Writer Shoshana Leon
Photography Courtesy of Timothy Fox Photography

[dropcap]K[/dropcap]ovo means “to carve” in Greek. It is a fitting name for a new restaurant in Paradise Valley featuring rotisserie meats and other Mediterranean favorites.

Located in the Paradise Village Gateway shopping center on the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea, KOVO Modern Mediterranean highlights the traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean region with a modern flair and a diverse menu.

KOVO is run by Yianni Ioannou who grew up helping in his family’s restaurant on the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. After moving to the United States, he operated several Greek restaurant chains in multiple states.

“We are excited to bring to the Valley the simple, delicious flavors and bright spices of the Mediterranean,” said Ioannou. “This area of the globe is a melting pot of cultures and culinary influences. This diversity of cuisine is showcased at KOVO in a modern, approachable way. I’m very excited to serve some of my family’s recipes at KOVO.”

The menu at KOVO offers a wide selection of cuisine from the Mediterranean region, highlighting rotisserie meats carved to order, Greek favorites and wood-fired items. House specialties include ground lamb burger, grilled lamb chops, wood-fired salmon, and a carved meat platter featuring lamb and beef gyro meat, chicken gyro meat and homemade Greek sausage.

There are many items on KOVO’s menu that are ideal for sharing, including a variety of crispy wood-fired pizzas. Mediterranean and Greek favorites available as shared plates include hummus, tzatziki, grilled eggplant and halloumi cheese, grilled octopus and crazy feta with jalapeno and chipotle peppers. Other shareable items include cheese and meat boards, as well as sweet and savory bruschetta, from salami with pesto and olives to feta with berries and balsamic glaze.

KOVO also offers an assortment of homemade sweet and savory Mediterranean pastries, including spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades and bougatsa, as well as Greek yogurt creations.

KOVO has a full bar serving beer, wine and spirits. Signature cocktails include a cucumber mule, sangria with fresh fruit and a new old fashioned made with tequila. There are draft beer options from Arizona and Italy, as well as seasonal selections. The wine list includes red, white, rosé and sparkling wines from Greece, France, Spain and Italy, as well as California, Washington and Oregon.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot restaurant features a modern design with an open and airy feel. The space seats more than 140 guests with an expansive outdoor patio and a wraparound indoor/outdoor bar.

KOVO is open for lunch and dinner daily, and there are plans to introduce a weekend brunch. KOVO offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 3–6 p.m. with $2 off signature cocktails, shared plates and bruschetta, as well as $4 draft beer, house wine and well cocktails. On Mondays and Tuesdays after 8 p.m. guests can enjoy a bottle of select wine and pizza or bruschetta for $20.

For those who enjoy shared plates, Mediterranean fare and carved meats, KOVO offers these and much more in an approachable and tasty way in an open and friendly atmosphere.

“Dining out in the Mediterranean culture is a very celebrated and social affair,” said Ioannou. “At KOVO, we’ve created an energetic communal environment, from our community table and our open dining room to our bar and patio.”

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KOVO Modern Mediterranean
10625 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix

602-237-5872

kovomedi.com