Zov's Cafe

Zov's Cafe Restaurant Review:

Zov Karamardian, chef-owner of Zov's Café, has imported the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East to her eponymous Newport Coast establishment. We appreciate the freshness of the ingredients in such traditional appetizers as hummus, calamari, baba ghanouj and tabbouleh. If you like soup, however, don’t miss starting out with Zov’s signature bowl of golden lentils. Huge entrée salads are satisfying, like the Parmesan herb-crusted chicken paillard with organic greens, candied walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. All of the main courses look attractive on the plate, but we particularly enjoy the roasted rosemary-garlic chicken, and the tender lamb shashlik. Service is friendly and prompt, and the unusual wine list of half-bottles offers value. Check out the adjacent bakery for an array of pastries, not to mention breakfast selections like Zov's special omelet and vanilla yogurt topped with crunchy home-baked granola. Other locations in Tustin and Irvine.