This fast casual spot at South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court is one of my son’s favorites. He loves the pizzas AND the salads. In fact, he can polish off a pizza, salad as well as a few garlic knots all on his own.
I was invited to taste the new menu items recently and was not surprised to find them all as delicious as expected. What was even more impressive was the fact that they now carry gluten free beer (on top of their gluten free pizza crust) and the beers tasted no different from any decent beers you will find out there.
Fresh Guacamole ($5.95) is a house-made guacamole which utilizes seasonal fresh corn on top of the avocados. The mound of guacamole is a very generous portion and is topped with pico de gallo and served with crispy Z bread — the Z Cafe pizza dough rolled out thin and baked.
On the topic of sweet corn, the soup of the daily was a creamy Roasted Sweet Corn soup ($2.95/cup, $4.95/bowl), perfect for those who love corn and soup, corn is at its peak right now and the flavor is optimum!
If you’re into salads, the Arugula ($7.95) is not as simple as it sounds. Organic arugula is is tossed together is toasted slivered almonds, grilled pineapple, house ricotta in a lemon vinaigrette.
The Barbecued Chicken sandwich ($8.95) is a good mix of chicken, grilled red onions, mayo, mixed greens and tomatoes on a ciabatta roll. The sandwiches at Z Cafe have always been an ideal choice for lunch whenever I’m shopping at Crystal Court.
Pizzas are a favorite here and the two new additions have ethnic influences sure to please those wanting something different. Thai Chicken pizza ($9.95/$16.95) is really unique with grilled chicken, red onion, cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro and a peanut sauce. The flavors are lovely with a slightly hot and sweet taste throughout.
Mexican pizza ($9.95/$16.95) consisted of mozzarella, lime chipotle grilled asada, red onions, pico de gallo, roasted sweet corn, avocado, sour cream, cotija cheese and cilantro. I love the chipotle grilled asada which can also be found on the grilled steak salad. I definitely preferred this combination on the salad rather than the pizza.
Right now, during the month of August, if you make a purchase of $15 or over, you will receive a $5 coupon towards a purchase in September. Take advantage of this opportunity now, it ends on August 31st.
Z Cafe
3333 Bear Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 714-545-5500
Ooh, everything looks so fresh and good! Will remember for the next time I’m at SCP.