Zoe

SOHO's best menu choices, the fish dishes are beautifully prepared and delicious. Perfectly cooked meat and pasta selections along with fabulous brick oven pizza's.

Highly recommended!!!!!

Pros: Excellent spinach salad and wine selection

Cons: None

Posted 06/14/09

Back on top! After a period in the doldrums, they are back on their game. The food is very good: not pretentious but never boring. The salmon is spectacular, the spinach salad superb, and the burger is one of the three best in NYC. (I like my fries really crispy and they are happy to deep fry them a second time.) The all-American wine list is extensive, and the owner is truly helpful keeping selections reasonably-priced. Plus the three-mini-glass "tastings" are a terrific way to try a variety of really good wines. The staff is low-key and absolutely professional. They're back and I'm going back!

Pros: Best burger in town!

Posted 05/28/09

My co-workers and I stopped in for some brunch. I had heard good things about Zoe's but this was my first time going.
The decor was nice. Prices were very affordable; the waitress was very friendly and offered great suggestions; the servers were very efficient and the food was AMAZING! Even the bread basket was great!
I can't wait to go back for their dinner menu!

Pros: Friendly, efficient service and GREAT food!

Cons: none

Posted 03/13/09

Tried Zoe for brunch after living in the hood for years. I have to say that now I know why they have been here so long. The service is straightforward with no attitude and very accomodating, which I find so prevelent in this neighborhood. I asked for a subsititution on my burger and they offered me a small salad at no extra cost. On top of that it was big and jucy with cheddar cheese. I had a very good glass of wine and was surprised that they had so many to choose from. I did not know that they only serve American wines so it was a bit of an education for me, but the zinfandel I had was zesty. My friend had the french toast with carmelized apples and marscapone which was also great. I saw pizzas at the next table which also looked amazing. If you don't want any attitude or neative surprises this is a great spot to stop in for lunch or brunch while shopping in soho.

Pros: Fun, comfortable and good value

Cons: a bit noisy when crowded

Posted 02/07/09

OK place for food. I have been here a couple of times with friends and it's a good place to have a social dinner. I like the atmosphere but the food is ok at best. I had a calemari appetizer that literally turned my stomach...eww But if you want average food in a nice setting then it's the place for you.

Posted 12/03/08

I had not been to Zoe in years but was in the hood shopping at Apple so we walked in on Saturday night. Though they were not as busy as I remembered the hostess and staff were just as enthusiastic as I recalled from previous visits when I worked downtown. We were sat almost right away though it took a some time to get a server to our table. I did end up ordering a nice bottle of wine. The markups on wines were very fair and while I might not be the average wine drinker they did not step on some of the trendier wines that I see around town like Seasmoke and Marcassin. My wife and I had a very good meal including a tuna tartar and a lamb shank that had just been put on the menu. I would say that perhaps there were a good deal of tourists and shoppers there I would think that would be the case at other venues in Soho on a weekend. Not the trendy place it was when it opened in the early 90's but still very good after all this time.

Pros: great wine list at fair prices and solid overall experience

Cons: not as trendy as it once was

Posted 11/03/08

Great fried calamari ever!!! The best I've ever tried!!!! I can come there just for them! Give me 3 plates!!! Had a really good pasta for lunch there and then came back for dinner. The duck was fantastic!
But the service...During the lunch the server appeared only when we finished everything. And when having dinner,I actually didn't see the server at all. I guess she left home.

Posted 10/06/08

Apparently this is a New York staple, but I was really unimpressed. The bar is seriously lacking, the food is good, but the waiters have no idea how to sell it and you're paying an awful lot for poor service. Overall I wouldn't recommend it.

Pros: Food, wine list

Cons: service, atmosphere

Posted 09/21/08

I dinned at Zoe Labor Day weekend w/ my best friend! I really didn't know what to expect...I knew the restaurant has been Soho's heartbeat for 16 years...so I decided to give it try! From the door...the staff seemed pretty friendly...I had their prefix dinner option...excellent salmon! I am huge fan of cosmso and from the first sip, I knew their cosmos were made fresh, not with a koolaid tasting juice...and their new sour cherry blossom cocktail...to die for! I was looking for delicious american food w/ a touch elegance! If you're looking for a layed-back atmosphere, good food, and good times...I would definitely recommend it!

