Ezov

"For this wine-focused Mediterranean restaurant, Ezov’s herbaceous and fruity mocktails are actually the only mixed drinks on the menu. Consider the Good Intentions mocktail, made with Tennyson non-alcoholic spirit, strawberry, rose, and hibiscus; the Third Chai — lemongrass masala, black pepper, and pineapple; or keep it simple with a glass of its non-alcoholic white wine. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Lane Gillespie

"Ezov is a restaurant that emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. It is part of Chef Kevin Fink's portfolio, offering dishes that reflect the chef's commitment to sustainable gastronomy." - Michael He

"Known for its kofta and Mediterranean-inspired dishes." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Ezov is a buzzy, upscale Mediterranean restaurant on East Cesar Chavez with a seasonal menu inspired by the Galilee region of northern Israel. It’s from the Canje/Hestia/Emmer & Rye team, and like all their spaces, there’s a focus on seasonality and local ingredients. Tel Aviv-inspired street art covers the hanging lanterns and walls, and there’s even graffiti on the walls with the lyrics to “Toxic” by Britney Spears, in Hebrew. Start with crudos and hummus, then get the DIY chicken shawarma and put your carving skills to the test. " - nicolai mccrary, adele hazan, raphael brion

"Upscale Mediterranean food is nothing new to Austin, but up until now it’s largely followed a formula involving some kind of fancy hummus—probably with short rib on it—a Greek salad, and a few kebabs. Then Ezov entered the picture and ushered in a new era of Mediterranean food in town, with a seasonal menu of dishes inspired by the Galilee region of northern Israel. Suddenly, marinated olives felt boring next to deep-fried sigarim—AKA Moroccan cigars—packed full of savory, spiced sweetbreads and chicken hearts in a crispy shell. A DIY tabletop chicken shawarma station helped us realize how interactive and complex a dish made up of so many sauces and toppings could be. The dining room is every bit as buzzy as you’d expect out of a tall, modern building in East Austin with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy booths, and enough Tel Aviv-inspired graffiti to paint more than just mental imagery.   " - nicolai mccrary