I don’t usually review chain restaurants, because they get enough of that on their own. But I have NEVER had a disappointing meal at Zoe’s Kitchen, in Little Rock. In fact, every time, I am impressed. So, I just have to let you know how good it is.
We’ll skip all the “environment” stuff since it is a chain. Just know it is pretty modern, bright, and clean.
The menu can be found on their site, but it is mostly Mediterranean- style foods, with many healthy options such as salads and power grain bowls and kabobs, etc.
So, what we are gonna do is talk about what I’ve had, and love here.
Hummus Trio
Zoe’s makes their own hummus and pesto, and you get to try them all in this appetizer. Their basil pesto hummus is my favorite, perfectly balanced between pesto and hummus. Their harissa red pepper hummus is also tasty, though not as flavorful as the pesto. Their classic hummus is the least flavorful, but still a delicious version of a typical hummus. I also love that this trio comes with not only cold pita, but grilled pita, and three types of veggies for dipping: green bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
Though this is VERY filling just for an appetizer…great to share with multiple people.
Mediterranean Lamb Kafta
This is a new menu item, and so far, has been my least favorite dish from here. The lamb and beef meatballs were pretty dense and tasted more like beef than lamb. However, the tzatziki sauce they are plated on is delicious and tastes very fresh. The Moroccan harissa sauce on top is very flavorful and gives a bit of acidity. Overall, it tastes fine, but it hard to eat. I won’t get this again…too many other good things to eat here.
Tomato Bisque Soup
While many chains have a delicious tomato bisque (Panera Bread, La Madeline, for example) this soup is also perfectly creamy and delicious. No complaints here….except I can get good tomato soup in many other places. So, I try to only get this occasionally.
Shrimp Kabobs
These PERFECTLY cooked every time (four times total for me) large shrimp skewers have thick slices of zucchini between them, are perfectly seasoned, and absolutely delicious. I got this my first visit and I have gotten many times since.
It comes with two sides, which we’ll talk about soon.
Vegetable Kabobs
These kabobs come with zucchini, thick-cut mushrooms, red onion, green bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. I hate to sound like a broken record, but these are perfectly seasoned and then perfectly charred. So, you get a great smokey taste without losing the texture of each vegetable.
Harissa Salmon Pita
This stuffed pita comes with harissa-marinated salmon, house-made tzatziki, Moroccan harissa, Mediterranean relish, cabbage, feta, and fresh dill. I am not a salmon fan but I LOVE this pita. It is fresh, vibrant, full of different textures and flavors….and there’s no fishiness here. It is delicious! Though, it only comes with one side. =(
Sides
My three go-to sides are:
-Braised White Beans: These are the best beans around. They have
a surprising rosemary taste, which sets them apart. They are cooked
so slowly, they break down and become more of a soup. Gah, they
are so good!
– Roasted vegetables: These are veggies done right! With broccoli,
mushrooms, carrots, and onions. These veggies, like everything else,
are seasoned liberally, but not too much. Then they are perfectly
charred, making delicious roasted veggies. This is a side to truly enjoy
and feel good about what you’re eating.
– Side Greek Salad: which is a nice mix of lettuces, cucumber, olives, green bell
peppers, cherry tomatoes, and feta. The only dressing available is their
signature Zoe’s vinaigrette, found on each table. It is light and flavorful.
Overall, this place is healthy and delicious and a great place for a quick meal. Check it out if you haven’t, you won’t be disappointed.