Posted 09/02/08

my girlfriend recommended eating brunch there because she heard some good reviews, so we decided to try it out... When we got there, it was relatively small and pretty crowded but it seemed like a nice place... large open windows in the front, a bright bar, attractive hostesses, and it smelled delicious. we got a table almost immediately but our waiter did not come for at least 20 minutes and we were seated literally 5 inches on both sides from the other tables. when the waiter finally came, he was pretty friendly and took his time with our orders. the food came quick but it was extremely mediocre. i wanted my burger medium-rare and it was well-done. the meat was also tiny compared to the huge bun they have it on; it was a little ridiculous. the eggs were also overcooked and flavorless. i mean, it wasn't terrible, but certainly not good. when my girlfriend tried to talk to this to a man in a suit with a beard/mustache, i'm assuming the owner or manager, he just apologized but completely insincerely. he kept saying "sorry to hear that, maam, i will tell the staff, i apologize" before i can even complete my sentence. we weren't even complaining. afterwards, he ran off and rolled his eyes at us.
overall, the experience at zoe was not too good and we wont be returning.

Pros: friendly waiter & hostess, good location (in soho)

Cons: bad management, very cramped spaces, mediocre food

Posted 07/23/08

In order to stand out from others who I hope are now below me, I am going to make this short. Zoe has been around for ages and I spend at least one night a week at the bar with my favore Soho bartender. He told me of recent nasty reviews and how upset he was by them and I decided to stand in his and the restaurants defense. Some of the reviews that have unfortunately made it on this site are words written by people looking to destroy, not to actually help fellow New Yorkers and visitors in selecting a dining venue. Go to Zoe and they remember you. They take good care of their regulars and all of their customers. Perfection? Hard to use such a word, but they try every time and always make it up to you should you be disappointed. Ignore the nastiness and see for yourselves...great cocktails, great pizza, often changing menu. It is worth a visit.

Posted 07/06/08

My brother recommended Zoe in Soho to me after a recent business lunch that he thoroughly enjoyed. I too was impressed with my meal as well as the service and would pass the recommendation along to anyone looking for a solid meal with a good atmosphere. Our waitress recommended a great Pinot Noir and was helpful finding a suitable menu choice for my wife's food allergies. She also seemed eager to tell us about new items on the menu which were all very satisfactory (Some of the best gazpacho I have ever had). With the large front windows that open up onto the street, this is a great summer find. Definitely give it a try.

Posted 07/03/08

" They are tourists , they are never coming back , just send them some cookies" This is what I actually heard the stearn male manager say to one of his servers. I was sitting at a table close to the bar. So close I could hear every thing that servers and managers said. This was just the start to a snowball to a horrible experience. I was sat by the host , who seemed to have no clue as to what she was doing. In the 6 minutes that I sat at my table before being recognized by any staff what so ever I see the food runner screaming at a server accross the dining room, I hear the bartenders talking about their sexual adventures, and hear the managment call some one stupid. My server seemed to have about 9 tables, which makses sense because of the sweat on his browl when he came to my table and hastily asked me if I was ready. I ordered a glass of bin 36 cabernet, which I was familiar with , they defantley gave me somthing else. I guess they ran out and decided not to tell me. I asked for butter for my bread and never got it. My calamari tasted so far from fresh that I think it may have been microwaved. My burger was overcooked from medium rare to burnt. The waiters seemed scared , and busy beyond their control. It didnt help that the managment was screaming at them every two minutes. I watched a waiter drop a fork on the floor when setting a table and put it back on the table. This was the point when I asked for my check, and promised my self never to return. Come to find out, Zoe is owned by Stephen Lefredo and his wife who just closed their sister restauraunt uptown, and that makes three restauraunts that have been poorly ran ( and closed)by this bad bussiness marriage, all I can say , for the customers well being and dime, I hope this is soon to be the fourth.

