Fandi Mata ★9.5

Fandi Mata: A Disco Ball Over the Mezze

Few Williamsburg rooms commit to the evening like this one: a two-story industrial loft where palm fronds brush twenty-eight-foot ceilings, a giant disco ball hangs over dinner, and a mezcal bar hides on the mezzanine. Fandi Mata serves Mediterranean food with global detours — and treats the night itself as part of the menu.

The Concept

Opened in 2020 by four partners — Marjanne Motamedi, Dragan Ristovski, Emil Radoncic and Milos Zica — with chef Javier Vazquez Mariño running the kitchen, Fandi Mata bills itself as eclectic artisanal dining: soulful Mediterranean plates, signature crafted drinks and, upstairs, an artisanal mezcaleria called Little Oaxaca. Curated playlists carry the early hours; later in the evening a DJ and a lively crowd take over.

What to Order

Open with the mezze platter, halloumi and Mediterranean cigars, then commit to the grill: grilled octopus, half chicken with charred broccoli rabe, lamb steak or a whole dorade. The lobster risotto and braised lamb shank anchor the richer end; a tartufo pizza and coconut milk panna cotta bracket the meal. From the mezzanine, mezcal cocktails — with mocktails, wine and champagne for the rest of the table.

The Space

Eight thousand square feet of former industrial loft turned botanical set piece: plants everywhere, Moorish tiles, a scarlet exterior and that low-slung disco ball as the room’s gravitational center. Press has compared dinner here to eating inside a greenhouse — one with a very good sound system.

Who It’s For

Date nights that should feel like an event, birthday tables that plan to stay late, and anyone who wants Friday-night energy with real cooking behind it. Come early for conversation, late for the DJ.

Good to Know

Do I need a reservation? Strongly recommended — booking runs through Resy, and note the cancellation window when you reserve.

What is Little Oaxaca? The mezzanine mezcaleria — an in-house bar dedicated to mezcal and agave cocktails above the main floor.

Is there brunch? Yes, weekends bring a brunch service with shakshuka and lemon ricotta pancakes on the list.

How loud does it get? Early evenings are playlist-calm; later on a DJ raises the energy, especially on weekends.

Can it host a private event? Yes — the venue runs full event hosting with catering, entertainment, AV and florals.

Opening hours