The restaurant will open on Dec. 22
Yela Concepts, the hospitality group behind Dallas favorites Darna in Legacy West and Baboush in West Village, is opening a new Mediterranean restaurant, Zon Zon, on Dec. 22.
The spot, located at 5455 Belt Line Rd., Suite 130, is the first collaboration between restaurateur Yaser Khalaf and his son Mak Khalaf.
Named after Yaser’s daughter and Mak’s sister, Zaina — nicknamed “Zon Zon” — the restaurant embodies her vibrant spirit while offering a modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. “We wanted to create a comfortable space where guests can meet up with friends or neighbors on a regular basis,” Yaser said in an official statement. “It’s rooted in the flavors we grew up with, but reimagined through a contemporary lens.”
Mediterranean Favorites With A Modern Twist
Zon Zon offers a curated, small-menu approach emphasizing quality and shareable dishes. Mezze highlights include classic hummus with green shatta, baba ghanoush with charred eggplant, crispy cauliflower with saffron labneh, tuna neya with tahini and aleppo pepper and baked kibbeh with ground lamb and dill labneh.
Salads bring seasonal flavors to the forefront, featuring the seared tuna salad with freekeh and golden beets, the tahini caesar with za’atar croutons and roasted beets with burrata, oranges and pistachios. Entrées range from oven roasted chicken with pomegranate jus to chicken shish kebab, hanger steak shawarma frites, ZZ’s wagyu cheeseburger, prime ribeye with za’atar chimichurri and apricot lamb couscous with braised lamb and roasted pepper couscous.
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
“The menu is our take on Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of classic American influence — bold, fresh and fun,” said Mak. “Zon Zon is a reflection of everything we love about food. What makes this especially meaningful is building it with my dad — bringing our family’s story and passion to the table.”
Drinks And Dessert
The beverage program complements the menu with Mediterranean-inspired wines and a seasonally driven cocktail selection. Signature cocktails include the Rosemary Sunset Spritz, Midnight Istanbul, By the Sea, Desert Bloom, Last Night in Beirut and the ZZ’s Margarita with burnt pineapple and ras el hanout. Non-alcoholic options like the Grapefruit Spritz and Saffron and Citrus Tonic ensure all guests can enjoy a thoughtfully balanced drink.
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
Of course, no meal is complete without a sweet treat. For dessert, Zon Zon offers a selection of indulgent Mediterranean-inspired sweets. Guests can savor the rich ZZ’s baklava, made with goat cheese, burnt pineapple, mixed nuts and vanilla gelato; Mahalebi, a creamy milk pudding topped with coconut, strawberry compote, and pistachios; or the decadent chocolate pot de crème, featuring dark chocolate custard with a hint of espresso and Urfa pepper. Each dessert reflects the restaurant’s commitment to bold flavors and thoughtful presentation.
Inside The Space
Designed with Dallas-based Coeval Studios, Zon Zon spans 2,130 square feet with a 735-square-foot patio and seats 76 guests, reaching nearly 100 with patio seating. The interior blends contemporary design with warm Mediterranean details, including modern woodwork, rich textures and Middle Eastern-inspired accents. An open kitchen adds intimacy, making the dining experience personal and engaging.
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
Zon Zon opens Dec. 22 for lunch and dinner, with brunch coming soon. For more information, visit www.zonzondallas.com.
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Dining and Cooking