Restaurant Zola

I called Zola at 7:30pm today, on a Monday to ask about immediate seating. I was told that I could be seated at 8:30. Ok, a busy restaurant in Nashville on a Monday, must be good right? Not quite. We arrived punctually and took about 5 minutes to seat. Upon being seated we were greeting by our friendly waiter and offered freshly baked bread by another. The bread was fair while the menu looked interesting. We decided on the cold soup special...fruity and refreshing although not quite suited for a pre-dinner soup but rather a sorbet-like dessert...and also the lamb meatballs which were good. I ordered the paella and my girl the venison. The waiter stated the paella was their "signature" dish. If I only knew "signature" meant it would take over 30 minutes to prepare, I would have strayed away and ordered something else. My girlfriend's meal was cold when it came out due to the long prep time of my paella which was mediocre at best. The spinach we ordered was also mediocre. After complaining about the long wait and poor service we ordered the dessert right when the entrees came out to avoid another prolonged wait. After a spicy paella that I could not finish due to my shrunken stomach (from waiting) I was disappointed to indulge into an extremely spicy peanut brittle chocolate cake with spiced bananas. Although it did sound appetizing, it was hardly what I needed after a spicy paella. I had to elaborate excessively on all the things that disappointed us for this near $100 meal to get the not-so-friendly owner to credit us a cold entree in addition to the over-the-top dessert. I would recommend trying one of the other highly rated yelp dining locations if you're ever in the Nashville area.

Pros: Bread, appetizer, environment

Cons: Poor service, long wait for the entree, cold entree, more...

Posted 06/14/09

This was my favorite restaurant until I recently found a long black hair in my food. I told the server about it and she replaced my dish- only for me to find another black hair in the new dish. By that time, I couldn't finish my dinner...I was too sick to eat. I might consider returning if the kitchen staff agree to hairnets.

Cons: Hair in food, terrible service

Posted 02/12/09

I made a reservation for Zola 3 weeks in advance, but when my husband and I showed up to dinner, they lost our reservation and told us they would not have a table until later in the evening. We understand mistakes and decided to come back later- only to have the server forget about us. We were seated at the table fro over 30 mins before someone stopped by to see if we needed anything. I don't care how tasty the food is, the service was terrible and managment was unapologetic. We will never return.

Cons: Terrible Service

Posted 02/12/09

This restaurant was outstanding! Every single aspect of the cuisine was delicious, right down to the complimentary bread. The whole menu was replete with tasty choices that would only offend anyone who loves their food bland. Extremely tasty. Their vegetables were crisp and fresh. The pork tenderloin was outstanding, juicy and the sauce added just the right amount of zest. Also, you must try the chocolate desert which was served with Jack Daniels chocolate ice cream. Wow!

Posted 09/08/08

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.

Posted 08/12/08

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

Posted 07/26/08

We had reservations for 3 couples on a slow Saturday night. The night started off on a bad note when we couldn't get our server to take our drink orders...then as she was going through all the food they were OUT of she said only a couple of Salmon dishes left. When asked if she would go back and ask the chef to save one of the Salmon dishes she refused. Which set the tone for the entire evening...Horrible service...horrible food. One of the fish entrees came out raw while the other food came out cooked but cold. It took almost 3 hours to get through this painful dinner. Zola's has lost 6 customers! I will NEVER return.

Pros: The dinner finally ended

Cons: horrible experience.

Posted 07/06/08

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.

Posted 06/02/08

citysearch says cozy i say stuffy. arriving in a t-shirt and jeans (for a casual night out to dinner and a movie) was the first big mistake. when i asked about the vegetarian dishes the waitress suggested in the future i call ahead and give the chef some warning but she'd see what could be done. the same waitress forgot our appetizer all together. the food was delicious though.

Pros: quiet and calm

Cons: too stuffy

Posted 05/28/08

My husband, two business friends and associates and I had dinner at Zola Friday. The service was rude; the drinks were not generous, and the wine we had with dinner was bad. The food, while okay, certainly was not worth the price. Our server seemed put out with our questions, and she acted like she would have rather been somewhere else. We all agreed with her - we would have rather dined elsewhere, too. We will not make this mistake again. There are plenty of established fine dining "hot spots" in Nashville and nearby Franklin to avoid this pretentious place.

