On the corner of Allen and Houston lies the gem of a Mediterranean tapas joint called Mezetto. What was once the Spanish tapas joint Oliva now serves delicious Mediterranean tapas, and it's great.

Taking the "bun" to the Mediterranean, they replace pork belly with falafel, a tasty little starter. Their falafel bun ($9) comes with Israeli pickle salsa and harissa aioli. Perfect.

Seared scallops ($19) come with roasted curry cauliflower, pine nuts & golden raisins, and are truly fabulous. Great flavor, great texture.

Truffled gnocchi ($18), jerusalem artichoke, morel, shitake, porcini, artichoke hearts & chives is awesome. You had me at "truffled".

Braised oxtail tortellini ($16), demi-glace, chives crème fraiche & parmesan oil was a really nice dish too. That oxtail perfectly braised.

For dessert, try the halva parfait, with toffee and coffee sauce and salty pistachios. It is sublime.

Mezetto is a great place for sharing a lot of food, and many of the dishes are vegetarian-friendly too. So bring a group of friends to one of the hottest corners in NYC, and share some delectable delights.

Mezetto
161 E. Houston St. (and Allen)
New York, NY 10002
212-933-4587
www.mezetto.com