Another really great lunch today at Zaza's. What a great local independent place with excellent food and great ambiance. Victor, the server is just outstanding and has a wit and charm that keep me coming back. Even if I've not been in for months, he remembers the exact ice tea I drink and always brings it over. Typically, I'll eat the sausage ala Zaza - which is their homemade Italian sausage, served with spinach, mushrooms, artichokes and balsamic drizzle. Its an appetizer but more than enough for lunch. Today, I had the chicken limone and it was outstanding.
(5)
Joe L.
Zaza is my favorite local place to eat. The atmosphere is great. We typically eat in the bar area. Nice warm decor, bar is beautiful with easy to see TV 's. The fire place is perfect for our winter nights. The patio is very nice for the spring and summer. Our personal server is victor. He is the best. He knows exactly what we want. He treats us like family. Always makes us leave with a smile on our faces. Their menu isn't complicating and it flows well. I had one of the best meals ever here!! I have never had a subpar meal here. Chef is willing to take an entree on the menu and add a personal twist to it. If you are in the area and are looking for a great place to eat, make it Zaza's. There are a several choices in the area and I visit them as well, but ZAZA is the top!!
(5)
Christopher S.
I had the Salmon al Mustasa. It arrived timely and was served hot. I was a little disappointed by the portion size of the Salmon. I was expecting a nice 1-2" thick cut and a good serving size of 5-8 oz. The piece I received was rather thin on the ends making the crispy fried outside (pan basted) texture overpowering. This also made the ends rather dry, which made the cut feel much smaller than what it probably weighed prior. The fire roasted spinach was okay, but under seasoned (or no seasoning used at all). The sauce was also okay, but lacked a mustard taste which I was looking forward to. The portabella mushrooms were very delicious. They were very well prepared. They were hot and tender, but not so much they were mush. Next time I plan on trying some other entree. This was just not a great "I must come back to have again" entree menu choice for me. Our waiter Victor was very nice. I would gladly go back again to dine.
(4)
Jackie M.
We just ate here for our first time. The food was great! Service was good. We will definitely go back. My husband ordered the prime rib-eye, which he said was cooked perfectly (medium rare). I had rigatoni with sausage and broccoli in a light cream sauce. It was delicious, and the serving was HUGE! we had fried calamari as an appetizer, which was great, and cheesecake and cappuccino for dessert. The cappuccino was especially good!
(4)
A K.
Let me start with the positive.. The food was amazing we had the calamari, salmon, house salad and margarita pizza. They perfectly done and I'm sure if we tried anything else would have been amazing. The negative... The service was horrible our waitress forgot our calamari we didn't get it until all of our food came. We had asked for extra bread and waited about 15 minutes to only remind her again. Our drinks were never refilled until we saw a busboy and stopped him for some water. She offered us a free desert but we were headed to the movies so we didn't take her up on that. Please please improve your service! Your food is amazing but that service will drive many customers like myself away.
(2)
Madeline W.
Our waiter Victor was amazing and recommend the perfect appetizer. The artichoke and muscles were delicious.
A very nice restaurant. I will make an effort to come here when I return to Chicago.
(4)
S E.
Great food, but... Made reservations and were seated next to the kitchen and the area they were using to unload glasses (so, quite loud). We asked to be seated at one of 6 empty tables away from this area and were told "each and every table" was booked until close (and the manager was dealing with "1000" catering orders, so they weren't available). So we ate...yes, yum... and watched 4 of the 6 tables remain empty for 2 hours until they were cleaning up. So if this isn't bothersome to you... By all means, go! I have difficulty understanding, however.
(2)
Brian G.
I'm going to make this short, sweet, and to the point. I had the rib eye, medium rare, and it was the greatest steak I've ever had in my life. It was seasoned perfectly, had an amazing char on it, and was cooked superbly. I was a little offput at first when it came out with a light gravy on it, considering the place is a self proclaimed "steakhouse," but with the first bite I realized that the gravy didn't take away from the steak, and the steak certainly didn't need the gravy. It was light enough that it complimented the steak perfectly and kept the flavor on it instead of running all over the plate. I also ordered mushrooms on the side as I typically do, but found that I actually preferred the steak without them. This is not to say that the mushrooms weren't good however, because quite the contrary was true. The mixed vegetables were very good, the garlic mashed were alright and probably would have gone great with some more of that steak gravy, but the star of the entree definitely shined. I paired the meal with an Argentinean malbac that was also phenomenal. To finish the visit, I ordered the Chocolate Tartufo. I'm not huge on desert at restaurants, but this completed the meal wonderfully. I can't wait to get back to this place and place the same order.
(5)
Melissa B.
Classy place. My goat cheese in tomato sauce appetizer was PHENOMENAL. I was highly let down by my meal though. Zaza's has proven my point that it is near impossible to find good Italian fare in the suburbs. I had penne pasta with crumbled sausage and pancetta in a tomato sauce. The sausage was barely edible and the sauce was very ho hum. It almost had that Chef Boy R Dee taste. What a disappointment. My husband really liked his steak though. Guess the steakhouse part of this restaurant is good, but not the Italian side.
(2)
Sarah d.
Nice decor, great martini's, good service but the food... Dear lord, the driest chicken Vesuvio ever!!!!! And whatever my bf had chicken prosciutto, mozzarella with a side of stale linguini.. What a shame.. I had high hopes.. We will not be returning
(2)
Morris N.
The setup is pretty nice inside. When you walk in, there is a hostess stand. To the right is the bar area with seating available. There are some flat screens behind the bar. To the left is the main dining area. On a weekday evening it was pretty dead so there was no wait. Parking outside was ample. Service was good. I had a pasta dish which was good and portions were big. Good wine selection. For appetizer, had the calamari was which decent. Prices were reasonable.
(3)
Christine L.
Stopped by for a quick lunch during a weekday and there were quite a few people. The place itself is very clean and the decor very nice Italian Restaurant-ish. The service here is great, the host is very friendly and the waitstaff super attentive. To start they give you warm bread with olive oil & parmesan cheese. The bread is not the best I've eaten at an Italian restaurant but still very good. I ordered the Penne Abruzzese (penne with a tomato based sauce with sausage and pancetta). It was delicious; the penne was al dente and they didn't skimp on the pancetta. Portion was pretty big, even had enough leftovers to make another meal. I also ordered a Capellini Pomodoro to go for a friend and they were kind enough to include some of their bread with it! Just a little example of their kind service that goes along with a great meal.
