Cafe Zoolu

Famous for their giant portions of swordfish, and seafood, Cafe Zoolu is definitely one of the most popular restaurants on the South Coast.  The Zagat Guide even says they have "The Best Swordfish on the Planet" and I have to agree.  During local lobster season, Zoolu serves up the largest portions of lobster to be found.  Head chef and owner Michael Leech splits the 4-5 pound lobsters down the middle and grills them to perfection.

If you've yet to experience Cafe Zoolu, here are a few pointers about their incredible menu.  First, their Calamari appetizer is fantastic, huge, and is more than enough to share.  The Tuna Tar Tar is also one of the best appetizers, and if you want to start off with a fantastic salad, split the Ahi or the house salad.  The pasta dishes at Zoolu are sized up with starter and entree sizes, also perfect for sharing.

Everything is a-la-carte at Cafe Zoolu, but don't let that intimidate you.  Bring your appetite, as the majority of Cafe Zoolu's dinner plates are huge, and if you have a small appetite, you can have leftovers for days if you so desire.  The Swordfish lives up to it's reputation, and is available in the traditional (Chunk) which weighs upwards of a pound.  For the newcomer, you may wish to try the Swordfish Sampler, which has the traditional swordfish, blackened, and swordfish crusted with macadamia.  In either case, you will surely be won over by the incredible freshness and the size of the portions.

If you are not into seafood, Cafe Zoolu has some traditional dishes, served up with their own special flair.  These dishes include Meatloaf, Vegetarian Burrito, the Cowboy Steak, a huge bone in ribeye, weighing in at over 20 oz.  Incredible garlic mashed potatoes, which accompany many dishes, and unique sauces that keep customers coming back.

Cafe Zoolu is not the first venture for owners Michael & Toni Leech.  The couple have owned seven restaurants, spanning from Laguna to Hawaii.  I would have to guess that this will be their last venture, as the two are there from early in the morning to late at night.  There is seldom an empty seat, and reservations are mandatory most nights of the week and especially during summer.

If dining alone, Cafe Zoolu features a small dining bar, overlooking the grill.  Many regulars drop in weekly for their favorite menu items, and just to catch up with their friends.  Zoolu truly is a gathering place, drawing both locals and guests from out of town.  Zoolu's reputation has spread far beyond the South Coast, and is sure to continue growing as long as they continue to serve what many call the "Best food in Orange County."