Pros: Ending the evening

Cons: Everything from service to the food

Posted 05/04/08

I had the best dinner in town two nights in one week at Zola and was surprised to read about the person below me who had a horrible experience. Whoever you are, give it another shot because always had great food at Zola and have been trying out other food around town and have been disappointed by over-priced menus with less-than-satisfying dishes. Deb's staff is always spot-on!

Pros: knowledgeable staff and I see the same servers there for a while

Cons: not that I can think of

Posted 04/07/08

I have been to great restaurants in D.C., New York, San Fransico, Montreal, and more. Zola was recommended to me by an out-of-town business contact. I went there wearing jeans and a sweater and was treated like a queen. It was a weekday and we had no reservation, but were seated almost immediately. Our server, Matt, had extensive knowledge of the wine list and paired our meal with an excellent Pinot Noir. I had a salad with apples, fresh fennel, and blue cheese... amazing. For dinner I chose the Grouper (not on the menu, special for that day) and was just blown away. The combination of flavors on the plate was inspired and creative (just like the decor). From bread to dessert (both made fresh everyday), my palate was singing praises to the Chef. This place is on my short list of great restaurants, and I have been to a few. I can't wait to go back and will recommend it to everyone I want to impress!!

Pros: great food, service, atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 03/24/08

If I could tell you the server's name, I would - but she never bothered to give it to us. This place is so overrated, I hope they will make some changes. The service was horrible; our waitress had such a rude, sarcastic attitude, that I would be embarrassed for tourists to think everyone in Nashville acted like this. The food was only mediocre at best - but even if it was wonderful, the service ruined it. The young man who refilled our water glasses touched the tip of the pitcher to everyone's glass in the restaurant, so if one person there was sick, we'll all be sick. We were there on a Thursday night; the restaurant at 8:00 was not even filled half-full, yet the service was so slow, rude and horrible, quite frankly. The cocktails were only so-so, and for the price should be much better. Seriously - Zola needs to hire a better staff and actually train them to work in the food industry - otherwise, why spend your money there? Spend your money elsewhere; where the food is better, and the service is such that you actually feel like they want your business.

Pros: quiet atmosphere

Cons: service is terrible-ruins a romantic evening out

Posted 03/20/08

I could think of at least a dozen other restaurants I would recommend over Zola. This restaurant is incredibly average. I think that at the time it opened, it was one of a few upper scale restaurants in the independent food scene but times have changed. Zola has not. The decor is incredibly dated. It reminds me of a hotel restaurant from 1988. The food, service, and wine list are all good, but nothing mind blowing. The food is fresh, but the presentation (china, garnishes, etc.) are very 10 years ago. Though a solid restaurant that will offer a satisfying meal, I have found Zola to be hands down the most OVER-RATED restaurant in all of Middle TN.

Pros: fresh ingredients, long wine list, prompt

Cons: dated ambiance, poor value for price paid

Posted 02/29/08

What is left to say about this Restaurant? My wife and I have celebrated one of our birthday's here now for two years. The ambiance is excellent, the food is excellent, the bread; (homemade daily) I can't even put words to the bread. I would have to agree with others that parking is pretty bad, but for what you are going to pay for dinner go ahead and splurge for the valet parking and not worry about it. The variety of the menu should suit all tastes, and belive me they are all tasty selections...especially the salads.

They should need to bring the quesadilla back as an appetizer!!

Pros: Excellent well balanced menu.

Cons: Parking.

Posted 02/22/08

Period.

I am a professional diner and there is no better.

Great food.

Great Service.

Great job Deb! Girl rocks!

Pros: unique food

Cons: Amiee

Posted 10/14/07

We absolutely loved dining at Zola and we cannot wait to go back! Haven't been this excited about a new restaurant in a long time. I had the Vegetable Tower with Shrimp and my husband had the Pork Tenderloin with some amazing zucchini. The bread was great, service was wonderful too. We have already recommended Zola to friends! The ambience was very romantic, even the bathroom was cute with menus from all over the world posted on the wall! This really is our fave new restaurant in Nashville!

Pros: Ambience, Host was very friendly, Server recommended what he actually liked not the most expensive dish

Cons: None

Posted 09/30/07

Food was expensive and not all that special. Drinks, appetizers, and dinner for 2 people was close to $90, which could be spent elsewhere for half that. Albeit the bread was fresh and wait staff was courteous. The decor was very mediterranean, but I did not get that in the food.

