KOVO Modern Mediterranean, a restaurant showcasing the traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean region, combined with new world flare and ingredients, opened September 26 at 11 a.m. in Paradise Valley. KOVO is located in the thriving Paradise Village Gateway shopping center on the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea.
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 highlights a wide selection of cuisine from the Mediterranean region. The Greek word, KOVO, translates “to carve”, and as such rotisserie meats are predominately displayed in the open kitchen and are served in signature entrees. Various selections such as lamb and beef and organic chicken cook vertically on a rotisserie and are carved to order. A wood-fired oven produces 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 are 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 are served, such as bruschetta and cheese boards, as well as lamb burgers, kebabs, and salads. KOVO has 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 has 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 is 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 seats more than 140 guests, including an expansive outdoor patio, as well as a wrap-around indoor/outdoor bar.
KOVO is open for lunch and dinner daily, and weekend brunch will be introduced in the coming weeks. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
KOVO Modern Mediterranean is located at 10625 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, Ariz., 85028. For more information, visit www.kovomedi.com.
