Mezza @ the Point 2 Martin Street, Ballina, New South Wales 2478

"Excellent place. I visit regularly for chai and occasional tapas. Service is exceptional, really welcoming, professional and fast. Food is great too. Views across the river and live music on the weekend are further plus points. Jessie is an absolute legend. Top guy - he offers a friendly and warm service that makes you return."

"Delicious food and wonderful staff. We were those annoying people who arrived 10 minutes before the kitchen closed yet the staff were so accommodating and kind. We ordered the middle eastern chicken which was so flavourful and the seafood pasta was delicious."

"Wonderful experience, lovely day apart from the wind which was out of everyone's control. Beautiful venue. Food(morning tea) unparalled in Ballina and such a variety! Coffee also best in the area! The staff were bubbly, welcoming and attentive. Thanks for a memorable end to our Classic car "run"."

"We decided we wanted to head out for a Seafood platter and chose Mezza based on online menu shopping. We went In with medium expectations - but the platter was amazing - so much food for 2 people. The only thing missing was scallops and hot salmon would have been preferred to smoked salmon. But everything was fresh and amazing. We also had the Italian Prosecco and it was really nice. We will definitely be back. The view is pretty amazing too. Happy hour 3-6pm too"

"Made a booking for my Birthday lunch at the Mezza after choosing from local community reviews. What a disappointment. Firstly my friend went to the counter to order our food and was told by the first staff member, he couldn't take the order as he had to make drinks. So another staff member was called over to take our food order. Then my friend tried to order the drinks and was informed by the man who took our food order, he couldn't take that order so another staff member was called in to take our drinks order. "What table number?" My friend answered to the man who took us to the table originally; " The table you took us to." He replied; "I need a table number. I'll get one of the girls to see which table you're seated at." My friend replied; "Don't worry, I'll go and look myself." The Bruschetta and Salt and Pepper Calamari entrees came out first. It was okay. The Calamari was very tender but floury and pale in colour. We finished that and waited. And waited. No one cleared our plates for a long time. So we just enjoyed the water views. It took an hour from our arrival to receive our mains. My friend's 'well done steak' ($49.00) was black and resembled a piece of charcoal. There was no black pepper grinder to be seen, so I went off in search of some, asked a staff member, was directed to it being around the corner, fetched it myself and returned to my Baramundi fillet. The pepper was empty. So my friend went off to find a full pepper grinder. He was so hungry, he ate the steak. Although it wasn't too tough, he noted it tasted 'charred.' The people in the table next to us were asking when their food might come out, as some had finished their meal, whilst others had not received theirs. I started my Barramundi fillet. It was so dry and tasteless, there was very little edible meat and for $39.00, it fell way short of acceptable. Vegetables were near raw. We left within 10 mins of receiving our mains and I didn't finish my meal. No staff member inquired if we were enjoying our meal, otherwise I would have spoken directly to the staff about my disappointment. The only thing going for Mezza, is their location. My first and last visit to this restaurant. It was a waste of money and certainly put a dampener on my birthday. Most businesses will at least make a mention or an effort if they know you're celebrating an event. I filled that in on my booking that it was my Birthday. Honestly, I thought I'd give them a go, see for myself. Should have taken the advice of the negative reviews. It was a hit and miss. I dislike giving bad reviews. I normally give great reviews to those who deserve it. Mezza; you don't."