Cons: difficult to find parking

Posted 09/01/07

this is probably the another one of the worst restaurants on west end this true slow service ugly waitresses/waiters food was horribl and disgusting nolas is waaaaaaaayyyyyyy better than zolas ill never come back thats a fact!

Pros: nothing

Cons: everything

Posted 08/12/07

I went to Zola with my family yesterday for my birthday dinner. Our group of five was easily accommodated, and as we'd mentioned when making the reservation that it was a special occasion, there was a flower and confetti on our table. Our waiter was knowledgable and made an excellent Shiraz recommendation. The complimentary cheddar chili bread was scrumptious...I could have eaten an entire loaf. The mango crab salad was quite delicious...the bacon added a great flavor and the accompanying chips were tasty. The venison entree was both beautiful and flavorful, though I would have preferred more of the blackberry sauce as well as a whole blackberry or two (like the Watermark serves). The sweet potato fries were cooked perfectly and were an excellent side dish. For dessert I chose the blueberry bread pudding and it was absolutely ambrosial. I've always been a fan of bread pudding, though not so keen on blueberries, but from the first bite I felt like I had some amazing secret to share as I passed the dessert around the table. I only get one chance a year to really step out and spend extra money on a special dinner, and Zola was absolutely worth it.

Pros: All the food

Cons: Leisurely service might bother some people (I had no problem because I prefer the European style of dining, i.e. at my leisure)

Posted 07/26/07

Great decor...OTT service...our waiter told us everything was he favorite which was not unasked for but somewhat ridiculous. I had the venison, which was exceptional, but the accompanying squash was over seasoned with cumin. Actually, everyones entrees smelled of cumin...perhaps it was on sale somewhere. Apps and desserts were underwhelming as was the dining experience.

Pros: the decor, the cappucino

Cons: wait staff

Posted 07/25/07

My boyfriend and I were very excited to try this restaurant, since we had read such good reviews and from the awards the restaurant and chef have won. But we were greatly disappointed by the experience. We had reservations for 8pm but didn't get seated until close to 8:30pm, then it took another half an hour to get our dinner orders taken. An hour and a half after we arrived we finally got our meals. I had ordered the pistachio salmon, which was competely raw in the middle, and although the server was apologetic and took it back to the kitchen, it was still undercooked when she brought it back to me. By then I had lost my appetite. My boyfriend's pork chops were pretty good, however. After 2 hrs of waiting and then a disappointing entree, my boyfriend and I just wanted to leave. I don't know if they were just having a bad night, but I could not recommend this restaurant.

Posted 07/13/07

Continues to be a solid performer. My wife and have gone to Zola many times since '99 and we continue to enjoy the ambiance and distinctive taste combinations. We went on Monday, July 9, 2007 on a week long tour of the finer eating establishments in Nashville. On a Monday night, the pace was full at 8PM so we had to wait for about 15 minutes and without reservations. The service was quick and impeccable and the quality of food what we expected. I would not rate it as high as I once would have but that maybe because we have been there a number of times but the appetizer and salad were wonderfully put together and our entrees an artful masterpiece. On the appetizer, we ordered the mezza platter which is large enough for 4 people to share or could easily be a light entree for someone ? the combination of grilled eggplant, humus and olive tapenade was great and the cheese ? wow. Our salad was a typical tomato, summer salad and the tomatoes may have been slightly past their best day but the cheese and fresh herbs made up for the softer texture. On entree?s, my wife had the salmon and which it was well prepared and flavors galore she was not as excited about it. I had the venison which couple with the reduction and cooked to a perfect temperature, was great. The overall combination of venison, some kind of berry reduction and sweet potato fries was a taste delight.
Overall, wonderful service and great food ? we?ll be back.

Pros: Ambiance, service and value

Cons: parking can be tight

Posted 07/10/07

My husband and I LOVE restaurants that are not chain restaurants. (i.e. we tend to eat in alot!) On special occasions, we venture out of our cozy kitchen and into someone else's kitchen. Our experience at Zola makes us want to belly up to her counter, bathe in her rich aromas, and watch the wonders that Zola is known for. With the seasonally changing menu, the adventurous combination of spices, and the warmth and no fuss atmosphere, makes Zola a Nashville gem. Thank you for giving us some uniqueness in a commercially saturated world.