(4)
Jessica P.
I just had the special salad of the day.. Salad with Filet Mignon meat (cooked to your preference)..very delicious and portions are big.. :) YUM
(4)
Mark F.
Yelp puts this restaurant at $$....Actually, I would say it is $$$. There are a couple of items at $17, a few at $23, more at $26 and then at $33. We had some common fare...veal parm, roasted chicken and seafood marinara. The veal wasn't the best I have ever had, I actually get very good veal parm right here in Iowa, so I was a little let down. My wife liked here seafood, as it had lobster in it. But the roasted chicken was REALLY GOOD. My daughter ordered it, as was so pleased. She was kind enough to give me a sample...really good stuff! The service is excellent at this place. My glass was never empty, and our waitress was very kind. We ended up talking with her for a few minutes...which was a welcome gesture. I do recommend this place, but 3 1/2 stars instead of 4, due to the red sauce being somewhat bland...needed a little more herbs and zest.
(3)
Stefanie W.
Always have a nice time here. Wasn't always the case. When they first opened they had an annoying and pretentious valet service and the clientele seemed like Soprano wannabes. I'd come in and they'd try to seat me out of the way. Guess they were going for a certain flavor that I didn't' have and ultimately didn't fly because the valet is long gone and so is the pretentious edge. So if you too experienced that and are amazed they're still open, give it another try. Service is always good and for dining I prefer the bar (has fireplace) and patio (ditto) to the dining room. Dining room is nice...it's just preference. Service is always good. I especially love the fish here. I've never been disappointed or been with someone who is disappointed with their meal. All worth trying. Worth noting is the spinach here. VERY good...smoky flavor. Last time I was here was with a 13 year old girl. They offered to make a lunch portion of the meal for her. Nice.
(4)
N M.
Decided to try this restaurant. It was nice we sat in the bar. Our entrees were very good and service excellent. I should have ordered what I originally wanted but didn't. It was very reasonably priced. I would like to try them again.
(4)
Karen G.
I met my sister for a quick lunch at ZaZa's and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The service was excellent, the food was delicious and I would go back anytime I was in the Addison area.
(3)
Danielle S.
ZaZa's is definitely better than Olive Garden or some other Americanized Italian restaurant. They were pretty dead, but it was a Wednesday evening. I was in a big group of women, and I have to say they did a good job with keeping up. On their menu they have quite a bit to choose from - anything from chicken to pasta to steak. It's a nicer place, not overly expensive by any means, but I would say they are a little more expensive than an Olive Garden, but not like a 5 star restaurant. I ordered the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino, which was really really good. I also tried the risotto which was very good as well. Out waitress was very nice and informative, but she repeated herself a lot. She made sure we knew that they could substitute for different things and make any dish how we liked it. Overall I would go back because they have great food and service, but to me there isn't anything really unique about it that I would brag about.
(4)
Amber S.
We went here on new years day. We were seated right away and had great service through the entire meal. They brought this amazing red sauce with great fresh bread. It was delish. My husband had a ny strip steak med rare and I had a seafood pasta dish. Everything was prepared well and tasted extremely fresh. The decor was nice and the bar looked cool. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Betty H.
This place is very good,went with a friend, she enjoyed as well, service the Best, the ambitious, warm, cozy and would be great for a date nite or just an exceptional dinning experience ! I ordered a Rib Eye Steak, charred perfectly prepared, came with amazing fresh vegetable! For appetizer, ordered the artichoke with lemon butter, great for dipping bread by the way and desert peach sorbet, was amazing! My friend had the pasta with Italian sausage Cannot remember the name, we shared dishes and that was good,as well! Overall I recommend ZaZa's Italian Steakhouse! Just want to mention,wine list Interesting, good selection!
(5)
Scott F.
The food is very, very good. Washington hill is their best Cabernet, and the artichoke appetizer was tasty.....but you are losing me with the whole $haring charge. Considering I was driving the tab up in plenty other areas why stick me with that? We didn't ask for more food, just split the portion. We also ordered soup and had the bread, artichokes etc so we were quite full already. Also, what's with the roman statue picture with his man parts dangling in the dining room? My date noticed this and it made for a good laugh, so I'm not sure what to make of it... Just a tad jarring to see the boys hanging out when your in a fine Italian restaurant. Anywho, I will return because the food is superb, but lose the sharing charge.
(3)
Aimee M.
I am always a skeptic when it comes to good food in my 'burb. Other than some mom and pop type fast food or my local carniceria, my go-to's are always in another 'burb or in Chicago. I was definitely put in my place when my gal pals invited me out for lunch at ZaZa's. I've never gone wrong when I've ordered the special of the day and at Zaza's, their lunch special was impressive. Two of the specials were salmon, and two of us opted for the grilled salmon, served with a creamy mushroom leek sauce, served with sauteed spinach. It was absolutely delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Fresh and flaky (in a good way) and so flavorful. The sauce was divine, I had it served on the side and I just wanted to mop the rest up with my bread. One of the lunch trio ordered the salmon Caesar and that looked just as impressive. The salmon that was served to us was a very nice portion and not at all a "lunchified" portion--you know what I mean. We lingered over coffee--it was Lavazza. Rich, bold, wonderful taste. Refills aplenty. Service was really good, friendly and on point. The restaurant was empty save for a large lunch group and some ladies enjoying the patio. But as I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I saw many diners coming and going. I can't comment on the rest of the menu because as soon as our server read the specials, I knew that's what I wanted. Beautiful setting. It's in a semi crowded strip mall so parking is cramped when it's busy. I want to make this a regular spot for the gal pals lunch meetings.
(4)
Rose D.
