Restaurant Zola

11/05/09

Highly overrated

by Curlygirl at Citysearch

During my dinner with friends, our evening started out with an impertinent waiter admonishing us to taste our food before we salted it (duh). My appetizer and main course had too many conflicting flavors and both courses tasted a bit too sweet. Three of us ordered the grouper special. For two of us, one of our wo pieces of grouper was fine; the other, however, was mealy. I thought the waiter should know this. His response was a lecture about this particular grouper having come from the Yucatan, or wherever, and perhaps not the grouper we, the great unwashed, were used to. (Actually, I thought we were quite nicely dressed.)

A good kitchen wants to know when something isn't prepared properly or an ingredient is of poor quality. Either the waiter didn't bother telling the chef that half of two entrees were inedible or the chef didn't care. All that was necessary was an apology. None was forthcoming.

• Pros: Potato skins were good, but you can get those at TGIFriday's
• Cons: Too many flavors spoil the pot

10/18/09

Nothing fabulous

by Patty Gicking at Citysearch

I took my boyfriend to Zola's in September to celebrate

his birthday, hoping to experience a fabulous dinner

and also because it is known as "Nashville's Most

Romantic Restaurant".

Number one reason I won't return to Zola's: It is

impossible to get a drink! You order, then you wait,

and wait, and wait. And wait.

We decided to try the lamb meatballs. Not good.

Ok, we let that one slide. We both ordered the

Pork Tenderloin as our entree. It arrived covered

in a thick layer of cheese. Five words: Nothing To

Write Home About. Don't leave home for this dish.

The dish was bland. I made reservations for THIS?

The waiter seemed to have little knowledge about

how dishes were prepared, what the specials were,

what the desserts were. I asked if he was new,

he said no. Maybe it's just me, but I believe the

waiter should know a bit more about the dishes.

Is Zolas a romantic restaurant? Yes. Is the food

at Zolas fabulous? No, mediocre at best.

10/16/09

My God! Amazing textures and glorious tastes for the palate.

by hushasha40 at Citysearch

I made reservations for a group of eight and was so pleased that we were immediately and unequivocally welcomed. When we arrived, the staff received us warmly and ushered us into a beautifully decorated area. From so many other reviewers, one will see that the food is simply outstanding. The wine recommendations from staff were superb. However, the presentations of the dishes were gorgeous. Everyone at the table spoke of the wonderful textures and combinations of the foods. I had the pork and can only speak to its beautiful and lush taste. These people know what they are doing! Trust them and enjoy a wonderful culinary experience!

• Pros: Excellent cuisine, beautiful presentations, lovely ambience
• Cons: None