Pros: Chef Owned, Changing Menu, Food

Posted 07/06/07

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.

Posted 05/20/07

My husband and I were looking for a romantic fine dining restaurant and Zola's was highly recommended. We found the atmosphere very nice, although slightly loud for our dining experience. Our dinners were outstanding and the suggested wine, complimented the meal perfectly. We felt the chef did a tremendous job. The problem we experienced, was that our waitress referred to the chef as "she" at least 2-3 times per sentence throughout the entire meal. Never did the waitress refer to her as "chef" or "the chef" (ie "the chef has prepared... she accompanies..." ) This we could deal with, as we have always had the waitstaff refer to the chef as "chef" then followed by he or she. At first we did not understand why this was happening, until we read the menu and noticed that the owner/chef is a female. This is wonderful, however, we really don't understand why this needed to be continually stressed to us to the point of spoiling the meal. We have enjoyed many fine dining restaurants throughout the US and Canada and been lucky to have wonderful meals prepared by both male and female chefs. The important thing is the food and the experience. I would hope that any chef would want their customers to enjoy and remember the food and the restaurant, not the gender of the person who prepared it. It is through hard work and perseverance that any chef can open a successful restaurant. Unfortunately, as the meal continued, as wonderful as it was, both my husband and I became extremely uncomfortable. In our opinion. a romantic dinner is not the place for a political statement regarding the gender of the chef. Instead of remembering the outstanding meal and wine we experienced at Zola's, we remember the extreme discomfort of having a waitperson who could not let the food speak for the chef's ability, but rather wanted the gender of the chef to alter our views.

Posted 04/18/07

I've been to Zola twice, once during my six-year vegetarian stint, and once after I became a meat-eater again. I disagree with the person below who said there were no vegetarian options- I had plenty to choose from as a veggie. However, the non-vegetarian options are far superior, as they are at most fine restaurants. I also noticed that most of the negative reviews come from people who came in groups larger than a couple or two - it is a small place, and it is definitely best suited to groups of two or four - it's not really a group dining type of place. But for one or two couples, it's just amazing - the drinks, the food, the service, everything. I I highly recommend the crab and fried green tomato stacks, which were melt-in-your-mouth, and the brisket mole, which was one of the most delicious things I've ever tried. Bon appetit - you won't be disappointed!

Pros: Amazing food, romantic ambience, great service

Posted 03/27/07

We've been to Zola's twice now and it's just superb. Husband always gets the paella - huge amount!!! Servings are large, so we have learned to order salads, and then maybe share an entree, especially if you want dessert. Menu changes with the seasons, so I'm looking forward to another visit and to try something new. They made our anniversary VERY special - attentive wait staff and welcoming host/hostess. Great cocktails as well, my first one wasn't quite right, so they brought me another one - just right that time! Recommend this restaurant not only for the menu, but also for the atmosphere if you want a little romance. Probably would be nice to share the experience with another couple, but wouldn't want to do a big group thing here.

Pros: Romance!!!! Food that will not disappoint, no matter what you get.

Cons: Can't think of one.

Posted 01/02/07

I have been three times with my daughter and we have had a great experience every time. One time the service was a little slow, but the food made up for it. We did not have a reservation, although I would recommend it. It is a quiet place and a nice place to converse with a great dinner. I will definately recommend to friends and be back soon.

Pros: Very nice staff and atmosphere

Cons: Not young child friendly (could be a good thing)

Posted 11/22/06

as foodies from new orleans, we're a tough crowd when it comes to restaurants, but Zola was amazing. each dish we ordered was inventive, flavorful, balanced, and just perfect. great service, with a comfy, cozy ambiance. the owner Ernie couldn't have been more welcoming or helpful - even hooking us up with a great little guide to the best original independent nashville restaurants. the folks at Zola love food and they love what they do, and they're true professionals in every sense. highly recommended.