I've been driving by ZaZa's each work day thinking I'd like to try them sometime. Several coworkers had commented on how wonderful their food is. When the opportunity to choose a place for special girl's night Leap Day dinner presented itself to me I jumped at the chance. ZaZa's it is! I appreciated when I called to make the reservation Victor asked if I wanted the Addison location, which I did, as I didn't realize they had another location. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous inside. I love the decor and the ambiance is perfect. Upscale but not pretentious. They have a nice little bar area and a decent amount of high-top seating in the lounge, then regular tables in the dining area. The have an excellent drink menu and I opted for the white wine flight - all three wines were equally good, though I'm always partial to a riesling. My friends had red wine which they also enjoyed. They have so many wonderful things on the menu you won't have to twist my arm to come back here again for more! They also had a number of specials, which I usually prefer to order from at any restaurant. Our group all ordered from the specials menu and were not disappointed. I had an amazing salmon dish. It was a layered dish which started with a wonderful tomato and basil sauce on the plate, a potato pancake, roasted fennel, then a large grilled salmon filet, perfectly seasoned, with light arugula salad and viniagrette on top. Wow. A few of us had the same dish and I was the only one who resisted consuming it all. So very delicious. If you are looking for a place to have a special dinner or impress a date ZaZa's is an excellent choice!
(4)
Christina C.
oh. my. god. My boyfriend and I have only been here twice yet we keep coming back for the same entrees because you cannot find anything close to being as good. So far we have gotten the bruschetta, calamari, potato soup as starters and sides and they were AWESOME. As for the entrees we ordered the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino and Petto di Pollo Limone, which are both TO DIE FOR. You can tell that everything is extremely fresh and homemade! Not to mention, it comes out very fast even though the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino has the bone in. The ambiance is very cozy, slightly elegant, and romantic and the service is amazing as well! SUPER IMPRESSED and will ALWAYS be coming back for more!
(5)
Meredith K.
Some ladies and I popped in here after an appointment up the road. The staff was really nice but inconsistent. I was immediately sat, but then waited a long time for water. We ordered lunch but never saw a bread basket even though we had bread plates. That is a peeve of mine. If there's no bread then there should be no plates! Then I wouldn't have expectations. My friend got the salmon special which was covered with some crab and had a side of linguine. It looked heavy esp for lunch and esp for salmon. Maybe omit the crab and change the pasta for salad. My other friend got the steak salad which looked amazing! I had the chicken tortellini. It was yummy and comforting but had way too much sun dried tomatoes! Maybe chop them up and have less. Less is more when it comes to sun dried tomatoes. Then they could add asparagus or olives or something else. If I am in the area with friends again I would come back but I won't drive out of my way for it.
(3)
Christine C.
We came here to celebrate our engagement with our parents. I wish we would have picked somewhere else. We had never been there, but picked a place in between our parents so it would be convenient for them. Our waitress, Chelsea, was not wonderful. She was not attentive and instead of asking me to repeat myself twice she said "What?". Pet peeve...that's not polite, people! She would wander off for 5-10 minutes and we could never find her to get a drink or a refill. We tossed around the idea of ordering 2 or 3 bottles of champagne, then decided on 2. She brought 3. We gave her the unopened one back and she had the nerve to state twice that we had ordered 3. There were 6 of us at the table...that's 12 ears to her 2 ears. She took it back, reluctantly. The bottle was unopened so I'm not sure what the issue was. All of the pastas were ok at best, the pesto was AWFUL, probably the worst I've ever had-super bland, boring, yuck. There was a special Valentine's Day menu that they would not deviate away from which made me angry because there was NOTHING diet friendly on there. There was no mention of this special menu online either, so we had no way of knowing. Preparing for a wedding, I wasn't trying to eat a heavy meal. The place was SO loud and SO crowded. We were on top of the surrounding tables and could hardly get out to go to the bathroom. I hate that! After the waitress was rude, my fiance went and talked to the manager, Al. He didn't comp anything, but he brought us limoncello....which was gross. I've never had it in a glass with ice and it was just way too bitter to sip. However, he was really nice, chatted with us, took a picture for us and for that I gave this place another star. Overall, I'd say this place was mediocre, but I don't often eat in Addison so I don't know where else I would recommend. Do your research ;)
(2)
Saba A.
I guess this is the only stop in the Addison Area that seems "classy" enough but I would rather just get my pasta from Applebees across the street and save money, get a little bit more hoppin' of entertainment, and taste. It's your usual everyday pasta dishes, but if you are looking for a "romantic" dinner for two, this is the place! I wish I stopped by for a drink rather than have sat and split a whole dish between my fiance and I. We split spaghetti and it was good, but it was just quiet and boring. Our server was great, she named all the specials and was quite attentive. The ambiance brought me back to Italy a little bit but I don't know, it was more of a museum place to me. They were putting away wine bottles that were in boxes right in front of us and I was just kinda ready to leave. I'm glad I tried it because otherwise I'd just be curious. But if you are looking for good eats, go eat at the other restaurants in Lake, cause for Italian, I would have to say, this was just, A-OK.
(3)
Jeff W.
I have been here a few time and it has always been a good experience. The two biggest highlights for me are their white fish and their ribeye which is not usually on the menu, but usually availible by request. We have ventured other directions, but found different choices to be average. I am one who rarely likes a steak that I have not cooked by myself or a place that does them to perfection. This one is on the pricey side ($50ish), but it is worth it. Wine list is just ok, but my tastes are more American centric. The owner often greets us at the door and is usually close by to make sure all goes well, which is a reason why it usually does.
(4)
Maria P.
Visited this location for both lunch and dinner and I've yet to be disappointed. The staff is rather friendly and accommodating. I have tried many things on their menu and have yet to be less than satisfied. I had the fish special the last time I was in that had an avocado salsa on top pair with risotto. That was delicious! My husband had the linguine with clam sauce which was flavorful and beyond filling as their portions are rather large. I usually get their fish that comes with the sauteed spinach which is rather healthy and flavorful.
(4)
Chuck M.
Went here last night with my wife. We weren't impressed. The food was too salty and while it was cooked satisfactorily, it didn't meet my expectations for food at this price. We paid $50 for a dinner for two (no alcohol). The mussels that we had as an appetizer were fine (although I would have preferred a stronger flavor - a personal preference, not really a criticism), but both entrees were sub-par. I had the whitefish and she had the Italian sausage. I think next time we'll spend a little more and go to Hugo Frog Bar.
(2)
Cristie F.