Cons: it exsist

Posted 07/01/08

The only good thing I can say about my recent visit to Zoe , is that the service is on point. The waitstaff is friendily, and genuinely trys. As far as the kitchen is concerned, most of them must have been recruited from LIC diners. The food is inconsistent, thoughtless, and takes for ever to get to the tables. The drink menu is okay, although , kinda like the kitchen, long , inconsistent, and thoughtless. Our food took for ever , and their attempt to keep us happy were cookies that had to be out of a box. The managment seems streched thin, maybe its because they were playing hostess with a guy in tie, who only seemed to walk around and point at tables, instead of fix or approch relative problems. The wines are good, no comlaints there, they should just inlclude a page of wines in the menu with all the ones they dont have, which tend to be about 40%.

Pros: close to most trains

Cons: slow

Posted 05/16/08

Zoe Soho is my most favorite stop for dinner and brunch in New York City. The new executive chef Victor Malaric is wonderful, knowledgeable and a rising star, you should all check him out. Make sure you sit at the Chefs counter and converse with him, you can tell there is so much love in the food he puts out.

Pros: food, open kitchen, wine list

Cons: crowds

Posted 04/16/08

very slow service..!!!!, we spent there way too much time.waited forever for drinks and food.And it's funny because we were sitting very close to the kitchen which is open and could see and hear everything that was going on in there...our food got fired a while after we were completely done with appetizers and the table was cleared, and then it took about 20 minutes to prepare...very average food...bass was ok, altough chef should start peeling his beans, tuna tartare was ok too.and the famous calamari...??.one of the worst I actually ever had.little fishy and gooey. And I'm a big fan..smores for dessert, not bad, nothing special, graham too hard.overall not recommened
and one more thing.dust your banquettes!!!!!

Posted 03/29/08

I thought my recent visit to New York is just another run-of-the-mill trip. My friends decided to drag me out of my hotel room and pretend we're 25 again.. well, you know since we turned 27 and all. (i hope that's still believable) Well, they ended up at Zoe in lower Manhattan and said I should check out the killer wine list. They found my achilles' heel. I am a big collector so I decided to show up and check out the place. At first I thought it was pretty average. The wine cooler at the front was a pretty cool idea. The surprise was when the waiter said he can send the sommelier to explain the wine list. I was expecting an old man in a suit, but then a lovely young lady greeted our table so warmly at first I thought, what could she know? After listening to her talk about the wines I was blown away. She certainly know her stuff and she can tell exactly what I was looking for. She was very warm and friendly that even if you know nothing about wine, she will not intimidate you. She recommended a Napa Valley Cab, pretty pricey, and while she was opening it, I started thinking if it's worth it. Let's just say I am still going nuts trying to find a case of the Cab she opened for me. I had the strip steak and it was absolutely delicious. The wine and food was definitely a great pair as advised by the lovely sommelier. I was very impressed and satisfied with the entire evening. To cut the long story short, I don't know how soon my next visit to New York will be but I am looking forward to it.

Pros: GOOD FOOD, GREAT WINE LIST

Cons: It's far from colorado

Posted 12/12/07

After passing by Zoe on several different occasions, my girlfriend and I finally decided to stop in and give it a try. It was crowded, but the wait wasn't long and the hostess was very friendly. Unfortunately, that was the only positive aspect of our experience. We ordered our food, and after about 20 minutes our server let us know that he would check on our order. After about 30 minutes, it finally arrived and was barely worth the wait. Also, I couldn't help but notice the chaotic nature of management there. The man who appeared to be in charge spent most of his time doting on one table. I guess in order to have a pleasant experience at Zoe, you have to be friends with the management. Oh well. Nothing about my experience made me want to return. I do not recommend this restaurant.

Pros: ...

Cons: bad environment, takes forever, only average food

Posted 12/07/07

I went to Zoe for a late lunch on Sunday. The food was terrible. My eggs were cold my pizza was soggy my drinks were weak. This place was down right bad. The kicker is that I went to the bathroom and it seemed dirty witch is understandable being busy. I then noticed the cook in this open kitchen wiping their hands with dirty rags touching food with dirty bare hands. Well I looked them up on the Doh website and it seems them barley passed their last inspection 2 months ago. Needless to say DON"T EAT AS ZOE OR YOU WILL GET SICK.

Pros: Server was friendly

Cons: Dirty, Unsanitaary cooks, Cold eggs

Posted 12/04/07

Walking into the retaurant for brunch on a Sunday it was packed and we were immediately crushed near the bar to wait for a table. The food looked great so we decided to wait as waiters continuously ran into us to deliver food to tables. After being seated we got awkward service as they quickly asked if we were ready to order and after ordering we never saw them again. It was like they were trying to rush you out of there.

