IT ALL STARTED IN THE KITCHEN

Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, the legendary Zov’s Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA, has become a culinary institution. It serves her unique cuisine—a blend of contemporary dishes with Eastern Mediterranean influences—in an upscale, chic environment.

Family support has constantly been Zov’s foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Now proudly spanning three generations, Zov, in addition to her husband Gary, her son Armen, and her daughter Taleene, has created a rare family business recipe that takes the comforting creations of the family kitchen and blends them with Chef Zov’s culinary artistry.

Over the years, the original Bistro in Tustin has expanded into a 14,000 sq. ft. space, encompassing an award-winning bakery, an acclaimed restaurant, a luxurious private dining room, cooking classes, and a busy catering division that brings Zov’s culinary style to homes and special events throughout Southern California. This success has also led to the restaurant's exciting expansion into San Clemente, bringing Zov's signature hospitality and flavors to even more of the community.

Smiling chef in a white coat with crossed arms

ACCOLADES


2016 CHEF OF THE YEAR

Orange county restaurant association golden foodie awards

2015 restaurant OF THE YEAR

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

2015 business OF THE YEAR

Orange county BUSINESS JOURNAL

2015 restaurateur of the year

Orange county BUISNESS JOURNAL

2002 jaMES BEARD

ANGEL AWARD

EXPANSION

Exterior sign for Zov's Bistro, featuring a modern design with potted plants nearby.

In answer to requests by generations of loyal guests for a location in their own communities, Zov opened in Newport Coast and Irvine. The new locations blend the casual side of the CafĆ© while offering some of the signature dishes from the Bistro. The look is upscale, warm and inviting serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and happy hour. 

A long time contributor to publications such as Bon AppĆ©tit, Food and Wine, the Orange County Register, Sunset magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, Zov Karamardian has finally been able to take her writing and cooking passion to the next level with the publication of two cookbooks, Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart and Simply Zov. These beautifully illustrated publications with recipes rich in flavor have kept guests returning to Zov’s time and again to her restaurants.

The Orange County Register logo in bold black text.

FOR TREATS SWEET and savory, here are our 10 favorite o.c bakeries

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A KEEPSAKE FOR THE O.C COMMUNITY

Logo of Daily Pilot newspaper

HOW O.C’S ZOV KARAMARDIAN BECAME A CELEBERTY CHEF BEFORE THAT TERM EXISTED