My review of ZaZa's might be a little, ummm...lame. My bf and I were craving Italian one evening and figured we would give ZaZa's a shot since we had heard fairly good things about it. The menu looked appealing, the environment was romantic, and the prices seemed fair, so we were in. I definitely got that old school Italian vibe. Our waitress was an Italian woman who was over-the-top ((in a good, ol' fashioned Italian way!)) about making sure we got exactly what we wanted. Needless to say, the service was fantastic. Here's where it gets lame-o. I ordered the Capellini Pomodoro, and he ordered spaghetti and meatballs. Talk about venturing out and really trying the menu items, huh?? Oh well. Neither of us were super starving, and we were craving a big bowl of spaghetti - nothing wrong with that!! Both dishes were very good. The pasta was cooked perfectly, al dente. The sauces were rich and garlicky. Yum. The meatball was the size of a softball, and was tender and juicy. The portions were massive. I had lunch for the next following two days. We also had a couple martinis each - and they don't skimp on the booze. I definitely left with a pasta coma and a buzz -- if it's possible to have both at once. I will be back to give ZaZa's another go. It's probably not the place I would choose to order a steak, but I will definitely give their chicken dishes or fancied-up pasta dishes a whirl. Mangia!!
(4)
Aimee F.
I've been here a couple of times so far and have had a decent experience every time. Recently I went with a group of people and we played the "what's the check?" game. We had 4 bottles of wine and steaks and appetizers. The average guess was around $500 for the total bill. Wellll, the bill came and it was only $310! We didn't know it was 20% off wine which made a huge difference. Everyone was really surprised because the food was great, not one complaint from anyone about anything. It's really nice to get a great meal and have a good experience for good prices. I will definitely continue to go back.
(4)
Jimmy G.
My wife and I went here about 4-5 weeks ago on a Saturday night without reservations and got a table within 10 minutes. We have been to the one in St Charles many times, but we never went to the Addison location until now. For starters I had a cold Stella with the appropriate chilled Stella glass and my best lady had a Flirtini. A Flirtini is 2 Oz. Champagne - 3/4 Oz Vodka - 1 Oz Pineapple Juice and my wife loved it. She had the Penne Mio Modo and I had the Veal Sassi. We both enjoyed the meal and the servings were plentiful. I would recommend this spot and we will return. Parking was easy and no reservations were needed.
(4)
Lola L.
My family and I tried Zazas out tonight and found the restaurant to be mediocre. The staff were friendly for the most part, mostly the waitress. My mother and sister ordered the snapper and it was delicious! I had the rigatoni which was okay....nothing to rave about. We enjoyed our time out there together and the ambiance of the place was great. However, I don't feel compelled to go back.
(3)
Brett W.
Only 3.5 stars? Really?! This restaurant bent over backwards to accommodate my wife and I. We don't eat wheat (yes I know I'm at an Italian restaurant that serves pasta. Made from flour. Which comes from wheat. I know. But thanks for pointing that out. :) I barely mentioned it to the Hostess at the door and my server (Alexis, GREAT JOB! Thank you for making our meal so pleasant) knew about it the very first time she approached our table. The chef replaced the pasta with a perfectly done risotto along with the filet tip special. DELICIOUS! My wife had the scallop special, they were also perfect. Tender and cooked, all the way through. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was outstanding. Such great service and attention to detail needs more patrons! Did I mention the outdoor seating?
(5)
Avani S.
My husband and I came here for dinner last week. The service was excellent, the waiter was new but was personable. We were taken care of right away and food came out fast and was very tasty. They even got me a new glass of 7 up even though I wasn't finished, but it was watered down. I thought that was great. We will be back!
(5)
Claire M.
Wow! This place is as good as it gets! My husband and I just got back from dinner at ZaZa's and we had a Ruth's Chris experience at an Outback price! From the moment our reservation was made we knew we were in for a treat. We arrived and were seated right at the FIre place (Romantic and warm!) MaryAnn was excellent, cheerful and sweet. Our waiter was Victor, he was quick to explain the menu to us when we mentioned we had never been there before. He even made suggestions as to how to get the most bang for our buck! The food was divine! I highly recommend the Sea Bass and my husband had the Salmon (delicious!). The General Manager made his way over to our table and made sure we were treated well. He was quick to joke around with us, and graciously accept our many compliments about his entire staff! Our only disappointment is that we didn't have room for dessert! We are looking for so many reason to go back and can't wait to tell our friend's and family about our experience! Thank you to EVERYONE at ZaZa's for such an incredible evening!
(5)
Bea B.
We had gone to the ZaZa's in St Charles for New Years Eve with a large group and we all agreed the food was fantastic (at the St Charles ZaZa's). So, my husband and I decided to try their Addison location since we were going to the movies across the street this past weekend. Based on both of our meals (and we tried eachother's)....the consensus was a big NO. The staff was friendly and there were a couple of larger groups in the same seating area as us who were seeming to enjoy their food. The hostess and our waitress were very friendly. I did think it a bit odd she didn't ask if we wanted to start out with an appetizer (or make recommendations), ask if we wanted a salad, etc. I've never been to an Italian restaurant that didn't ask if you wanted pepper or fresh parmesan cheese grated onto your pasta. The waitress didn't ask or offer. I got the special of the night - Mahi Mahi with scallops and garlic mashed potatoes. My meal was very watery - if it was intended to be the sauce, it certainly didn't have any flavor and was more like water. The garlic mashed potatoes had no flavor and were watered down. They put the Mahi Mahi on top of the potatoes and there were barely any potatoes that I actually forgot there were potatoes on my plate until I got half way through the Mahi Mahi (due to having no taste and they weren't very visible along with the spinach). The scallops had a very fish smell so I am going to assume that is because they were very fresh. Disappointing to say the least for a $24 dish. My husband had the Penne Abruzzese and he was not impressed with it. It seemed to lack on the meat and just wasn't very flavorful overall. The best we had that evening was the warm bread - very good with the tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. I thought of sending the Mahi Mahi back but we were hungry and didn't want to miss our movie. But we won't be back at this ZaZa's location. The ambiance at the St Charles location is better too (both inside and out).
(2)
Dee D.
My husband and I decided to try Zaza's and we're glad we did. We have been coming here often and will continue to do so. We like the atmosphere and the food. I've enjoyed every meal I've had and normally end up bringing home leftovers. I also love all the appetizers we've tried so far.
(5)
Roseanne S.
