Import or restore MySQL databases from var directory
Disclaimer: I can't guarantee that this works for you too, it did for me.
I've done similar restorations (under Windows, though) by simply copying the files (the whole /usr/local/mysql directory...shouldn't that be under /var/mysql anyway?). Of course you'll need to stop the MySQL daemon and restart if after you're done.
Also, check the file permissions, just in case that something has changed.