Insider Pages Reviews for ZaZa Restaurant

5 Stars: Perfect place for the summer (by billyclay3333)

billyclay3333 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Very Romantic garden that makes you feel like your in Italy. A great UES date spot without the cost of a plane ticket. The Sangria is to die for and the waiters are fresh off the boat just like the mozzarella.
You should move the a neighborhood with a restaurant like this. Good eats, friendly service, large variety.

5 Stars: Great Italian Restaurant (by gmartorelli)

gmartorelli — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

excellent Italian and a great neighborhood restaurant who delivers on time.
Lovely neighborhood restaurant with great outdoor garden....spaghetti with clams is consistently fresh tasting and delicious. If they have the polenta appetizer with chesse sauce when you visit, get it! Unbelievable!

5 Stars: Very good and very frendly staff (by James455455)

James455455 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

This resaurant is consistently excellent. Small and cozy with a backyard garden. Excellent service and as I am an Itlaina-American who cooks well, there food is excellent and never disappointing Consistently good. We eat there and order in

5 Stars: Delicious Food, Early Week Deal (by nyfoodie1)

nyfoodie1 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

A small group of us (just 4 in total) came here for my friend's birthday on a Monday night. One of the owners were there and he and the waiter who took our table could not have been nicer. We took advantage of the promotion that we had gotten by being on the mailing list and received an order of New Zealand baby lamb chops that were grilled to perfection along with garlic roasted potatoes and salad and grilled rare Tuna with sauteed vegetables , each for only $10 based on ordering generously portioned appetizers that we all shared--very fresh fried calamari, mozzarella & tomatoes, vegetable patties and a large salad. The owner joined in singing happy birthday for our friend and offered her a complimentary tiramisu, which we of course just had to help her finish.
It was a little chilly out so we dined inside rather than in the garden out back, but we've eaten out there before and it's a tranquil respite from the hustle & bustle of the city.
Anyway, just wanted to write a little something to show our appreciation for a good time at Za Za tonight.

2 Stars: Previously good, currently a disappointment (by MB37)

MB37 — Thu, 28 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

My girlfriend and I live in the area and eat here frequently. The food had been fairly good and we thought the prices were reasonable. However, the last couple of times we have eaten here, it seemed to decline a bit. Last night we brought her entire family and were thoroughly disappointed. The food was fair to poor ( a couple of the usually reliable pastas, including the lasagna, were sub-par). In addition the service was sloppy and inconsiderate. Plates were cleared before people were finished eating. The waiter was pushing appetizers and wine in a seeming attempt to increase the cost of the bill. Lastly, when examining the check, the bottle of wine we ordered was more expensive than it was listed for on the wine list. Upon inquiring we were told that we somehow received the "lunch" wine list and that this was the "dinner" price. Overall, poor customer service to say the least. Unfortunately we will have to think twice about going back.

5 Stars: Great food and family friendly (by LilAandBigR)

LilAandBigR — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Walked by many times wondering why it was so empty - it was because everyone was out back enjoying the patio. Feels very private and very comfortable. Food is delicious and the service is very friendly.

Plus, go early and take the kids. Half-size portions for the half-pints and they can color right on the paper table cloths outside.

5 Stars: OSSO BUCCO (by trementore)

trementore — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

BEST OSSO BUCCI IN TOWN. Like nonna's osso bucci back in a little village near Tornino they are cooked for hours and the risotto is perfect. Don't forget to scratch the marrow out of the bone, put it on a piece of bread with a lot of salt. You'll feel like you're in heaven.

Cons: wine by the glass list isn't that great - but hey, they have great bottle and I never drive in the city anyway :-)

5 Stars: The Upper East Side Scene (by G M.)

G M. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:31:00 GMT

Despite the forecast for this upcoming week (cloudy, rainy, low 60s), spring is here, which means its the best time to take advantage of the citys many outdoor dining options. This is just what I did last week when my parents came in for dinner and we discovered an Italian restaurant on the UES with what is definitely one of the larger garden seating areas Ive seen in our neighborhood.

Located on 1st Ave. between 65th and 66th Streets, Za Zas outward appearance is deceptive. Hidden beneath a red awning, the restaurants tiny storefront lets on that there is an outdoor garden only via a chalkboard sign propped out front. Yet through the warmly decorated dining room, with its yellow walls, orange sconces, and colorful murals, is a large Tuscan-style garden that seats nearly forty patrons, a lovely surprise on one of the first spring evenings of the year.

Pleased with our discovery, my parents and I settled in to look over Za Zas fairly large, Florence-inspired menu. Full of Italian pastas and sauces, as well as an ample amount of seafood, the selection, including the long list of specials our waiter recited to us, was a bit overwhelming. But, after sending our waiter away twice because we hadnt yet made up our minds, we finally made our decisions.

For an appetizer, we ordered bruschetta with tomato, basil, and mozzarella. My mom and I chose the same entre, fettucine with shrimp and white mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce, while my dad chose the tagliolini pasta with smoked salmon in a vodka sauce. We each selected a glass of red wine to complement our meal, before sitting back to enjoy the atmosphere.

We had arrived at the restaurant around seven p.m. and, by eight o'clock, at least ten garden tables had filled up. Apparently Za Zas garden was a new discovery only for us that evening, as it proved quite a popular place, and understandably so.

