Zazou

My wife and I have dined at Zazou in the past and found it to be rather good. First a few quick thoughts on service. We showed up for our 7:30 reservation a couple minutes early, but were told we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. It was another 8-10 minutes after seating before our server appeared tableside. It took 20 minutes after we ordered our wine before the waiter finally decided to bring it to us. I can understand if they like to time it closer to delivery of our entrees, but if that was the case I don't think the waiter would have opened with ""I'm sorry this took so long"". There were two interesting things on the menu: one was ""Sicilian Lifeguard Calamari"" the other was Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu and Portabello Mushrooms. Sicilian Lifeguard Calamari is a dish created by uber-chef Mario Batali. There is not style of cooking called ""al la Sicilian Lifeguard"" - Batali made up the name as a marketing gimmick to move more plates. So it appears that the chef/owner(s) at Zazou are co-opting at least some portion of their current menu from other more successful restaurateurs. Still I still ordered the Pappardelle, frankly expecting it to be Batali's recipe with some mushrooms. I learned to make this dish in Tuscany, and have cooked it several times in my home kitchen. There are as many different ways of making the ragu as there are cooks who make it, but one thing that's fairly consistent across the spectrum is the actual use of boar in making the boar ragu. No doubt about it, what was on my plate last night was braised beef. I suspect the ragu was cobbled together with leftovers from the night before and placed on the menu as a 'special'. Highly disheartening, to say the least. The melted brie appetizer and my wife's duck with risotto and a wine reduction was well cooked and delicious. However, I'm not sure where they got the recipes. We'll probably go back at some point. But I certainly won't be getting anything Italian. Pros: No one spilled food or wine on us Cons: Unoriginal and deceptive menu more

I have been to better places for modern mediteranean fare, however the service is good, the atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, the appetizers, drinks, and desserts are awesome, and the prices are very fair. The bar gets popular on the weekends. Most of the entrees are quite decent and given all of the other positives, it is definitely a place to go to once in a while. Pros: Value, vareity, service Cons: nothing more

Top quality dining without the scene or the attitude. The pre-dinner cocktails were good and strong, the menu was creative and well-executed. The service may be a bit rushed but the staff is friendly and accommodating. The Filet Mignon in gorgonzola-merlot sauce is excellent and their signature bread pudding is absolutely gorgeous. A swordfish special was a standout as well as a chocolate-espresso creme dessert. Very good experience overall....a true gem in the South Bay. Pros: The food! Cocktails. more

We had a bad dinner experience and left the restaurant before tasting the food. What a shame! Some of our friends came in late and the general manager kept telling us to move to a smaller table which would not enough for them on the way. The GM said ""you are killing my night"" and ""it affects the turnover."" His attitude was very rude and demanding. I asked politely if it is a restaurant policy and the owner agrees, he replied that he is the owner, which turned out a lie. The server was nice and appetizers we ordered were good but unfortunately he ruined our night and we decided to leave when our friends arrived. I have never left the restaurant with such an anger. Worst experience ever. Never go back until they have a new GM. Pros: Food Cons: Bad GM, Noisy, Money-oriented more

after reading reviews from this site, i went to eat at zazou's for lunch today. it was very romantic and i really enjoyed my food. the grilled chicken sandwich and bread pudding was really good. my boyfriend on the other hand didn't think that the restaurant was all that. he said his spaghetti was just so-so for the money. the service was great and the decor was absolutely gorgeous. next time, i will take my female friends who can appreciate the nice atmosphere and great dessert! Pros: ambience, service, dessert Cons: not so tasty food more

What a fun, lively atmosphere and fantastic food and drinks! And dessert! Their bread pudding is to die for. Some nights, weve made our way down just for that. I love this place and use it as a standby for out-of-towners when we dont want to travel far from home. Why travel to Beverly Hills when we can get food just as good as anywhere in the city right in our backyard? We love this place and it's sister-restaurant Cafe Pierre. Delicious! Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Creative drink menu more

What a great meal I had! The melted brie had just enough garlic and was a great counterpoint to my main course - the Lamb Osso Bucco. The Lamb was so savory and cooked to perfection. I wish every restuarant was this good. Trust me - you'll love it! more

Enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance. Zazou is a great place for romantic dinner or fun with a group of friends. Very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Try the Tuscan Veal/Chicken/Veggie Meatloaf or Filet with gorgonzola merlot sauce. Yummm. Pros: Nice Bar, Great Food more

This restuarant puts Redondo on the map! Great food. You must try the gorgonzola merlot filet mignon and finish with their amazing signature dessert, a brioche bread pudding topped with warm caramel sauce. If you love martinis, Zazou is the place. Good and strong! Also, if you go Mon-Wed, they offer ""Grapes of Gratitude"" aka delicious half price wines. (PS-try Rabbit, Fettucine Chimayo with Shrimp and Ahi tartar as an app!) Pros: Ample Parking, Banquet Room, Lively Bar more

This upscale restuarant has it all - inviting ambience, amazing food (the Filet is a must), and impeccable service. It also has a hidden gem upstairs where you can hold a large party/banquet. I highly recommend this eatery to anybody looking for an incredible dining experience. Pros: service, food, decor more

This place is great!! Very romantic, great dish variety, and a wonderful staff! Try the vanilla white Russian or any of the seafood dishes! Pros: Romantic, Great Food, Nice Ambience Cons: Expensive more