Day: July 20, 2026

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A half-million dollar investment, along with extensive community outreach, went into redeveloping over 7,200 square feet.

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After becoming a popular destination in Williamsburg’s dining scene, Mesiba, inside the Moxy Hotel between Bedford and South 4th Street, hosted its final guests on July 19th, marking the end of a restaurant dedicated not just to unforgettable Mediterranean cuisine but also to bringing people together. 

Since opening in March 2024, Bar Lab Hospitality has built a reputable following due to its lively, party-themed atmosphere, Israeli DJs, and a menu of shareable Levantine dishes. Walking in, guests from either the Moxy Hotel or Mesiba customers fully get to experience Mesiba, Hebrew for “party” or “celebration”–embraced through their communal dining scene. A majority of the tables are round, encouraging conversation, with the lively Hebrew and Mediterranean music curating the atmosphere. Mesiba is a place where conversations are meant to be heartfelt and celebrated, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a birthday gathering, or a first-time visit in Williamsburg.

Mesiba proved not just a hot destination for the neighborhood, but also for travelers from around the world staying at the hotel. Guests discovered an inclusive restaurant adjacent to the lobby while walking down the hallway, decorated with beautiful Middle Eastern art. Mesiba really incorporates its own identity within the Moxy, distinguishing itself from the several other Moxys scattered around the city.​

“We really enjoy the concept of sharing,” Sierra Hickman, Events Food & Beverage manager for Bar Lab Hospitality, says. “We try to make sure we’re catering to the neighborhood and welcoming people over and over again by creating that familiar feel.”

That welcoming phenomenon is exhibited far beyond the menu. Regular return for familiar favorites, while servers and staff encourage new additions to explore each visit, creating an atmosphere and hospitality where guests feel remembered and connected.

One of Mesiba’s dining experiences was its family-style approach. Rather than individual entrees, the restaurant encourages the table to pass around the dishes, building conversations over the fresh-baked Frena bread, house-made hummus, grilled seafood, and signature dishes like the Braised Lamb Neck. The interactive presentations of the lamb neck—served with soft pancakes, sauces, and toppings that guests can assemble themselves — became one of the restaurant’s most memorable and talked-about dining experiences.​

One memorable visit includes Jack’s Dining Room from 2023, where he mentions Mesiba had the “best lamb dish in all of New York City, leaving you speechless.”

The Lamb neck dish really encourages diners to “walk them through the process,” Hickman says. “You get to put your own sauces on it, pick it apart, and I think it’s just a fun dish for guests to enjoy, an overall great experience.”

Mesiba earned a reputation for introducing diners to new Mediterranean cuisine without sacrificing familiarity. Classic comfort food was elevated with Middle Eastern ingredients like za’atar, sumac, and harissa, allowing first-time guests to step comfortably into the cuisine.​

“Part of our staple is making people comfortable with what they already know while introducing them to newer flavors,” Abby Kisling, server at Mesiba, says. “People know chicken, people know pasta, but adding spices like sumac or za’atar lets them experience something different while still feeling familiar.”

This philosophy guided the restaurant’s latest seasonal menu, which introduced vegan Matzo Ball soup, Keftedes Lamb Meatballs with Spicy Feta, a Red Beet Salad, a Wagyu Burger with Harissa Mayo, and its highly rated Lemon Chicken alongside longtime guest favorites.

“The goal was to keep the soul of Mesiba, but make it part of people’s everyday dining rhythm,” said Bar Lab Hospitality cofounder Gabe Orta. “We’re seeing guests want options that feel both satisfying and approachable in the same meal—something that just works as well for a spontaneous weeknight as a planned night out.”

Perhaps Mesiba’s greatest achievement wasn’t a single dish; it was the sense of community it cultivated.​

Its dining experience transforms into party experiences like the World Cup matches and Juneteenth rooftop parties, reflecting both the diversity of the Williamsburg neighborhood and international travelers staying at the Moxy Hotel. Every visit can feel like an invitation to join the celebration, for cocktails at their beautiful modern bar, a family dinner, or simply a new place to introduce friends.​

“I think we embody our name, Mesiba, as a whole,” Kisling says. “We’re always trying to include different events; there is always something going on, and you can see how happy people are because they are always coming back.”​

For many, that’s exactly why Mesiba will be remembered for—not simply introducing Brooklyn to vibrant Eastern Mediterranean flavors, but creating a place where strangers became friends over shared plates, where hospitality felt deeply personal, and where every meal felt like a celebration.

The remaining space will transition to an events space and be available for private hire. Those who miss their favorite dishes may be able to request it for private events catering, subject to availability. 

Williamsburg won’t just lose another restaurant; it will say goodbye to a dining room built on the idea of the best meals shared together.