Now here's the kicker. Being a vegetarian I ordered the poached eggs without ham. After receiving my dish I find a nice piece of meat on my plate. We call over the waiter and he apologized profusely and says he will bring out another dish. He (very quickly) bring out another dish and insists that he requested absolutely no meat. Then what do I find? A few nice slices of pork mixed into the sauce under my eggs.

We were told the manager would come speak to us about this. So we wait about 20 minutes while she makes time in her schedule to come over to us and when she does she informs me my eggs are on the house and we can get dessert free. ARE YOU KIDDING? Why would I ever want MORE food from a restaurant that messed up my order not once but TWICE?! She didn't even offer to comp our whole meal - she still expected ME to pay for my coffee and my friend to pay for her meal. I have NEVER been so insulted in my life, she was hardly even apologetic. HORRIBLE MANAGEMENT.

DO NOT EAT HERE. Especialy if you're a vegetarian - you'll be sick the rest of the day from the meat forced onto your plate.

BAD MANAGEMENT. POOR SERVICE. SUBPAR FOOD.

I don't know where all these good reviews came from. Save yourself and go to Clinton St. Baking Co. or Freeman's or any of the other GOOD brunch places in this city.

Pros: None

Cons: bad management, poor service, kitchen doesn't listen to dietary restrictions

Posted 12/02/07

My friend and I do Sunday Brunch every weekend, and because of the overall great reviews of Zoe's, I picked this place. BAD IDEA. We get there...pretty crowded but the hostess said it would be 15 minutes. It was more than that, and while we were waiting in the super tight "waiting space" that was the bar, waiters were constantly bumping into us without even saying excuse me. We finally get seated, and handed our menu's. I had a bag on the floor that was practically under my seat, a waiter kicked it and didn't say anything. when they brought the coffee they bumped the canister on the table and were extremely awkward with putting our cups down. I felt like he was going to drop everything all over me! They took our order and brought it out. My friend ordered a dish and asked for no meat. THEY PUT MEAT! she returned it and the waiter apologized profusely and insisted he would bring a new order out with absolutely no meat. He brought it out in probably a minute, and IT HAD MEAT again. he apologized and told us he'd get the manager. She finally came over after a long long wait and acted unphased. she wasnt sincere in her apology and offered us a free dessert and took the eggs off the bill. the eggs? we had the worst dining experience ever. So we walked out. Save yourself a terrible sunday brunch and AVOID ZOE'S! Especially if you're vegetarian. Thank goodness we got free candy from the grand opening of the New Museum on Bowery to make our day somewhat nice.

Pros: The waiter told us he understands if we walk out

Cons: put meat in a vegetarian's dish, terrible service, not nice overall BAD!

Posted 12/02/07

This was one of the most fabulous restaurants I have ever been to... along with excellent, top-notch service. I started off with a Hemingway cocktail I ordered the free-range chicken which was served on a tasty risotto. It was definitely the best thing I could have asked for that night. I ordered the mashed potatoes as a side and was happy with those as well. For New York, the bill was not nearly as bad as it could have been. For the quality, I would have expected the cost to be 3 times what our bill was. I was so satisfied!

Pros: Great service, great food, reasonable price

Posted 11/13/07

One of the best brunches I have ever had in NYC. The chef paid a lot of attention in selecting the ingredients that blend really well together. I had many poached egg with hollandaise sauce, but Zoe's is the best. The food is so flavorful - it's delicious with pizazz. Besides "Poached Eggs on Cypress Grove Blue Moon Cheese-Chive Biscuit", we also ordered Soho Burrito and squash soup. Everything was so tasty. Besides excellent food, the restaurant is so huge that we didn't have to wait at all - got the seat right away at 12:30pm on Sunday. Normally for Sunday brunch at other restaurants we had to wait for hour, but not here at Zoe. The table turns pretty fast and the restaurant is so big. Great place to come in a big group or a great place to bring out-of-town guests to impress. We love Zoe!

