KOVO Modern Mediterranean, a restaurant showcasing the traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean region, combined with new world flare and ingredients, will soon open in Paradise Valley. Located in the thriving Paradise Village Gateway shopping center on the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea, KOVO is slated to open by mid-September 2018.
Longtime restaurateur, Yianni Ioannou, is spearheading KOVO. With more than 15 years of experience mastering every area of the restaurant, Ioannou’s roots in the industry run deep. He grew up helping out in his family-owned restaurant in his home country, the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. After moving to the United States, he operated several Greek restaurant chains in multiple states. The menu at KOVO has been shaped by Ioannou’s time in Greek restaurants, his travels throughout the Mediterranean, as well as his Cyprian roots.
According to Ioannou, “We are excited to bring to the Valley the simple, delicious flavors and bright spices of the Mediterranean. This area of the globe is a melting pot of cultures and culinary influences. This diversity of cuisine will be showcased at KOVO in a modern, approachable way.”
A unique concept to the Valley, the menu at KOVO will highlight a wide selection of cuisine from the Mediterranean region. The Greek word, KOVO, means “to carve”, and as such rotisserie meats will be predominately displayed in the open kitchen and will be served in signature entrees. Various selections such as lamb and beef and organic chicken will cook vertically on the rotisserie and will be carved to order. A wood-fired oven will produce crispy pizzas, such as the Napoletana, Blanca, and Della Carne, as well as other wood-fired specialties.
For guests wishing to savor a sampling of Mediterranean cuisine, there will be a wide variety of shared plates, such as housemade hummus and tzatziki, grilled eggplant and Halloumi, sheftalia (homemade Greek sausage), or grilled octopus. In addition, other items found across the region will be served, such as bruschetta and cheese boards, as well as lamb burgers, kebabs, and salads. KOVO will have a separate takeout area featuring an assortment of homemade sweet and savory pastries, including spanakopita, baklava, and bougatsa, to name a few, plus fresh Greek yogurt creations and coffee.
In addition to signature cocktails and local craft beer, KOVO will have a thoughtfully selected Worldly wine menu, featuring wines from New Zealand, Greece, France, Spain, Italy and South Africa, as well as California and Oregon.
The nearly 4,000 square foot restaurant will be modern in design, with a light-filled, open and airy feel. Influences from the Mediterranean can be found in Moroccan-style tiles, rich blue ocean-inspired accents and artistic fixtures. The space will seat more than 140 guests, including an expansive outdoor patio, as well as a wrap-around indoor/outdoor bar.
KOVO will be open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch will be served from open until 4 p.m. on the weekend.
KOVO Modern Mediterranean is located at 10625 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, Ariz., 85028. For more information, visit www.kovomedi.com. Find KOVO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kovomodernmedi and on Instagram at @KOVOMedi.
