Whether you’re fueling your body for a strenuous day of shopping or taking a break to relax and recharge, Z Café in South Coast Plaza has what you need, from the pizza that made Z famous (available with gluten free crust, too) to a hefty sandwich or a fresh salad of organic greens, to “Sharables” and warming seasonal soups. All are house-made using only organic and natural ingredients with a number of vegan and gluten free offerings and, overall, a very heart healthy menu, not often found at fast-casual mall eateries.
With free wi-fi and a comfortable outdoor lounge area that invites you to linger, start with a nibble from the “Sharables” side of the menu such as fresh house-made hummus with accoutrements ($5.95) or Quinoa Taboulleh with Chicken ($10.95). Salads, such as the Pear & Gorgonzola ($7.95) are an excellent choice and, if you desire the best of both worlds, you can opt for a Combo of half pizza or sandwich (select varieties) and soup or salad, probably the best deal of your day at $7.95! I highly recommend the Tortilla Soup if it’s featured as the Soup du Jour – appealing textures and deeply flavorful.
Our try my new fave, the Curry Chicken & Yam pizza that I tried during a recent blogger event where Z Pizza owner Sid Fanarof invited us to taste from their menu and filled us in on their Laguna beginnings and how Z Pizza addresses the needs of today’s health conscious consumer with concern for both the individual and the environment by supporting organic agriculture through organic menu items and their eco-friendly approach to operations.
Z Pizza’s signature hand-thrown, fire-baked, organic whole wheat crispy crust is reliably satisfying to my pizza-loving palate and my inner Cal-Italian craves the traditional Margherita pizza with fresh roma tomatoes, roasted garlic, and basil (above), but after tasting the Curry Chicken & Yam pizza – I have a new fave that pulls me across the Garden Bridge like a magnet. For me, their perfectly crisped crust is artfully complemented by the chunks of roasted yams, and fire-roasted curry chicken, with a smattering of mango chutney, mozzarella, and fresh cilantro.Try it and let me know what you think!
Prefer a sandwich on a chewy ciabatta roll? Go for the Grilled Carne Asada ($10.95) with sweet corn salsa and a nice zing from chipotle aioli or the Roasted Veggie ($8.95) chock full of seasonal vegetables, mixed greens, caramelized onions and artichoke hearts with provolone cheese.
Top it all off with a chilled brew or glass of wine from their selection of artisanal beers and boutique wines and you’re good for another run at the stores or maybe a quickie power nap on the comfy chaise tucked in the corner.
South Coast Plaza
Macy’s/Crate & Barrel Home Wing
3333 Bear St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 545-5500
The roasted veggie sandwich has my name written on it! I’m making a trip soon and going to have to go there. Thanks Priscilla 🙂
Sounds like a great place for sure! I love the pizza shots however everything look so fresh and delicious! Thank you for sharing!
the two pizzas look superb! love the rustic “feel” to them!
Everything looks fresh and delicious, but I’ve got my eye on the pizzas!
Even though the pizza looks great – I must go against popular opinion and choose the grilled carne asada with the sweet corn salsa and chipotle aioli. Just typing that was hard – longing for it lol
Love this place! We should do a lunch there 😉
Looks like you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu but the carne asada sandwich sounds really good to me right now! 🙂