Pros: Excellent food. Big restaurant - no wait

Posted 10/14/07

SoHo shopping can really be tiring.. it's good to know that there is a place where you can relax and unwind. Zoe features a menu that brings comfort to warry shoppers, tourists and locals alike. The menu is simple and not intimidating.. the only difficulty I found is choosing what I want, everyhting looks great! My friends and I ended up sharing different things. It was absolutely delicious! The kind of food you would love to come back to over and over again. I've been WOWed by several restaurants in the city, but it's rare that I say, let's come here again tomorrow! The all-American winelist is very gutsy and creative. We enjoyed tasting different half glasses of wine. We had a lovely time and the staff are courteous and attentive. Don't miss your chance to dine at this lovely restaurant!

Pros: Food, Wine, Service

Cons: Parking- better to take a taxi.

Posted 10/12/07

I was shopping with my wife today and we got a bite to eat at Zoe. I have been there before and it has always been good. Well WHAT HAPPENED. I ordered a pizza and a chicken salad.The pizza was raw and flavorless,. maybe they rushed it because my wife's salad was sitting on the counter for 10 minutes. I am never one to complain if something is bad i just never go back. However, with a pizza, salad(that had almost nothing It said on the menu in it ) 2 glasses of wine and side of fries that were soggy my bill was almost 65 dollars with tip. What a ripoff. I glanced at the kitchen and saw salads lined up on the counter. Maybe they should have to pay 15 dollars for a salad and then maybe they might care who ends up eating it. It's a shame this place used to be great

Cons: The Food, The Price,

Posted 09/23/07

I came in for Brunch today after the urging of many of of my friends. It was one of the best brunchs i have ever had. I sat right next to the kitchen. They were upbeat and could tell they wer having a great time. I had the Gazpacho and a Chicken Salad and my friend had the Portabella Sandwich and the Corn Chowder. The gazpacho was great but the Chowder was out of this world. I was tempted to ask the chef to write the recipe down. The chicken was Juicy and Crispy and the Sandwich was fablous as well. Service was great and the atmosphere was just as exciting. This is a must for all New Yorker who are seeking that perfeect brunch.

Pros: Open Kitchen, CHOWDER,

Cons: none

Posted 07/08/07

Have always walked by Zoe but decided to go in last night on a whim, having heard they opened a branch uptown. While they were not as busy as I expected for a Saturday they we still enthusiastic about us being there and did not cop an attitude because we did not have reservations. The food was inventive and the menu had something for everyone. I had to try the calamari because the server said it has been on the menu since they opened, and it was great. I had the whole fish from their wood oven, which was also very good. My wife had the spinach salad with pistachios and the Chicken. It was tasty and not dry as chicken can be. We split the s'mores which has home made marshmallows- Yum. I am not into wine but the drinks were good. Prices were fair for what you get. All in all a good find.

Pros: Very good food and service

Cons: none

Posted 07/08/07

By far the best brunch experience we have had in soho We have been to so many mediocre places in the neighborhood including Balthazar (overated) and this was so much better!! It wasn't as much of a zoo, and they welcomed us right in. We had a great booth in the center of the restaurant. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The cocktail menu was interesting and I didn't know it but they have a great all-American wine list with lots of wines by the glass. Of course the food was great and the portions were generous. We will be going back!

Pros: They deliver

Cons: Solid reputaion but perhaps not 'in'

Posted 07/08/07

I ordered a salad that was supposed you have lots of yummy ingredients in it, but it was all lettuce and the salad dressing was an unusual shade of pink. The bus boy poured water in my soda, and I was never given a new one. For 2 soups and 2 salads (all lettuce) it was over $50. Don't waste your time in the tourist restaurant. SO NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!

Pros: NONE!

Cons: overpriced and you won't get what you ordered

Posted 05/17/07

My husband and I went in a few nights ago for dinner. The hostess was very welcoming and polite despite the onslaught of patrons coming in the door on our heels. We sat at the bar for a bit and enjoyed some of the best drinks we've ever had. We were seated promptly (within 10 minutes) and were immediately offered some delicious bread to snack on. Our server came right over and, from the moment they introduced themselves, the rest of the night went by without a hitch. The server recommended we share a calamari appetizer and it was an excellent recommendation! I had the monkfish and my husband had the venison, both of which were phenomenal. I would've asked the server to pass a few compliments to the chef, but he seemed like a typical chef (i.e., cranky and childish) so I didn't want to indulge him beyond enjoying his very well prepared food. We almost didn't get dessert, but the server recommended "a teeny, tiny plate of cookies" as they put it. It was such a perfect ending to the evening. I was told to come for a weekend brunch, which the server informed us was markedly more hectic, but a fun display to behold. I'm going there this weekend with some friends from out of town. I have no reason to believe things will be any less stellar.

