IT ALL STARTED IN THE KITCHEN
Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, the legendary Zovās Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA, has become a culinary institution. It serves her unique cuisineāa blend of contemporary dishes with Eastern Mediterranean influencesāin an upscale, chic environment.
Family support has constantly been Zovās 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 Zovās 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 Zovās 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.
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
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 CafƩ 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 Zovās time and again to her restaurants.
FOR TREATS SWEET and savory, here are our 10 favorite o.c bakeries
A KEEPSAKE FOR THE O.C COMMUNITY
HOW O.CāS ZOV KARAMARDIAN BECAME A CELEBERTY CHEF BEFORE THAT TERM EXISTED