Restaurant Zola

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3001 W End Ave (at S 29th Avenue)
Nashville, TN 37203

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(615) 320-7778
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Reviews
( 52 )
( 15 )
( 9 )
( 9 )
( 14 )

Best

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...

Worst

The food was alright..a bit over rated, really. Our water only refilled our drinks once during the hour and a half that we were there. Pros: Atmosphere Cons: bad service

Amazing food, Wonderful romantic atomsphere - perfect for special nights out. 1/3/2007

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. more
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Very Elegant 11/22/2006

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) more
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delicious, intimate, friendly - a perfect dining experience 11/3/2006

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 more
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Small Margarita's, Dry Waitress 7/10/2006

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 more
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Wonderful ZOLA! 6/5/2006

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! more
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Bad server 6/4/2006

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. more
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Very Special 4/5/2006

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 more
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My favorite 3/25/2006

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. more
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Highly anticipated and didn't disappoint 2/13/2006

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 more
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Color, Flavor and Satisfaction! 2/5/2006

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 more
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Failed to Meet Expectations 12/29/2005

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 more
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Our favorite in Nashville 12/9/2005

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 more
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walked out coz of poor service. 10/14/2005

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 more
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INCREDIBLE!!!!! 9/4/2005

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 more
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Extremely Disappointed and Walked Out 8/28/2005

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. Cons: Slow Service more
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An Enjoyable experience 7/15/2005

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 more
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Fabulous 7/14/2005

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 more
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Great 5/17/2005

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. more
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An Original Treat 9/17/2004

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 more
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Excellent in every way 7/4/2004

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 more
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Menu for Restaurant Zola


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Editorial

  • In Short
    This cozy little building's inviting, gauzy look serves as a soothing backdrop for the complex Mediterranean-inspired menu. Enthusiastic and accommodating servers lead you and...

  • 5/31/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
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