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East Tucson diners are getting a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant later this week. Figs Oven + Enoteca opens Monday, Aug. 25, at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Suite 121.
Meanwhile, the new eatery takes over the space formerly home to longtime Italian staple Zona 78. The previous restaurant served its final meal in June.
Additionally, Figs Oven + Enoteca focuses on broad flavor profiles from countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The owners emphasize a “from scratch” philosophy in every dish.
“Our philosophy embraces the importance of slowing down and enjoying the moment,” said David Lazarus, CEO & Operations of Sage Culinary Concepts. “The term from scratch represents our daily rituals.”
The interior features timeless vintage decor and antiques, complemented by moody lighting, dark walls, and a subtle nautical twist.
Mediterranean-Inspired Menu Highlights
Moreover, the menu offers a variety of dishes blending Mediterranean flavors with creative twists. Highlights include:
- Whipped Ricotta – topped with bee pollen, blistered tomatoes, pistachio crumble, and fig balsamic.
- Halloumi Fries – floured and fried halloumi with Meyer lemon tahini and harissa sauce.
- Za’atar Crusted Lamb Lollipops – oven-roasted lamb chops with mint chimichurri and whipped potatoes.
- Branzino – whole Mediterranean sea bass filet with citrus tahini sauce and saffron rice.
- Fig Burger – grass fed beef, Calabrian fig jam, caramelized balsamic onion, brie cheese, and arugula.
(I haven’t tasted anything there yet, but swung by their staff tasting today to get some quick photos:)
Sage Culinary Concepts Team
Former co-owners Reza and Lisa Shapouri handed the reins down to David Lazarus, Daniel Shapouri, and Chelsea Hughes, who now lead the project under their new group, Sage Culinary Concepts. Lazarus serves as CEO, overseeing daily operations. Daniel serves as corporate executive chef, managing the kitchen staff. Hughes is chief financial officer, handling finances and human resources. This trio launched Sage Culinary Concepts to oversee Figs and its sister restaurants. The group now spans three concepts (including Harvest Restaurant and Charred Pie) and continues a scratch-made cooking legacy.
Figs Oven + Enoteca is located at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Suite 121.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