Definitely was not impressed. Living in the area, I pass this place by many times and always wondered about it. My boyfriend and I really had a taste for steak and seeing as this is a STEAKhouse, we decided to try it out. There was nobody in the resturant on a Saturday at 5 which to me is always a warning sign, but we went in anyway. The inside was nicely set up with white table clothes and the like. I was very disappointed when I saw the menu, though. Only two steak items? Are you kidding me? Their steak options were New York Strip and Filet Mingon. I'm a girl who loves a good, hearty steak so I was looking forward to a Ribeye, which was not to be found. The waitress came by with the specials. As soon as she said Ribeye, my ears perked up only to find out that it was a 20 oz Ribeye for $40. Yikes. That's way too much steak. I could have gotten it, but then I would have leftovers for sure, and it wouldn't taste as good the next day, if I remembered to eat it. And that price tag is too high. I asked if they had a half portion of the Ribeye and she said they do on some days but today was not one of those days. I don't think you should have this popular steak available on SOME days. Also, they should think of the money they could make if they offered a smaller portion. Instead of selling me an $8 salad which is what I ended up getting, you could have sold me a 10 oz steak for $20. Win-win. Like I said, I ordered a salad (Caprese) which was nothing special. I had made one at home earlier that week and it was much better. They used way too much oil. I was scraping it off on the side of my plate. My boyfriend had some pasta which looked good and was a huge portion, but I wasn't in the mood for pasta at a steakhouse. Maybe this is what an Italian steakhouse is but for my money, I'd rather go somewhere with a lot of meat options if I'm going to pay that much. Hell, I'll even take Outback over this.
(2)
Matt G.
The food was decent and the portions huge. Service was lacking and the salads were brought after the entrees arrived. The layout is bad and contributes to the experience. Doubtful I will be back.
(2)
A F.
Portions are big and the spicy seafood pasta was actually good except for too much salt. They should have shared some of that salt on other dishes since we had the blandest chicken tortelini we've ever tried. My wife had to pour parmesian cheese on it to get some flavor. Also why is everything ala cart, I mean this was in Itasca, not the Chicago Firehouse on Michigan in Chicago. Also the waitress had ADD or something, not that it should matter but we didnt get a straight answer from her and she just stared into the wall ahead of us without making eye contact. Weird. Later, one of the managers came by and asked if we would like the tortellini packaged to go and we said no actually it was very bland having only taken 2 bites out of it and her response was just OK, No apology, no remorse and just a blank stare when I suggested the chef should really pay attention to the salt as he may have accidentally dounle salted the seafood pasta and not salted the tortellini at all. Just weird experience indeed.
(2)
Victoria W.
I went here with my partner on a late Friday night. It was a good choice for a fairly peaceful, romantic meal with a casual vibe. The place was beautiful and spacious -- fireplace visible from the outside, red walls and modern furnishings on the inside, somewhat odd Greek statue-inspired paintings. The waitstaff was friendly. There were 3 solid vegetarian options for dinner, all pastas. I had the ravioli alla fungi which was only about $12. Very tasty, though the sauce was too salty. The Flirtini was deliciously citrusy. Artichoke appetizer was pretty interesting. Peach sorbet for dessert was perfect -- I kind of want to go back just to try the coconut and pineapple sorbets ^__^
(4)
Taryn T.
Stopped in here for the first time last night after seeing The Social Network at Marcus Addison right across the street. The place was surprisingly empty for a Saturday night, but then again, we walked in at 9:45 and they were set to close pretty early (10:30). We sat at the bar and ordered drinks - sangria for my friends, the Tuscan Sun martini for me. I was VERY pleased with my drink because it was nice and strong, just the way I like it. I tend to be disappointed with the quality of drinks at suburban restaurants, so this was a pleasant surprise. Ordered two appetizers to share - the artichoke and the scallops, both of which were delicious and perfect to split among three people. They also gave us fresh-out-of-the-oven bread with two little bowls of tomato sauce and parmesan cheese for extra flavor - YUM! I'd recommend this place if you live in the suburbs, like your drinks strong, and don't want to worry about waiting a while for a table on a weekend. I plan to come back for a full meal (read: steak).
(4)
Steve F.
Ask for Big Al, he will always get you a good table! Victor and Kim are the best servers in town..
(5)
Laine K.
Nothing to write about. Cheerful waiter. Mediocre food. I really don't have too much bad or good to write about this place. It worked in a pinch to have dinner quick one night and that's about it. Huge portions. Would I go again? Probably not unless some one insisted they wanted to try it. Maybe for a drink since the patio was nice and the bar looked really cool.
(2)
Jessica G.
Great Atmosphere. No complaints about the food. Very classy place. The service was exceptional. We started the evening with martini's. They had a raspberry cosmo. Very tasty! My husband and I do not agree on appetizers so much. He loves shrimp cocktail, and I on the other hand, love calamari. We always run into this problem, and most fine dining restaurants will not do a half order of calamari. ZaZa's did this for me. I opted for the grilled calamari. It was very tasty. A little zesty, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Our entree's were great as well. To finish off the evening, I had a turtle martini, and we shared a tiramisu. The tiramisu was excellent. The drizzled the plate with a dark chocolate syrup, which really complimented the coffee flavor of the tiramisu. From the outside, you do not know what to expect, being as ZaZa's is in a strip mall, but the inside is very inviting. The prices belong downtown, but you feel as though you are downtown when you are in there, so I guess the pricing goes with the atmosphere. If you want to go to a nice place, that has large portions, this would be it. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. Kudo's to ZaZa's!!!!!
(4)
Travis R.
Great food and great atmosphere!!!! Bar is big enough and swank enough to make it a night out with friends!
(4)
P.R. H.
If we could rate 3.5 stars we would. What we had: caesar salad, roasted asparagus side, salmon entree. penne w/sausage. All were quite good except the caesar was a bit flavorless. Good, solid italian food. HUGE portions. Nice ambience that goes beyond its strip-mall location. For Addison, we're sure you could do worse, but not sure you could do better.
(3)
Susan J.
Great cocktails, superb pasta dishes and great Italian dishes in abundance coupled with all around good service and fair prices is what I love about this place!
(5)
Amar P.
Two friends and I came to this Italian STEAKHOUSE to get some Friday night food and drinks. When we walked in at about 730 pm there were a 4-5 tables occupied in the entire restaurant, a signal to us that something was awry. We decided to sit in the bar area; it seemed more appealing to us. The waiter was a bit pushy and recommended a wine to us, which was one of the more expensive ones on the menu (go figure). We ordered a couple drinks, and they standard. Our bruschetta appetizer was very good and garlicky and cheesy. The waiter was friendly but was rather pushy on a couple of expensive dishes. He probably worked at a car dealership at some point in his life because he was a terrific salesman. I ordered a New York Strip steak - medium. It was heavily seasoned with mushrooms and prosciutto yet nothing spectacular. My friend S ordered a Chicken Limone and he seemed to enjoy it thoroughly - he was grinning like an idiot through his entire meal :). It seems funny to me that this place is called an Italian steakhouse even though they really don't have a wide variety of steaks. I don't think I'll be visiting again, as I have had far superior steaks and overall food. I left with a decent buzz so that's partially why I gave it two stars.
