Restaurant Zola

10/02/09

A foodie's favorite

by trvlaround at Citysearch

After having a horrible experience at another restaurant last night, it truly made me appreciate the quality and care that goes into every dish at Zola. I dined there earlier this week, and as always, enjoyed an exquisite meal. I have eaten here countless times and have never had anything that wasn't top notch.

Kudos to the staff at this restaurant for always maintaining a high level of culinary skill and service!

• Pros: Outstanding Food & Great Service
• Cons: Lack luster dining room

08/13/08

Zola Indeed !!

by contempler at Citysearch

This restaurant is a little hard to find but worth the effort. The restaurant creates a warm and welcoming feeling the moment that you walk through the door. My group of eaters is always looking for somthing a little different on the menu, and this place fits the bill. The starters of Lamb Sausage stuffed Quail, Summer Tomato Tart with smoked provolone and prosciutto, and Pecan Fried Beet Salad were all original and excellent. The main courses included a Rabbit special, that was truely special, I was impressed enough to ask if the Chef had ever published a cookbook and was told that one might be in the works down the road. I hope it's a short road, the food was that memorable.

07/27/08

Delicious food, great service!

by maryjatkinson at Citysearch

We tried Restaurant Zola for our anniversary, and quite enjoyed it. The food was eclectic and well-prepared, the wine list had plenty of tasty options, and the service was great. We especially loved the appetizer with the smoked trout, capers, olives, carrots... (can't remember what it was called). The paella was excellent, too. While it's not our absolute favorite restaurant in Nashville, it is very enjoyable!

• Pros: Food, wine, & service
• Cons: N/A

06/03/08

Exquisite Food, So-So Server

by cray31 at Citysearch

Best food in Nashville. Chef Deb knows her stuff & combinations of herbs, spices, & choice of accompaniments superb. Mixed review due to inattentive server. Greatly disappointed with only one vegetarian entree & like previous reviewers, was told must call ahead ?special requests.? If so, WHY does Zola make a point of playing to the vegetarian aspect of their menu? Luckily, the one vegetarian entree was delicious, & if it had been served hot, rather than room temperature, we would?ve been 100% satisfied. (Not on the chef, but server, who delayed delivery.) Lamb entree too was room temperature, however, flavors are exquisite! Had lamb in Greece & this was even better. Tender, moist, flavorful! Accompanying grilled eggplant sandwich divine. Sides: Sugar peas in butter sauce, spinach w/ parm & grilled zucchini. All excellent, favorite zucchini. Pleasantly surprised at generous portion size?enough for leftovers. Best dish: Fried Casseri Cheese Starter with roasted tomatoes, spinach souffle, & candied lemon peel. Delicious, delightful, & simply the best appetizer we?ve ever encountered. Will return to Zola for the food but ask for a different server. Took 30 minutes to get our drinks. Cosmos were watery & lacked flavor & Sangria tasted like a Mimosa at a cheap brunch. (My friend has a long history of running restaurants & was appalled by the server?s attitude.) Had eaten at Ruby Tuesday?s a week prior & left our server an $18 tip on a $30 total bill?we are not hard to please & always reward good service. Total bill with 2 entrees, appetizer, 3 side dishes, & 3 adult beverages came to just over $93.00 including tax. We opted not to have dessert or coffee. Maitre de was thoughtful, & professional. Overall I am impressed with Zola?s atmosphere & food, just be forewarned that there is at least one server who does not make the grade at this fine establishment. No one should have watery drinks or food that is not hot when served while dining at this level.

• Pros: The food hands down is the best in Nashville for flavor & satisfaction. Exquisite!
• Cons: Not much parking & slow & inattentive service.

05/21/07

Wish I had found it sooner!

by pjs2780 at Citysearch

Dinner at Zola was my last meal in Nashville -- I chose it for my graduation dinner and was so sad to never have have tried it before! The service was wonderful, the entrees inventive and tasty, the atmosphere fabulous. We had a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a delicious, creative, fun meal.

07/11/06

Small Margarita's, Dry Waitress

by jeff55 at Citysearch

I'm sure this place is great for two people wanting to try something different, but don't go with another couple. Especially, if the evening goal is FUN. I thought the place was great for two, but only two. We were out with another couple and felt a little too loud, as I am sure the other people at the restaurant will testify, even though we were not in most terms. I still think it's a great restaurant, just too low key for my taste. Sort of like a library with good food, but again, if that's what you are after---it's perfect.

• Pros: Great for two
• Cons: Not great for more than two