Meatless Menu That Meat Lovers Enjoy

At Meze 119, meat lovers and vegetarians unite in their love for vegetarian dishes. 

“The idea was to open a restaurant that was not so limiting for people who have restricted diets,” said part owner and general manager Dean Hershkowitz.

Meze 119’s menu was a collaborative effort between Hershkowitz and his mother. When Chef Jason Kingsley came on board, the options expanded even more.

From and Stuffed Acorn Squash to BLT Sandwiches and Grilled Vegetable Napoleon, the menu has an array of selections to enjoy.

Hershkowitz grew up in New York and found that it wasn’t always easy to eat vegetarian or even kosher. Although he doesn’t dub himself a vegetarian, Hershkowitz says that he would end up eating a meat-free diet because there was no guarantee that what he was consuming was kosher.

After attending college at UCF and then working in hospitality at both the local and corporate level, Hershkowitz is familiar with both sides of business.

Meze 119 wasn’t a thought-out business venture. In fact, Hershkowitz says that he was just looking for an investment opportunity rather than running his own restaurant. However, when the space at 119 2nd St. N opened, it was a no-brainer.

“We looked at the space and saw the opportunity to bring something different to downtown,” said Hershkowitz.

It worked out, and Meze 119 opened on June 1, 2011. The restaurant had an instant clientele. Meze 119 snagged Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay Award in 2011 for “Best Vegetarian Restaurant.”

Hershkowitz and the Meze 119 crew are dedicated to staying local. The venue offers ,  and .

The future is bright for the new venue, with a steady stream of customers and pats on the back from food critics. Hershkowitz says that there is the possibility of opening other locations, but downtown St. Pete is treating him well.

“We’re toying around with the idea of opening more than one location,” Hershkowitz said. “But, we are pretty happy with this one right now.”