(2)
Nick N.
Went back a second time and it was nothing short of excellent
(5)
Dina M.
This may be my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. Service Fantastic! On their busy evenings the service may be a little on the slow side, but it is understandable. Food Appetizers: Baked clams- they are small, but packed with flavor. The sauce that they are served in - lemon, garlic, butter - is to die for. Stuffed artichoke: again wonderful. the stuffing is not too heavy and it too is served in a lemon, butter, garlic type sauce that is phenomenal! Entrees: All of the pastas are wonderful. They are full of flavor and are generous portions. I have not had the steak, but others at our table have, and all have enjoyed it. The fish - especially the whitefish - is delicious, and, like the pasta, a generous portion. Desserts: Basic, but good. I highly recommend ZaZa's, and I continue to go back there on a monthly basis!
(5)
N. M.
Ate here last week. Very nice decore and good food. Great romantic restaurant for you and your sweetheart.
(4)
Gail L.
I spent my entire meal staring at David's junk. Yes, really. Well, it was actually a huge portrait of Michelangelo's David, with a bright green merkin. I found myself staring, despite my best efforts. I think if you are going to have a giant portrait of David, you should just embrace the nakedness - it'd be less distracting than a huge green merkin. We started out in the bar, while waiting for the rest of our party. At 6pm, it was quite nice, but I could see it'd be unpleasant and packed later in the evening, since they had really crammed a lot of tables in there. I had the house Shiraz, which was truly very good. Since it was New Years Eve, they had a special menu "because they had prepped a ton of stuff", according to our waiter. Which, fair enough. The menu still had a lot of options. Our appetizers were excellent - we all split an asparagus salad, fried calamari and a really really yummy shrimp dish. Our entrees were reasonably good - I had the filet, topped with lump crab and a yummy sauce. My steak was cooked well. It was a bit salty, but not horribly so. Or at least, it wouldn't have been a problem, if my wine glass and water wasn't empty, and had been for some time. Everyone else seemed reasonably happy with their entrees, especially the folks who had gotten pasta. So, why only three stars? Honestly, the service wasn't all that great. It felt like they were battening the hatches for New Years Eve, so everything felt rushed and like a crisis was about to erupt. The host and hostess seemed flustered, and it was only 6 pm. We had a hard time getting drinks - the waiter, when he took our dinner order, only seemed to notice one person's drink was empty - I had to ask when he came back some time later for another glass of wine. I'd be willing to give this place another chance - the folks who suggested it rated the pasta very highly, and perhaps it was just a New Years Eve thing.
(3)
Kat G.
This place was a huge disappointment. My hubby and I love steak, and we have been wanting to try this place out. We decided to go lat night. We were worried that it would be extremely busy for a Saturday evening. Just the opposite - the place was empty. The place was beautiful inside, very modern and very comfortable atmosphere. The waitress was good, she recommended a red wine for me and it did not disappoint. My husband had a Za Za's martini and it was too strong for his tastes. He ordered a different drink which was better.. The food... well let me tell ya: I had veal scallions. The sauce was WAY too salty. The veal was perfectly cooked though. It came with a side of linguine which was a little cold and not too much sauce which is good to me. My husband had the bone in rib-eye: medium. It was very rare and he sent it back to be re-cooked. Also, the au jus sauce was quite peculiar so when they re-cooked it he asked for no sauce. The waitress was apologetic and very accommodating and of course it wasn't her fault it was undercooked so she still got a substantial tip. This place was overpriced and over rated so we will NOT be going again for a second chance. Look at my reviews for a place called Brian's Charhouse - it is consistently good and lower priced.
(1)
Wolf R.
Somewhat pricey, but in fairness to them I ordered the most expensive steak on the menu. Nice decor. Appetizer: artichoke with breadcrumbs. I'm not going to do it justice by describing it, but it was good. I had their signature steak, a ribeye. Good cut, but I've had better. That said, perhaps I just actually wasn't in a ribeye mood that night after all. The veggies and potatoes that came along for the ride were very tasty. Among the best I've had. Peach sorbet for dessert. Good, and served with style: they hollowed out a fresh peach and froze it, serving the sorbet inside it.
(3)
Lorene H.
I've been to ZaZa's three times and have enjoyed my food choices all three times. We were there last night and I ordered the eggplant appetizer and a salad as I wasn't hungry enough for a full entree (their entrees are large!!). The eggplant appetizer and the salad were plenty!! We also ordered a bottle of wine versus by the glass as the server informed us that bottles of wine were 20% off - that was a no-brainer, order the bottle! The server could have used a little more personality, but she was quick and efficient, so she met the purpose. I really like the atmosphere there as well..... it's not super loud, but it is cozy. Overall, I think it's a good choice!!
(4)
Kate J.
Great restaurant. Delicious food. Excellent service. One of the best Italian restaurants in the area!
(5)
janaynay n.
I was skeptic at first going to this place but at the end, it was AMAZING. I seriously thought- must be hekka expensive and food is probably not going to be so great. I was so wrong. Prices were not so bad....it was like an upgrade from olive garden. Food was amazing. I had the chicken with limone. BEST FREAKIN LEMON CHICKEN I HAVE EVER TASTED. It also came with pasta which made it perfect. My bf had the surf and turf...his dish was delicious too. Oh yeah calamari was best from all the italian restaurants we ever went to. Service was excellent. We had a very friendly waitress.
Great food, good service. Their food is always fresh and delicious and they have a very good wine selection. Nice relaxing atmosphere; fireplace in winter and patio in summer.
(5)
Megan B.
