An unforgettable dining experience!
I had dinner at Aroma Mèze last night with a friend, and we were absolutely delighted. The variety of flavors, presentation, and kind service from the entire staff—especially Arun and Zach—made the evening truly special.
We sat by the window in the main room, greeted warmly and surrounded by beautiful, travel-inspired décor that made us feel like we’d stepped into a cozy, global escape in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
We shared a stunning lineup of dishes: Kopanisti dip (feta cheese with roasted red peppers and chili) with homemade gluten-free pita; Smoked Salmon Crisps with black caviar on a sweet potato cracker; Arancini in a rich but balanced rosé sauce; Pulled Lamb Tacos served in a delicate, homemade corn tortilla; the dramatic and flavorful Ouzo Shrimp, flambéed table side; Shrimp Gnocchi in an irresistible sambuca cream sauce with basil; Mishari Ginger, a tender beef tenderloin on pesto topped with crispy onions; and finally, Dolmades floating in a velvety avgolemono sauce to complete our tasting adventure.
Each dish offered something unique and satisfying. The Kopanisti was the perfect savory start, and the pita was warm and clearly homemade. The salmon crisps were playful, the arancini a highlight for my friend, and the pulled lamb tacos deeply comforting. The ouzo shrimp provided both flavor and flair, while the shrimp gnocchi was hands-down our favorite—we could have swam in that sauce. The beef tenderloin melted in our mouths, and the dolmades added a lovely, classic finish.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, the servers graciously brought us all three desserts—crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and raspberry cheesecake. We left nothing on our plates.
All of this for both of us under $95! Incredible value for such a heightened culinary experience. I’ll definitely be returning with family and friends. Thank you to Arun, Zach, and the entire Aroma team for keeping this gem in the community alive with heart, flavor, and warmth.