Feta replaces Zorn's in Bellmore

If you live on the South Shore and can't get enough of the Mediterranean fast casual trend that's been expanding across Long Island, you're in luck — Feta has opened in the former Zorn's space in Bellmore. 

The create-your-own concept involves choosing a rice, bulgur or veggie base and loading it up with greens, spreads (tzatziki, harissa, feta, garlic or red pepper hummus, baba ganoush) and protein (grilled chicken, mildly spicy harissa honey chicken, lamb meatballs, steak, salmon, potatoes or falafel). Finish it off with a selection of Mediterranean toppers including stuffed grape leaves, Kalamata olives, sliced pickles, barrel-aged feta or crispy pita strips. Dressings include a delicious, earthy herb tahini, tangy lemon vinaigrette and a traditional Greek-style vinaigrette. Pitas and bowls cost $13-$19. 

If you're not feeling creative, signature combinations include brown rice with sirloin steak, avocado, feta, hummus and Persian cucumber ($19); lemon herb salmon with red pepper hummus, baba ganoush, tomato, cucumbers and roasted vegetables ($18); and spicy lamb meatballs on a pita with tzatziki, feta, red pepper hummus, roasted corn and citrus date vinaigrette ($17).

The space is massive, so there should never be a run on indoor seating, but there are also shaded picnic tables for al fresco dining. A Boylan soda machine — made with pure cane sugar — awaits for those who want root beer or black cherry. Made-daily juices ($4.35) include blueberry lavender, cucumber mint fusion and strawberry, or try mixing juices like classic lemonade with watermelon.

For dessert, a halvah shake ($8,75), what else?

Feta, 2495 Merrick Rd., Bellmore, 516-548-5000, fetausa.com; Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.