When a friend, who lives in the Camps Bay area, suggested we dine at Mezepoli for lunch, I was excited because I knew it would be good — he’s a bit of a food snob. For the most part I wasn’t disappointed. The menu, which consists of dozens of hot and cold small plates, is influenced by the flavors of the Middle East and Mediterranean, but many of the dishes are distinctly Greek.

Plates are very simple, meaning the main ingredients — rather than an infusion of extra flavors — are the stars. Everything is very fresh and imported if necessary. And whether you are a vegetarian, seafood aficionado or carnivore, there are meze choices for all palates.

I started with the mussels saganaki, which I must admit was not my favorite thing on the menu — the mussels were overcooked and there was too much sauce. That said, the other small plates I tried were scrumptious — I loved my bocconcini salad where the tomatoes were juicy and sweet, the imported mozzarella fresh and the basil flavorful. Another stand-out item is the grilled or deep fried halloumi cheese. Also don’t miss an order or two of pitas.

The atmosphere here is a little chaotic. Try for a sidewalk seat fronting the main road on Camps Bay, but bear in mind that tables are placed pretty close together, making it not feel very intimate. Inside tables are also tightly lined, but the place still feels airy thanks to modern decor and the fact that the whole front of the restaurant opens up to the sidewalk portion when the weather is nice. The other downside is prices are a little steep for the size of the plates.