A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente

After nearly four decades shaping Orange County’s dining scene, Zov’s opens its newest location today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in San Clemente, bringing its signature blend of Mediterranean and California flavors to the coast. 

Founded by chef and restaurateur Zov Karamardian, the brand has built a loyal following over the years for its vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. That same spirit carries into the San Clemente space, which feels relaxed, welcoming, and right at home in the heart of downtown.

The menu stays true to what longtime guests love, with seasonal dishes built around fresh ingredients and bold, bright flavors. Think grilled meats, house-made mezze, fresh seafood, and pastas, all rooted in Mediterranean tradition with a California point of view. The bar program follows suit, with cocktails made with fresh herbs and citrus, along with a strong wine list that highlights both California and Mediterranean producers.

At its core, Zov’s remains a family story. Three generations continue to shape the brand, something that comes through in both the food and the experience. Zov opened the first restaurant in 1987 alongside her husband, Gary, building it from her passion for Mediterranean cooking. Today, her son Armen serves as CEO, guiding the company’s growth, while her daughter Taleene leads creative and operational direction. Her granddaughter Morgan oversees branding and marketing across locations, keeping everything connected while moving the brand forward.

“Our story began 40 years ago with my original recipes,” says Zov. “Our menu’s appeal and longevity rely on balancing premium, seasonal ingredients with the comforts of a home-cooked meal.”

The San Clemente location leans into its surroundings in all the right ways. There is a natural ease to the space, with indoor and alfresco dining that makes the most of the coastal setting. The main dining room is warm and light filled, with comfortable booths and tables that work just as well for a quiet dinner as they do for a group gathering. Outside, the patio brings in the energy of downtown San Clemente, an easy spot for a long lunch or dinner with the ocean breeze coming through.

The bar area has its own rhythm, whether it is a quick drink, a celebratory toast, or an unplanned evening that turns into dinner. It all feels polished but never overdone, with the same sense of hospitality that has defined Zov’s for years.

Upstairs, a private dining room offers something a little more elevated. It has its own entrance, along with full audiovisual capabilities and a private deck overlooking downtown. It is well suited for everything from birthday celebrations and rehearsal dinners to corporate gatherings and holiday events.

Now open daily, Zov’s San Clemente adds another chapter to a restaurant that has become part of the fabric of Orange County dining.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Zov’s San Clemente is at 155 Avenida del Mar in downtown San Clemente.

Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center

Segerstrom Center for the Arts will welcome Riverdance 30 – The New Generation from May 15 to 17, 2026, marking 30 years of the global Irish dance phenomenon. Seen by more than 30 million people worldwide, the production returns with updated choreography, new costumes, and advanced lighting and projection, along with a cast made up entirely of performers born after the show’s 1994 debut.

This anniversary tour reflects a passing of the torch. Many of the dancers grew up watching Riverdance and are now part of its next chapter. The show continues to draw longtime fans while welcoming a new generation of audiences, with families returning together to experience it again.

Since its debut as the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest, Riverdance has played more than 16,000 performances in over 600 cities across 51 countries. More than 1,500 dancers from 29 countries have taken part over the years, and the production’s legacy extends beyond the stage, with dozens of marriages and families formed within the Riverdance community.

At its core, the show follows the journey of a river, from rainfall to sea and back again, reflecting themes of life, renewal, and migration. The choreography and score, created by Bill Whelan and developed from a concept by Moya Doherty, trace the movement of water as a metaphor for cultural exchange and the Irish diaspora. The result is a performance that blends traditional Irish dance with a broader global influence.

Performances take place at Segerstrom Hall on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44 and are available online at scfta.org, in person at the box office, or by phone. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.

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