Brown picket fences, wicker chairs, and umbrella-covered tables strung with colored lanterns made eating in the garden feel as though we were not in the city but on vacation somewhere in the Italian countryside. Or, at the very least, at the Jersey shore, taking in a fresh spring breeze. Combined with friendly service and meals that turned out to be delicious, Za Za was quite a nice surprise.

Despite our appetizer and filling entres, we managed to save a little bit of room for dessert. My parents shared a chocolate souffl (of which I stole a few bites) and I treated myself to a cup of chocolate gelato.

And it dawned on me, as I was eating ice cream outdoors, that spring had arrived, and Za Za was the perfect place to welcome it.

5 Stars: definitely one of the larger garden seating areas I?ve seen in our neighborhood. (by readytoorderguide)

readytoorderguide — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The Upper East Side Scene

Despite the forecast for this upcoming week (cloudy, rainy, low 60s), spring is here, which means it?s the best time to take advantage of the city?s many outdoor dining options. This is just what I did last week when my parents came in for dinner and we discovered an Italian restaurant on the UES with what is definitely one of the larger garden seating areas I?ve seen in our neighborhood. Located on 1st Ave. between 65th and 66th Streets, Za Za?s outward appearance is deceptive. Hidden beneath a red awning, the restaurant?s tiny storefront lets on that there is an outdoor garden only via a chalkboard sign propped out front. Yet through the warmly decorated dining room, with its yellow walls, orange sconces, and colorful murals, is a large Tuscan-style garden that seats nearly forty patrons, a lovely surprise on one of the first spring evenings of the year. Pleased with our discovery, my parents and I settled in to look over Za Za?s fairly large, Florence-inspired menu. Full of Italian pastas and sauces, as well as an ample amount of seafood, the selection, including the long list of specials our waiter recited to us, was a bit overwhelming. But, after sending our waiter away twice because we hadn?t yet made up our minds, we finally made our decisions. For an appetizer, we ordered bruschetta with tomato, basil, and mozzarella. My mom and I chose the same entree, fettucine with shrimp and white mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce, while my dad chose the tagliolini pasta with smoked salmon in a vodka sauce. Apparently Za Za?s garden was a new discovery only for us that evening, as it proved quite a popular place. Brown picket fences, wicker chairs, and umbrella-covered tables strung with colored lanterns made eating in the garden feel as though we were not in the city but on vacation somewhere in the Italian countryside. Combined with friendly service and meals that turned out to be delicious, Za Za was quite a nice surprise.

4 Stars: Good food but cheesey outdoor furniture (by jackryan)

jackryan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This place does have good food, I'm not going to argue with the others. Their pasta's are very flavorful and not in a ton of oil. The outdoor patio is nice but with plastic chairs and tables a little low brow for those dishes they are charging 30 bucks for. You figure they'd upgrade.

5 Stars: Surprisingly great food and nice atmosphere! (by missmadison)

missmadison — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I just went last week and loved this place! My mom recommended it. I had a glass of wine, a salad, and an appetizer with parma ham and mozzarella. Haven't had mozzarella that fresh or delicious in a long time! The portion sizes were nice-not huge, but if you're watching what you eat that's a plus-and the prices were good. Plus, our waitress was sweet, and the service was extremely attentive.

5 Stars: Great Food (by smilealot)

smilealot — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This place is grat, I live across the street and go all the time.
The portions are very large and the service is fantastic!! I recomend the chicken milanese. Its the perfect date night palce, its very true you can never judge a book by its cover, because i walked by it a 100x with out every going in. Im glad I did!!
Cheers

5 Stars: Good food, Friendly Service (by linder63)

linder63 — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

The food here is great. Fresh pasta with simple sauces are my favorite. The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The prices are reasonable. Worth a visit even if you aren't in the neighborhood.

5 Stars: cool garden, excellent food (by npr_ny)

npr_ny — Thu, 20 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

This place has gotten even better. It was cute with good food when it first opened, but in the last year ZaZa has expanded with a back room and outdoor garden. You can't see the extra room or garden from the sidewalk--which makes them both all the more nicer and private. The food is reasonably priced and I've never had a bad meal here or anything less than great service. I live in the area, so I eat here often.

4 Stars: Don't pass by . . . (by guyt)

guyt — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 02:00:00 GMT

you might miss the garden! As you walk on First Ave, this place looks like a real hole-in-the-wall with very few people in it. But, there's a second room behind the front section with a neat garden room after that. It really is a pleasant place with a comfortable, open feel. And, the food??? Excellent! Salads are a little different and very tasty and the pastas and other entrees are fabulous. The fettucine with peas, potatoes and pesto is terrific! This is definitely a place you'll want to try again and again! The food, the ambience and the service are all first-rate!

4 Stars: Cute and pretty good. (by sandra)

sandra — Mon, 28 Apr 2003 02:00:00 GMT

I work near this restaurant (York Ave.) and I was happy to see it go up. This area needs more places like this (good food, inexpensive, nice decor).

5 Stars: Yummy (by nrosenkrantz)

nrosenkrantz — Tue, 29 Oct 2002 01:00:00 GMT

I have been there three times already and I think this is one of the best, most affordable italian restaurants in the city.
You really should'nt miss out on this one!