Pros: quality, flavor and creativity of the cuisine, great atmosphere

Posted 11/03/06

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

Posted 07/10/06

Another great ZOLA experience to report --- their new Summer Menu was introduced this week, and my wife and I brought another couple (their first time). EVERYTHING was very very good. We had a terrific time and tried several dishes ---- Perfect Paella (every time!), the best filet mignon ever, a simple but delicious chicken breast and the best venison my friend has ever had. AND THOSE DESSERTS! Go to ZOLA for great food and subtle, low-key service. A WINNER EVERY TIME WE'VE BEEN! THANKS ZOLA!

Pros: GREAT food, perfect ambience, HUGE food bargain!

Cons: None!

Posted 06/05/06

Last week I accompanied my wife to her offices dinner party. There were about 12 of us at a table that was at the entrance of the establishment. The first round of drinks were being served, our waitress somehow poured an entire glass of red wine down the back of my white dress shirt. My entire back was soaked. The waitress was obviously stunned, and the manager came over and asked the gentlemen to my right if he wanted to hang his jacket. That was it. During the remaining two hours I kept waiting for a manager to approach me and either offer to pay for the shirt (which was obviously ruined), comp something, or at least apologize. This never happened. Finally, at the end of the dinner our waitress asked if I wanted a free dessert. The restaurants reaction to this situation was simply absurd.

Posted 06/03/06

If they still have it, try the cheese tray as an appetizer. Delicious!! I love this place because they have vegetarian choices!! (and an awesome female chef)

Posted 04/15/06

I picked Zola to set up a surprise reservation for my parents on their anniversary because I saw it was 1st place on city search's romantic restaurants. When I made the reservation I mentioned it was for their anniversary. Well, when they arrived they found that their table had been specially decorated for them. They were put in the corner by the window in the tent room. When they came back they said it was the best experience they ever had at a restaurant. They commented on how well the shrimp martini, wine, deserts, and service were. They were beginners at wine and were able to taste test the wines before picking. I was very pleased to hear how fabulous this place sounded. They definably recommend this place. (Especially in the corner) Hint: When making a reservation tell if it is a special occasion. You will be treated very well.

Pros: Not too crowded, Great food, Great wine

Posted 04/05/06

Before I moved here, I came to Nashville a lot. Zola won be over from the beginning.

On the one hand, you need a reservation. But Zola is a special-occasion restaurant, if you ask me.

The ambience is great: warm, inviting, unpretentious.

The food sounds like traditional Mediterranean fare, but it fuses together some unexpected pairings.

Try it out. You won't be disappointed, and it might become your favorite, too.

Posted 03/25/06

It is difficult to put into words how fabulous my meal was at Zola. After hearing rave reviews from friends, it's been on my "to do" list for over a year. My boyfriend and I were definitely not disappointed. The shrimp martini is to die for, as is the French Laundry salad. We both got entree specials and couldn't resist sneaking bites of each other's. I really wanted to try dessert, but my stomach just couldn't hold any more!
Last night we were eating dinner at home and my boyfriend looked at me and said "I wish we could go to Zola once a week for dinner"! Believe me, that's impressive when he says something like that!

Pros: Excellent food, Great Service, Good Drink Menu

Cons: None

Posted 02/13/06

For 7 years, Zola has never failed me! I pick it for all special occasions and as my favorite meal in Nashville over F.Scott's, The Trace, Cafe Margo, Watermark, Sambuca, Midtown, Tayst, etc.
The venison is lick-your-plate good with any season's variation. The paella and French laundry/Beet-n-heat salads never change...why alter perfection? The food is in-season fresh and well-cut. The portions are large, with good presentation. The bread, desserts, sorbets and ice creams are made from scratch! The wine list is as ecclectic as the food. The most romantic spot is the tent room, but it's not so dark you can't read your menu. This is not "eating," but "dining!" Have wine, courses, and great company and leave your table some 2 hours later on a high. The chef is a former vegetarian so she's VERY accomodating to vegetarians, vegans and special-needs diners.

Pros: Excellent Food, Big wine list, Quality for Price

Cons: No bar scene, Not fast

Posted 02/05/06

This restaurant is highly rated and I expected a great experience. I went with three other foodies - people in the business. We did not have one dish which was exceptional, let alone good. I don't understand why chef's in Nashville feel they need to create dishes with so many flavors. Great food should be simple, the complexity should be in layering flavors, not adding a great deal of different flavors. The service was amateur at best. I could get past the decor, if they had delivered on the food and service. Perhaps they were having an off night, but regardless, we will not go back.

