On Food: Celebrate the new year with the new Hall Global Eatery

Dec. 23, 2019 2:58 PM PT

A new food hall highlighting Mediterranean and seafood fare is opening at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza on Jan. 2.

The Hall Global Eatery replaces the spot formerly occupied by Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill. The Hall is the latest creation of chef Amar Santana and restaurateur Ahmed Labbate, whose credits include the highly-acclaimed Vaca restaurant near the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The nearly 10,000-square foot dining and patio space is designed to be a one-stop shop. Inside you’ll find a pâtissèrie, a Mediterranean fast-casual concept, a bar and a crudo and charcuterie spot.

The pâtissèrie serves breakfast and lunch. Items include egg dishes, house-made pastries, sandwiches, juices and salads.

The fast-casual Mediterranean counter offerings include hummus, baba ghanoush, paninis and wraps. Shawarma meats are spicy chicken, chicken, beef and a lamb infused with apricot leather.

The crudo and charcuterie dining area will serve an expansive selection of seafood (oysters, caviar, king crab and more) as well as various charcuterie, 40 Mediterranean cheeses and hot dishes.

During a recent media preview, standouts from the crudo and charcuterie were the octopus carpaccio (marinated feta, piquillo pepper, yogurt and pickled fennel), blue crab salad (lime, toasted cumin and cilantro) and oven-roasted fish shermoula (roasted peppers, tomatoes, fennel and cilantro).

The Hall also will have a small retail selection with jams, coffees, wines, olive oils, vinegars, chocolates, pickles and more.

The design of the venue takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, including a white oak ceiling inspired by the market halls of Europe and Arabesque tiles.