Review: Zoës Kitchen effortlessly brings Mediterranean flavors to fast-casual dining

Fast casual is the new thing. Processed meat and artificial cheese product are out; fresh ingredients combined to create quick and accessible dishes are becoming the new dining staple, and now another option is joining the fast casual line up in Southwest Florida.

Zoës Kitchen in Estero offers diners a new option for fast casual dining with a healthy Mediterranean twist. From chicken kebabs to quinoa salads, diners get a variety of fresh dishes made with ingredients you don’t find on too many other menus, and the novelty of exotic spices and tastes should be enough to draw a crowd.

When you go, start with the hummus trio ($6.99), a combination of Zoës three hummus varieties – classic, basil pesto and red pepper – served with pita bread and chips, cucumbers, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. If you can only choose one, though, opt for our favorite, the basil pesto ($5.49). The fresh flavor worked perfectly dipped with pita bread and cucumbers.

One of the highlights of Zoës Kitchen’s menu is that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The variety of sauces available are not traditionally available in many other restaurants and offer a zing only found in Mediterranean-inspired fare.

Israeli skhug is likely not a sauce many have come across. A bright and citrusy sauce, it features green peppers, lemon, cilantro and other Mediterranean spices. Although not as spicy as traditional skhugs I’ve sampled, this Mediterranean hot sauce lends a burst of bright flavors to anything. We sampled the skhug on the chicken kabobs and in the cauliflower rice bowl.

For those who like a little extra kick to their food, there are several options that include the salmon marinated in Moroccan Harissa, a zesty hot chili pepper and tomato paste that gives the fish a burst of smoky hot flavor. Our favorite was the Harissa Salmon Cauliflower Rice Bowl ($12.59) featuring cauliflower rice, tzatziki sauce and Israeli skhug, feta, cucumbers and fresh dill. This light and refreshing dish is filling and features a variety of flavors that will satisfy the taste buds.

Also on the lighter side of fare was the quinoa salad ($7.99), featuring mixed greens with quinoa, carrots, cabbage, green onion, red peppers, tomatoes, celery and feta, tossed with a vibrant lemon vinaigrette.

For those looking for hearty options, the Steak Stack sandwich ($8.49) is a good choice, with sliced steak, Portobello, mozzarella, caramelized onions, feta spread, tomato and rosemary oil on sourdough bread. We also enjoyed the chicken kebobs, featuring grilled chicken topped with peppers, onions and tomatoes with a side of the Israeli skhug for dipping.

Both the Steak Stack and chicken kabobs, along with many other menu items, come with the diner’s choice of fresh side, and there are many to choose from. We enjoyed the marinated slaw ($2.29) best. It was crisp, fresh and creamy without mayonnaise so it didn’t feel heavy as a side. The potato salad ($2.29) is also mayonnaise-free, getting its flavor from vinegar. The skin-on potato dish is served cold and was good but the slaw was a more refreshing option. We also tried the roasted vegetables ($2.29), which were good but unremarkable, and as noted, there are better options on the menu.

Before you leave Zoës, grab one of the lemon cookies ($2.39). This confection highlights a bright and cheery lemon flavor that isn’t overpowering, overly sweet or overly tart – the cakey cookie is a good flavor blend and a delightful end to the meal.

Zoës Kitchen’s will be expanding, with a new location in Mercato in North Naples joining the Estero location in the autumn.

Zoës Kitchen

Where: 22941 Lyden Drive, Suite 110, Estero

Information: (239) 494-3540

Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Prices: Starters: $4.99-$7.39; Salads: $7.29-$919, plus $2.19-$6.79 to add a protein; Sandwiches: $7.69-$10.59; Sides: $.99-$3.79; Bowls and Entrees: $8.59-$12.59; Kabobs: $9.09-$12.49; Desserts: $2.39-$2.59

Forks: Four out of five.