Posted 02/13/07

I stopped in here one night with a couple of friends while walking around SoHo. Although it was very busy, they quickly found room to accomodate us. The atmosphere is casual, yet the service was top-notch. The wine list was exceptional, with the option of a "wine flight" which consisted of a sampling of 3 wines by the glass. For appetizers, we had the shrimp dumplings and the calamari, which I highly recommend. For my entree, I decided to try the seared venison, which happened to be the nightly special. I ordered it medium rare, and it was cooked perfectly. Overall, the service was very attentive, the portions were generous, and the food was exceptional. Next time I'm in SoHo, I definitely plan on returning to this place.

Pros: Food, Affordable Wine Selection, Service

Cons: Closes relatively early

Posted 01/20/07

SO I am a foodie who lives in Manhattan...big news right? Interesting enough I wandered into Zoe with no idea what it was, I was just hungry and honestly hate dining in the tourist trap that SoHo has become. I was greeted by a warm and welcoming young lady, who I later learned was the manager but happened to be at the door at this time. It was one of those in between times of the day, you know...when NOBODY is serving and you are STARVING. Zoe was serving a lighter menu, but there were options. What may have been a normal bite was more pleasing due to a bangin wine by the glass list and a killer burger. After conversing with my server for a bit, downing 2 glasses of Oregon Pinot Noir, and eating some little cookies they sent me complimentary, I asked how long they had been open(thinking I would get the typical answer of a non-lengthy period) The waiter proudly stated 16 years and thanked me for joining....what a mind blower...Maybe people forgot they existed, but Zoe is certainly worth visiting.

Pros: WIne, Food, Value

Cons: Trapped in Soho

Posted 01/10/07

I've been to Zoe's many times for drinks, brunch and most recently dinner. The staff has always been super friendly and efficient. Yet, our dinner was totally unsatisfying. The ravioletti was too salty and the mushrom crostini was soaked in olive oil. The wine list was good and we didn't have to wait to be seated for dinner. We were bummed they didn't serve a bar menu after 5:30 and we were forced to order off the regular menu. Our whole evening cost us $160.00 + tip and we left knowing that we would never return again. Zoe's may of been hot in the past but it clearly isn't what it used to be.

Pros: Good location and okay for brunch!

Cons: Dinner food was tasteless and below average for the area!

Posted 12/06/06

I thought this restaurant was unique from the standpoint of using a wood fired oven to cook most of the appetizers and entrees. Service was good and the wine a little above average. It is a fun atmosphere and an overall good restaurant experience. Not world class but very good.

Cons: Crowded, get reservations

Posted 11/19/06

Ive heard many raves about Zoes brunch and was pleasantly surprised to find them not only able to accommodate me last minute but also to provide a beautiful table near the window. Apparently, it was our lucky day as the entire restaurant was full. The atmosphere and ambiance were chic yet welcoming. Our server, Robert, went above and beyond as far as friendliness and knowledge, and a sommelier was on hand to assist in our wine decision. Their selection of California Pinot Noir was exceptional. My guest enjoyed a delicious spin off an old classic, a Green Eggs and Ham Omelet. I, myself, decided to indulge my sweet tooth with the Bananas Foster Stuffed Brioche French Toast and was amazed. It is hard to believe it could taste even better than it sounds. Alas, it did. I could try to describe the array of desserts we sampled, but I would run out of room. Zoe is a SoHo staple, and now I know why.

Posted 09/05/06

Every place has signature dish. Here the chocolate cheesecake summarizes the paradox of Zoe: the taste was both bland and offputting, the texture unappealing. Each of the other dishes we had were boring, even tasteless, and in all there was just something off. Service left something to be desired, though not fault of particular waiter--the training clearly is subpar. Zoe may have once been good, but it is simply tired.