Pros: ?, ?, ?

Cons: Food, Service, Parking

Posted 12/28/05

We visit Nashville often and we visit Zola every time. It is a couples place to go, but older children would be fine. It is not white table cloth but it is intimate. Excellent mediterranian food, without being overly eclectic. Very healthy portions and top-notch quality. Soups are out of this world. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the service is attentive and freindly -- if not occasionally spread thin sometimes. However, over the years they have retained the same wait-staff.

Pros: Great food, interesting dishes, variety of selection

Posted 12/09/05

We were coming back from the vandi game, and walked to zolas, as we saw atleast 4-5 empty tables and still we were asked to wait for more than 20 mins. They dont take the drink orders (not even food) for more than 10 mins.
Extremely rude manager, who tried to meddle with our wallets on our tables, even when our orders werent taken yet.
Note for vegetarians.. there isnt squat there to eat. If your definition is having a salad.. i pity the people who classified this restaurant under vegetarian.

Pros: ambiance

Cons: poor service, rude manager, no vegetarian entrees

Posted 10/14/05

I never had a favorite restaurant until Zola's. The chef prepares eclectic, very creative, always delicious and fresh entrees that never disappoint. Everything is made there, including the spectacular desserts and fresh warm bread they serve you from big baskets. The menu changes from time to time with the seasons or simply just for fun, which makes things even more interesting. The ambience is great, and I've always been seated promptly, but have always had reservations. Because the food is prepared fresh and I believe from scratch, it can take a while, although, that's part of the enjoyment of eating out--spending time with those you're with. It is a bit pricey, and some less adventurous folk may find the menu too different for their taste, but it is worth it!! HIGHLY recommended!!

Pros: the food of course, homemade/fresh, changing menu

Cons: Short business hours, $$, fairly long wait time

Posted 09/03/05

I made reservations for 9pm Saturday. We were seated and ignored, then finally ordered drinks. At 9:30 we walked out because our drinks still had not arrived, yet 3 more tables were seated in our waiter's section. I just moved here from NYC and must have higher standards than expected at Zola's.

Pros: None

Cons: Slow Service

Posted 08/27/05

Fantastic food. Everything was delicious. Great wine list. Loved interior and ambience. Friendly staff. Food served on time. I also found it to be not that expensive as I have visited many upscale dining restaurants all over the USA. A DEFINITE MUST.
I would not recommend visiting this place if you have small children.

Pros: Ambience, Food, Price

Cons: None

Posted 07/15/05

The paella here is fantastic. Scallops were delicious with wonderful garnishes. All the dishes have complex flavors. Extensive wine list. Our group of three (all foodies) thought Zola was a great experience. Great restaurant to impress a date, or for upscale dining with clients.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambience

Posted 07/13/05

One of my new favorite restaurants...ecelectic cuisine and atmosphere. Perfect for a fancy, romantic night out, but equally appropriate for upscale casual dining. Great people watching to boot. Just avoid the parking lot behind the restaurant and opt for the side street instead.

Posted 05/17/05

While visiting from Mobile, I wanted to try some restaurants unique to Nashville. Zola's was a wonderful choice. The menu features clever, innovative creations that are sure to please. All four members of my party enjoyed their evening, and the service was wonderful. Our server was a trove of information about the menu, and I think some people might be mistaking passion and an obvious love for the chef as "snobbiness." Maybe some servers have a snobby attitude, but I had a wonderful time in the casual, comfortable atmosphere. How snobby can a restaurant be if there isn't even a dress code? For all travelers, I say give it a try. The bill for my party of four, with an appetizer and a pitcher of sangria, was $130, but unlike many expensive meals, I feel that Zola's actually does provide you with a extraordinary experience worth the cost.

Pros: Innovative Chef, Delicious Food, Helpful Staff

Posted 09/17/04

My husband and I had our date night at Restaurant Zola. It was wonderful. The service was impressive and the food was excellent. We wanted to dine somewhere nice minus the bar atmosphere. Restaurant Zola was perfect. We had a wonderdul experience and have already recommended Zola to all our friends and family. We will be back. Thanks Restaurant Zola.

Pros: Excellent food, service, no bar

Posted 07/04/04