Zinc Restaurant

Zinc is a Modern American restaurant in downtown New Haven. New Haven isn't exactly known for it's culinary... more

Zinc is a Modern American restaurant in downtown New Haven. New Haven isn't exactly known for it's culinary cuisine, so this restaurant was a plea... more

When you enter the establishment, the ambiance seems nice: slightly crowded, a murmur of conversation, and decent lighting. Zinc's menu is supposed to be ""Modern American,"" but it seems it's more Asian infused. Of the starters, both the organic greens and beet salad were good. However, the main entrees were bland. My wife had the special, which was a Chilean Sea Bass with porcini mushrooms on a bed spaetzle. The fish was not seasoned at all and there was no sauce on the spaetzle. I had the smoked scallops with lobster, pea, and roasted fennel risotto. First of all the risotto was bland; it tasted like plain white rice soaked in a fake butter sauce, then mixed with small lobster pieces (indiscernible), al dente peas, and specks of fennel. You couldn't even taste the fennel. Oh and the risotto didn't even taste like risotto. The rice was mushy and spongy at the same time. I'd be happy even if they put a sprinkle of salt, but no! The scallops were okay. The food does not deserve the price they charge here. Too pricey for mediocre food. Can't believe they were awarded by Zagat, NY Times, and Wine Spectator. Pros: ambiance Cons: price, food more

The organic food is probably the best thing about Zinc. The staff were pretentious, the management rude and preoccupied, and the value for what you receive both in terms of wine and food is ridiculous. The ambiance is cold and the tables (even though empty) are crowded. I'm not sure how they received their rating. Don't eat here. There are a lot more options in fine dining in New Haven and if you must, take the trip to NYC. Pros: food, location Cons: service, price, parking more

Some may consider this to be a bit on the trendy and pretentious side, but I must say their fusionesque menu items are delicious and to die for. The service was good, the decor was hip, and although a bit pricey, completely worth the experience I had. What I also really enjoyed was the online reservations. This enabled my dining experience to be simple and prepared. Pros: Food, Service, Decor Cons: Pricey, Parking more

New Haven struck gold with Zinc. The staff is professional and prompt. The food is reliable. Some older folks are put off by the decor which they view as pretentious, but it's fresh and hip in a way that Connecticut desperately needs. The type of place where you bring your friends from out of town to show off what the Elm City has to offer. Pros: Excellent food, Prompt service, Delightful experience more