Posted 07/28/06

The food and ambience at Zoe are both first class. There is a nice bar (weve had a drink there a couple of times as a break from SoHo shopping and the cheese sticks are an additional attraction) and the dining area is light and airy with an open kitchen. Last night was the first time wed eaten dinner there and the food was delicious (the polenta fries were outstanding). Also, the staff are great. The maitre d gave us her favorite table, which was a cozy corner booth. Our waiter was delightful (thanks, Luke), and when he conveyed our appreciation of the mission figs appetizer to the kitchen, the chef seemed genuinely pleased. Definitely a repeat experience.

Pros: Great food and atmosphere

Cons: A bit too expensive for frequent visits

Posted 07/27/06

Love , Love this place maybe because its so close to us but probabaly more because the staff there is soo friendly and knowledgeable. The brunch is my favorite and their Soho Burrito with mole sauce is to die for! They had a great prefix too during restaurant week. Great selection of American wines for the wine enthusiast too. Not much is wrong with this place except I wish my favorites were always on the menu!

Posted 07/25/06

When I eat out I never order wine by the glass because the selection usually leaves a lot to be desired. Although a few nights ago at Zoe I was suprised to find some very interesting, fun and hard to find wine by the glass. The food was great too! It is restaurant week at Zoe and they do a three course dinner that is fantastic. I had prawns with a great corn salsa that the waiter paired with a chardonnay. Then I ate an amazingly tender veal flank steak paired with a great zin. The deserts were yummy and not too over the top. The meal didn't dent my wallet and I appreciate that. Keep up the good work Zoe!

Pros: great wines by the glass, fairly priced, nice menu

Cons: sometimes hard to get in

Posted 07/22/06

I ate at Zoe during restaurant week and I was very disappointed. I ate at Zoe a few years ago and the food was excellent and the service was great. Last night was a total 360 from my previous experience. We waited a very long time for every part of our meal from salad to desert and it was not busy at all. On one of the hottest days of the summer they had the a/c on very low, it was hot in the restaurant. The food was very mediocre. My sister had a pea ravioli that was just not good. The culinary decisions the chef made were not wise. The only good thing about the restaurant was the staff they were very friendly. I thought restaurant week would be a great introduction to a new restaurant that I would be able to frequent in the future. I will never return to Zoe and I will tell my friends about my experience at the restaurant.

Posted 07/19/06

Zoe restaurant has always been one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests for brunch. The service is on point, the food is fun and innovative, and it gives my out-of-town guests on opportunity to experience a truly great NYC restaurant.

As a seasoned New Yorker, I have come to have very little respect for restaurant week. The menus offered are usually boring, cheap, and slopily assembled...don't get me started on service. After eating at Zoe during restaurant week, I was immediately reminded of the great things a restaurant should offer during restaurant week.

Zoe offers a huge selection for their dinner prix fixe of high quality and innovative dishes. I started with mouthwatering ribs, then had a very generous steak that came with beautifully wilted spinach and crispy onion frites. The desserts were simple, straight forward, and fun, everything that is now hard to find in a sea of convoluted desserts.

The night I went to Zoe, the restaurant was quite busy. Much to my satisfaction, I was seated promptly without a reservation and soon after being seated was greeted by my server. The server made great wine by the glass recommendations to pair with my three courses. What I found most impressive about the service was the server's comprehensive knowledge of both the wine list and menu.

Zoe is a Soho must eat and has been for many years. As a proud New Yorker, I find comfort in the fact that reputable restaurants like Zoe still take pride in the food and service they provide, regardless of what time of year it is.

Pros: Great selection of food and wine, Efficient service, Exciting location

Cons: A bit warm in the dining room

Posted 07/19/06

I have been meaning to go to zoe for years and finally had the opportunity to last night. My husband and I were plesantly surprised by a warm and attentive staff . I decided to try the restaurant week menu. The sheep's milk ricotta and tomato salad was inovative and well prepared. My flatiron steak that followed was cooked to perfection. Zoe also offered a three course wine pairing for $15 which was a steal. Overall I had a great time and will definitely be back to ZOE in the near future. I wish I hadn't waited so long in the first place!

