 876-672-1861 or 876-430-1484

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily

Photographer: Garfield Robinson

The well-appointed Mezza Luna bar (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Mezza Luna’s dining area (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Prime beef hummus (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Callaloo hummus (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Beetroot hummus (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Tomato bruschetta (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Fattoush salad (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Falafel with pita bread and hummus (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Crispy cauliflower with tahini sauce (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Prime New York strip steak with labneh mash and vegetables (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Lamb Ouzi, consisting of slow braised lamb chops over aromatic rice with raisins and almonds. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Santorini Sunset (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Mala Morrison enjoys her Zaatar Breeze Martini. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Norma Williams (left) steadied the prime New York strip steak as Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte helped herself to a slice. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Shish Taouk Re-imagined (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Enjoying the fare seated alongside Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte (third left) were Shikima Hinds (left), Shikima Hinds Events Concierge managing director; Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges Norma Williams (second left); Kadean Vendryes (third right); Professor Lloyd Waller; and Mala Morrison. Supervising the service were Mezza Luna managers Dixit KumarJha (left), Tatianna Hurtado (centre), and principal Karina Mahbubani. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Mezza Luna Special (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Whisky Ginger Lover (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Lavender Isle Martini (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Locale co-principal Kerry-Ann Clarke (left) and lifestyle curator Cecile Levee loved their spread of falafel with pita bread and hummus, beetroot hummus, and fattoush salad. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Mezza Luna’s offerings were a delight for the Sunshine Snacks team of (from left) exporter Franklin Bullock; General Manager Kathryn Inniss; Country Manager Raymon Brahim; Marketing Manager Shantell Hill-Afonso; Export Manager Andrew Bascombe; and Business Growth Officer Jerazeno Bell. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)