I love this restaurant! The atmosphere is superb. Very welcoming, relaxing, and inviting. Absolutely not what you would expect from a restaurant in a strip mall, but in a good way! The staff are always friendly. I have gone here on several occassions and never been disappointed with anything here. Food quality, service and surrounds are wonderful. Anyone who enjoys linguine with clams MUST try that here! It is amazing!!!! And even when it is not on the menu they will whip it up if you ask! ;) I was told by one of the waitresses that they have about 10 menus that they rotate to keep things a little different, but as long as they have the ingredients available they will make anything from any of the menus that you have tried previously. Now how is that for customer service! This place is guaranteed to satisfy!
Mixed experience here. Service from Victor (who came recommended on other reviews) was rushed and impersonal. Food also mixed- see my posted pics. Caprese salad and pasta special were mediocre to awful. Canned crab meat as a sauce base? Yuck! Shrimp mixed in a pasta dish with tails still on? Just wrong. And $24! The pasta abruzzese was actually quite good. Overall, an expensive, forgettable meal. I've had 5-star food and service at the Clarendon Hills location of ZaZa's.
(3)
Eric B.
Stopped here for a business dinner. Portions are large... Food was decent, but not to die for. I had the lamb - very tender, but a bit bland. The apps were good. We split the meatballs and Italian sausage - plenty for four people. We thought the limoncello for the table was being compted based on a food delay and a comment from our waitress... Not the case... That's a bit misleading and leaves a not so Pleasant taste.
(3)
Cindy H.
I was glad that I visited Zaza's after it was highly recommended by friends and the hotel I was staying at in Addison. The city is lucky to have them. And Zaza's is lucky to have Kim as a server. She suggested a fantastic Cabernet since they didn't serve zinfandel by the glass. I had the filet mignon which was perfectly cooked medium and Kim had the chef butterfly it so that it cooked evenly. The filet came with this absolutely dreamy, buttery, cheesy, soft but crunchy potato wedge. So yum. Besides being treated like we were dinner guests at our family's home, Zaza's is clean and neat as well as dark and quite romantic. Truly the whole package!
(5)
Lana C.
This place has a nice ambiance for a romantic date for two, or for a group. But it is very dark in here. The food was excellent. But it is not cheap and mostly al la carte. A few meals come with side dishes, but not many. They are fast and you don't wait on food for long. Bread is at every table, along with oil, salt, pepper, and cheese to dress your bread however you like. Parking can be tricky. I got lucky and found a spot right in front. Plan on have to walk a bit if it is a busy night. By a bit I mean from the back of the building to the front. I had an allergic reaction to something in my food. I don't know what because I have never experienced food allergy before. It could have been a blessing in disguise and I don't hold the restaurant responsible for this. However I have never experienced anything like it before and for that reason I probably can't eat here again.
I love this place I usually go during lunch and the wait staff is awesome and the food is yummy I've never had a bad experience here
(5)
Carolyn B.
I was very pleased with Zazas Italian steakhouse in Addison. My husband and I stopped by on the spur of the moment and did not know really what to expect. The food was very good. We both ordered the whitefish and it was excellent! The service was very good. We would definitely go there again.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Sari L.
Another really great lunch today at Zaza's. What a great local independent place with excellent food and great ambiance. Victor, the server is just outstanding and has a wit and charm that keep me coming back. Even if I've not been in for months, he remembers the exact ice tea I drink and always brings it over. Typically, I'll eat the sausage ala Zaza - which is their homemade Italian sausage, served with spinach, mushrooms, artichokes and balsamic drizzle. Its an appetizer but more than enough for lunch. Today, I had the chicken limone and it was outstanding.
(5)Joe L.
Zaza is my favorite local place to eat. The atmosphere is great. We typically eat in the bar area. Nice warm decor, bar is beautiful with easy to see TV 's. The fire place is perfect for our winter nights. The patio is very nice for the spring and summer. Our personal server is victor. He is the best. He knows exactly what we want. He treats us like family. Always makes us leave with a smile on our faces. Their menu isn't complicating and it flows well. I had one of the best meals ever here!! I have never had a subpar meal here. Chef is willing to take an entree on the menu and add a personal twist to it. If you are in the area and are looking for a great place to eat, make it Zaza's. There are a several choices in the area and I visit them as well, but ZAZA is the top!!
(5)Christopher S.
I had the Salmon al Mustasa. It arrived timely and was served hot. I was a little disappointed by the portion size of the Salmon. I was expecting a nice 1-2" thick cut and a good serving size of 5-8 oz. The piece I received was rather thin on the ends making the crispy fried outside (pan basted) texture overpowering. This also made the ends rather dry, which made the cut feel much smaller than what it probably weighed prior. The fire roasted spinach was okay, but under seasoned (or no seasoning used at all). The sauce was also okay, but lacked a mustard taste which I was looking forward to. The portabella mushrooms were very delicious. They were very well prepared. They were hot and tender, but not so much they were mush. Next time I plan on trying some other entree. This was just not a great "I must come back to have again" entree menu choice for me. Our waiter Victor was very nice. I would gladly go back again to dine.
(4)Jackie M.
We just ate here for our first time. The food was great! Service was good. We will definitely go back. My husband ordered the prime rib-eye, which he said was cooked perfectly (medium rare). I had rigatoni with sausage and broccoli in a light cream sauce. It was delicious, and the serving was HUGE! we had fried calamari as an appetizer, which was great, and cheesecake and cappuccino for dessert. The cappuccino was especially good!
(4)A K.
Let me start with the positive.. The food was amazing we had the calamari, salmon, house salad and margarita pizza. They perfectly done and I'm sure if we tried anything else would have been amazing. The negative... The service was horrible our waitress forgot our calamari we didn't get it until all of our food came. We had asked for extra bread and waited about 15 minutes to only remind her again. Our drinks were never refilled until we saw a busboy and stopped him for some water. She offered us a free desert but we were headed to the movies so we didn't take her up on that. Please please improve your service! Your food is amazing but that service will drive many customers like myself away.
(2)Madeline W.
Our waiter Victor was amazing and recommend the perfect appetizer. The artichoke and muscles were delicious.
(5)Liz M.
