Zola Restaurant
| Address: | 565 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA |
| Phone: | +1 650-521-0651 |
| Site: | zolapa.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–10PM 5–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 20
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Robert Phair
Early dinner, Friday evening. Open Table reservation was on the books, and we were greeted with smiles. Started with Kir Royal and salmon rillettes with toast, both delicious. And it was pleasant to see a bread basket with a slices of a perfect French baguette and an olive butter. Other reviewers complain about noise, but we were not bothered and we noticed the, apparently new, sound-baffling tiles on the ceiling. Even as the place began to fill, we could hear one another without raising our voices. The wide selection of vegetable dishes is imaginative and tasty. The chef loves herbs and is unafraid to add enough of them to make each dish distinctive. Try the roasted button mushrooms. I thought Julia Child had so oversold tarragon that wed never see it again, but the flounder with artichoke hearts, capers and tarragon was outstanding and perfectly cooked. Decor is, as advertised, cool. Service was unobtrusive and thoughtful; its been awhile since Ive seen a waiter clean breadcrumbs from the table between courses. Nice touch. Zola is not perfect, but is better than its current 4.2 stars, so Im giving it five to push the average in the right direction. I do think that two dollar signs generally suggests a restaurant less costly than $120 for two with a single drink and no wine. So it does not qualify as a bargain, but you should still go.
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Sudeshna Sen Gupta
I was on time for my 8:30pm reservation via Open Table. I was told that my table is being set .... I patiently waited outside on the pavement and checked every 10 minutes or so since there really is no place to wait outside ... After 30 minutes my table still wasnt ready and I was told "oh we cant ask our other guests to leave because of you." ... Oh wow - I thought my table was being set??? - I asked to speak with the manager - and got more of the same uncaring, discourteous behavior - no smiles, no apologies. The manager wisely came up with the excuse "oh your friend just arrived so your party wasnt ready" - I was never told at any point that I would be seated only when the full party was there ... I could have gone to some other restaurant or cafe in that case. Perhaps you dont have the bandwidth to take Open Table guests - but please have the courtesy to a) not lie (my table was not being set for 30 minutes) - b) be respectful of peoples time and if the wait is going to be longer than expected please give a heads up so that guests can make a choice to wait or go to one of the other places on University Avenue - c) Be mindful that you are in a service industry - your chef may be brilliant but the disrespectful attitude that I was subject to today is unacceptable in a place like Palo Alto where theres so many choices ...
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Nicole Smith
Outstanding. Delicious French cuisine and attentive and friendly staff. My husband and I shared the asparagus and crab cake appetizer, which was absolutely wonderful. He ordered the chicken which was brined and seared to perfection. It was some of the most perfectly cooked chicken weve tasted. I ordered the flounder which was also delicious. The rich, lemony beurre blanch was divine. We met one of the chefs, who gave us recipe tips and was great to talk to. Just when we thought we were stuffed, he sent out a complimentary dessert - a custard topped in a caramel sauce. We cant wait to go back and try the other menu items!
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Matt Ross
I came here with my girlfriend for dinner. They offer french seasonal cuisine which was very good. I had the short beef "bourguignon" and the gf had the scallops and we started with the ricotta gnocchi. I would definitely recommend the gnocchi if they still have it. It was excellent and interestingly didnt have potato in it.... So not technically a gnocchi?? But still excellent. The area is a little cramped so if you are a little claustrophobic or like to conquer space like I do, just be careful where you move around.
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JC Raveneau
We had a 3 course dinner and the food was great throughout. Cost was about $75/person with 2 glasses of wine each. The service was slow enough to add to the French experience with minor glitches (had to request silverware). Biggest problem: this place is small yet very loud. Could be a great place for a casual romantic dinner but its actually hard to have a conversation when the place is full.
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Loni Austin
I have eaten here three times now and each time the food was perfectly executed. The prices are reasonable (in comparison to other not to be named restaurants in PA) and the restaurant has an intimate feel. Our only complaint is its wine / beer only. We love a good cocktail! But we have made this a regular spot to dine at because its so delicious!!
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Ekaterina (Katja) Minitsenka
Excellent French - fresh organic food. We were a party of 7 and had 3 different types of fish. The chefs attention to small details is exquisite. Appetizer highlights included gnocchi (must have) and smoked salmon. Small, but excellent wine choice! Very knowledgable and fun staff. Amazing experience overall.
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Kristina Smith
My husband and I LOVE this place! The food is excellent. The service is excellent. Yes, it gets crowded and noisy, but who cares. Weve had the beef shortribs, the chicken, fish, mushrooms, beet salad, bone marrow, seared tuna, chocolate mousse, creme caramel, etc. ... will go back for all our special occasions!
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Jason Raichert
The service was good and the food was okay, but French just isnt my thing. The food was so rich with butter, gravy and grease that I could only eat a little bit. I think my tastes were just not compatible as I generally prefer healthy and lighter fare. Everyone else liked the food.
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Cassandra Gay
We enjoyed our delicious meal and found we were able to converse easily due to the modifications made to baffle the sound. When my daughter tasted my tomatoes with peaches, burrata, tarragon and vanilla in citronette, she instantly ordered another!
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Glenn Reynolds
Great meal our two Appetizers and two entrees were spectacular Flavors and presentation were really good. At $115 for two of us with no alcohol seems more like a three $$$ not the two shown on the map but a great treat
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Justin James
Bone marrow. Mushrooms "escargot" (really just mushrooms smothered in butter and garlic.) The egg gnocchi! Ahh, so good. Fine French dining that doesnt break the bank too badly.
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Chaosxaos
Fantastic, some of the best gourmet food Ive had. Waiter had some excellent recommendations. And my niece who was visiting from Italy had a lot of fun talking with the owner.
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Soufi Esmaeilzadeh
This French bistro has excellent food and a wonderful staff. It is a local favorite, definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for tasty French food :)
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Kelly Leach
Wow! Im sorry it took so long for us to try Zola. Amazing food. One of the best meals (if not THE best) since moving here in January. Will go again soon.
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Gant Kulnirundorn
They serve Foie Gras but somehow its not in the paper menu (yes, its not banned in CA anymore.) The space is a bit small.
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David Fleck
Enjoyed all the dishes. Our server was friendly and very helpful with recommendations. I look forward to coming back.
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Lilia H
Amazing French cuisine. I had a really enjoyable time here. The food is so exquisite. And the service is superb.
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Luc Vincent
Wonderful place, excellent service, great menu. King salmon was delicious and braised rabbit was outstanding.
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Evan Blander
Great food and great ambiance. The restaurant is only certain days and hours, so check before you show up.
