Zov’s Mediterranean Restaurant Set to Open on 17th Street in Costa Mesa

Zov's is coming to Costa Mesa. The Mediterranean restaurant will open at 428 E. 17th St., in the former Playa Mesa space, in late 2026. The move follows the brand's debut in San Clemente earlier this year.

17th Street's dining choices are getting better and better, with Ospi, Oak & Coal, Tabu Shabu, Salt & Lime and many more. Zov's joins a strip already known for independent, chef-driven spots. The Costa Mesa location will carry the same family hospitality that has defined the brand since it opened nearly 40 years ago.

Zov Karamardian opened the first Zov's in 1987 with her husband, Gary, drawing on family recipes and her own background in Mediterranean cooking. The business remains family run. Son Armen is CEO, daughter Taleene oversees creative and operational work, and granddaughter Morgan handles branding and marketing across the company's locations in Tustin, Irvine, Newport Coast and San Clemente.

The menu is expected to include grilled lamb chops, house-made mezze with hummus and baba ghanoush, locally sourced seafood, flatbreads and house-made pastas, along with seasonal salads. The bar program will offer cocktails made with fresh herbs and citrus, a wine list covering California and Mediterranean producers, and craft beer and non-alcoholic options.

Zov's will be at 428 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa.