Mezini Brings Fresh To Fifth Ave

Got a craving for the fresh briny goodness of delicious oysters on the half-shell?

After months of anticipation, Mezini (492 5th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Street) quietly opened their doors on June 3rd, so we stopped by this weekend to say hello, and to learn a bit more about South Slope’s newest raw bar.

Owner and manager Agnese Mezina brings her epicurean talents to bear in the latest addition to 5th Avenue’s list of Italian restaurants. Since coming to the US from Latvia, she has had twelve years experience in various restaurants including managing JoJo, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant on the Upper East Side.

Their executive chef, Vino Castri, is from Puglia in the South of Italy, but Mezini does not offer your typical red-sauce-and-parmesan heavy dishes. Angese tells me that Chef Castri leans toward a lighter, more French influenced style than his southern counterparts. This means lighter, simpler ingredients that are seasonal and that results in a fresher taste. One stand out is their Tagliata di Tonno ($29) a pan seared Bleu Fin tuna with mixed bean puree, spinach and, lending a Tuscan flavor to all, fennel pollen.

But of course, Mezini is a raw bar and that mean oysters. Their seafood is sourced from producers such as Wild Edibles that guarantee same day catch. Angnese is striving to always offer at least three appellations when she can find them. At the time of our visit, no fewer than seven varieties were offered ranging from Kumamoto and Skookum to the ubiquitous Blue Point.

The restaurant’s wine list was also chosen by Agnese and is a careful balance of white staples and lighter reds, all Italian, of course. An intelligent selection of seven whites and thirteen reds are all available by the bottle or glass. They also offer a full bar.

Mezini’s atmosphere is an elegant, open front affair, with walls in a cooling grotto-like finish, and with all service elegantly appointed. While at first glance, the interior design might dissuade some casual walk-ins, it shouldn’t. Agnese Mezina creates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, not unlike the restaurateur herself.

Mezini Restaurant-Raw Bar is located at 492 5th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Street. 718-832-2900. Hours for the next two weeks will be dinner service only, starting at 5pm. Soon to come: Saturday and Sunday brunch menu starting at 10am, and Monday through Friday lunch daily at 12.