Pros: Comfortable and friendly

Cons: can be a bit loud when full

Posted 07/19/06

I've been to Zoe for cocktails and an occasional pizza a million times but I'd never had dinner until last night. I popped in on my way home from work to grab a cold glass of wine and the bartender persuaded me to stay for dinner. I started with the most perfect heirloom tomato salad and went on to enjoy a fantastic skate as my entree. The sweet and savory components in the dish balenced perfectly. In addition to this, the service was great; super knowlagable and attentive yet totally fun. My entire experience was A+! I've found my new favorite restaraunt.

Pros: wine list, seasonal menu, service

Cons: not located directly below my apartment

Posted 07/19/06

I've been a regular at Zoe ever since I moved to the neighborhood 6 years ago. The food never ceases to amaze me. Even though the restaurant has changed executive chefs a few times throughout the years, it still manages to consistently produce the most delicious and eclectic plates it is most famous for. As a matter of fact, with each changing of the guard this place only seems to improve upon its already highly unique fare. I am very confused by the previous review from 7/14/06. This person obviously holds a grudge for an employee or owner (perhaps a disgruntled ex-boyfriend or girlfriend) with the sole intent of sabotaging a great establishment. Take it from a neighborhood local, you won't be disappointed with the food, service, or ambience at Zoe. As far as being offered a "comp" beverage or dessert: They have done this for me numerous times when trying out a new dish or when I have gone there for a special occasion. By the way, did I mention the Zoe has what is likely the best brunch in Manhattan? I take all my out of town guests here for Sunday brunch and they too leave with a feeling of utter bliss.

Pros: Food, service, ambience

Cons: Not open late night

Posted 07/18/06

I've heard many great reviews of this restaurant for a number of years. I finally ate here the other night, and while I was impressed by the overall attentive service, I was not impressed with the food. Perhaps other dishes are superior to those I ordered, however, the server confidently recommended the dishes I had. Also, it was 8-9pm on a thursday night, perhaps too early for dinner, but there wan't much ambiance going on. I ordered the skate, which was over-salted on the outside, and served over a bland melange of corn and 3 or 4 peas, that they call risotto. I also had the prawns appetizer, also served over a bland melange of corn , and I don't even remember what, clearly not so memorable, maybe the same thing they used under the skate. The Arneis glass of wine I had was very enjoyable, however, not to their credit. I decided not to send the skate back, as I really didn't want to wait for another entree to be prepared, however, I did inform the server, as well as the host. While the server offered nothing, the host apologized, and said that he hoped that I would return again, perhaps for brunch. Why would I want to return to a restaurant that erred in their food preparation, especially since I was not even offered anything to induce me to return? Perhaps a glass of wine of the house or a dessert (such a minimal cost to the house) would have persuaded me to return, but they will never know. Having worked in the food service business, it is quite amazing to me how such a simple, minimal-cost offer as a cocktail on the house in order to generate repeat business, is such an under-utilized strategy, which can be so effective. Again, not impressed.

Pros: Overall attentive service except for the instance described above

Cons: Overpriced, bland food

Posted 07/14/06

We were down from Boston on a recent shopping trip in Soho when we stumbled upon this gem. Not only was the food absolutely fanatstic but the ambience was very relaxing. The staff was incrediblly friendly and not snooty one bit. We are looking forward to coming back again and again. Our only regret is that we could only stay for dinner. I've heard that the Sunday brunch is "to die for".

Pros: Food , Ambience, Service

Cons: Not open 24 hours

Posted 04/29/06

This was our first experience at Zoe's. We plan on many more. A friendly staff, excellent food, and a fun place to sit at the bar and watch the food preparation. For a romantic evening you will probably prefer a table, but my husband and I love to cook so we enjoy sharing an evening with the Chef.

Posted 04/25/06

From the atmosphere to the service, to the food, my entire experience at Zoe was incredible. The attention to detail was evident across the board. My meal was sensational-the food extremely flavorful as well as creative. The menu was full of interesting options and we couldn't have been happier savorinig every bite of our dinner and of course dessert. The staff at Zoe was also very professional and helpful in helping us pair our food perfectly with our wine. And you can't beat the open kitchen.

Pros: Excellent Food, Great Atmosphere, Helpful staff

Cons: n/a

Posted 01/07/06