This place is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. We went last evening. We started with the bread with olives and melted goat cheese in sauce. OH YUM! What a fantastic way to start the meal. I then ventured on to the Whitefish with a white wine lemon sauce and capers with sautéed spinach on the side. It was magical, from the first bite to the last to me wanting to lick the plate, it was perfect. My dining partners chose the Rigatoni with scallops (special) and the pasta with carbonara and by the lack of conversation and the ummmmm,s heard throughout the meal, I would say they were very happy. Dessert was a must. One had the strawberry dessert, the other the tartufo and I had the carrot cake. All fabulous as well. The atmosphere is warm and inviting as is the staff. There were larger groups last evening and you would be concerned the noise level would be high. Not a problem there. Our wonderful water man was on top of it every step of the way. Our waitress is outstanding. We have had her a few times now and she is excellent, keeping you informed, answering all our questions...just great. If you haven't been to Zaza'a, I strongly suggest you make the trip
(4)Karl C.
A very nice restaurant. I will make an effort to come here when I return to Chicago.
(4)S E.
Great food, but... Made reservations and were seated next to the kitchen and the area they were using to unload glasses (so, quite loud). We asked to be seated at one of 6 empty tables away from this area and were told "each and every table" was booked until close (and the manager was dealing with "1000" catering orders, so they weren't available). So we ate...yes, yum... and watched 4 of the 6 tables remain empty for 2 hours until they were cleaning up. So if this isn't bothersome to you... By all means, go! I have difficulty understanding, however.
(2)Brian G.
I'm going to make this short, sweet, and to the point. I had the rib eye, medium rare, and it was the greatest steak I've ever had in my life. It was seasoned perfectly, had an amazing char on it, and was cooked superbly. I was a little offput at first when it came out with a light gravy on it, considering the place is a self proclaimed "steakhouse," but with the first bite I realized that the gravy didn't take away from the steak, and the steak certainly didn't need the gravy. It was light enough that it complimented the steak perfectly and kept the flavor on it instead of running all over the plate. I also ordered mushrooms on the side as I typically do, but found that I actually preferred the steak without them. This is not to say that the mushrooms weren't good however, because quite the contrary was true. The mixed vegetables were very good, the garlic mashed were alright and probably would have gone great with some more of that steak gravy, but the star of the entree definitely shined. I paired the meal with an Argentinean malbac that was also phenomenal. To finish the visit, I ordered the Chocolate Tartufo. I'm not huge on desert at restaurants, but this completed the meal wonderfully. I can't wait to get back to this place and place the same order.
(5)Melissa B.
Classy place. My goat cheese in tomato sauce appetizer was PHENOMENAL. I was highly let down by my meal though. Zaza's has proven my point that it is near impossible to find good Italian fare in the suburbs. I had penne pasta with crumbled sausage and pancetta in a tomato sauce. The sausage was barely edible and the sauce was very ho hum. It almost had that Chef Boy R Dee taste. What a disappointment. My husband really liked his steak though. Guess the steakhouse part of this restaurant is good, but not the Italian side.
(2)Sarah d.
Nice decor, great martini's, good service but the food... Dear lord, the driest chicken Vesuvio ever!!!!! And whatever my bf had chicken prosciutto, mozzarella with a side of stale linguini.. What a shame.. I had high hopes.. We will not be returning
(2)Morris N.
The setup is pretty nice inside. When you walk in, there is a hostess stand. To the right is the bar area with seating available. There are some flat screens behind the bar. To the left is the main dining area. On a weekday evening it was pretty dead so there was no wait. Parking outside was ample. Service was good. I had a pasta dish which was good and portions were big. Good wine selection. For appetizer, had the calamari was which decent. Prices were reasonable.
(3)Christine L.
Stopped by for a quick lunch during a weekday and there were quite a few people. The place itself is very clean and the decor very nice Italian Restaurant-ish. The service here is great, the host is very friendly and the waitstaff super attentive. To start they give you warm bread with olive oil & parmesan cheese. The bread is not the best I've eaten at an Italian restaurant but still very good. I ordered the Penne Abruzzese (penne with a tomato based sauce with sausage and pancetta). It was delicious; the penne was al dente and they didn't skimp on the pancetta. Portion was pretty big, even had enough leftovers to make another meal. I also ordered a Capellini Pomodoro to go for a friend and they were kind enough to include some of their bread with it! Just a little example of their kind service that goes along with a great meal.
(4)Jessica P.
I just had the special salad of the day.. Salad with Filet Mignon meat (cooked to your preference)..very delicious and portions are big.. :) YUM
(4)Mark F.
Yelp puts this restaurant at $$....Actually, I would say it is $$$. There are a couple of items at $17, a few at $23, more at $26 and then at $33. We had some common fare...veal parm, roasted chicken and seafood marinara. The veal wasn't the best I have ever had, I actually get very good veal parm right here in Iowa, so I was a little let down. My wife liked here seafood, as it had lobster in it. But the roasted chicken was REALLY GOOD. My daughter ordered it, as was so pleased. She was kind enough to give me a sample...really good stuff! The service is excellent at this place. My glass was never empty, and our waitress was very kind. We ended up talking with her for a few minutes...which was a welcome gesture. I do recommend this place, but 3 1/2 stars instead of 4, due to the red sauce being somewhat bland...needed a little more herbs and zest.
(3)Stefanie W.
Always have a nice time here. Wasn't always the case. When they first opened they had an annoying and pretentious valet service and the clientele seemed like Soprano wannabes. I'd come in and they'd try to seat me out of the way. Guess they were going for a certain flavor that I didn't' have and ultimately didn't fly because the valet is long gone and so is the pretentious edge. So if you too experienced that and are amazed they're still open, give it another try. Service is always good and for dining I prefer the bar (has fireplace) and patio (ditto) to the dining room. Dining room is nice...it's just preference. Service is always good. I especially love the fish here. I've never been disappointed or been with someone who is disappointed with their meal. All worth trying. Worth noting is the spinach here. VERY good...smoky flavor. Last time I was here was with a 13 year old girl. They offered to make a lunch portion of the meal for her. Nice.
(4)N M.
Decided to try this restaurant. It was nice we sat in the bar. Our entrees were very good and service excellent. I should have ordered what I originally wanted but didn't. It was very reasonably priced. I would like to try them again.
(4)Karen G.
I met my sister for a quick lunch at ZaZa's and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The service was excellent, the food was delicious and I would go back anytime I was in the Addison area.
(3)Danielle S.
ZaZa's is definitely better than Olive Garden or some other Americanized Italian restaurant. They were pretty dead, but it was a Wednesday evening. I was in a big group of women, and I have to say they did a good job with keeping up. On their menu they have quite a bit to choose from - anything from chicken to pasta to steak. It's a nicer place, not overly expensive by any means, but I would say they are a little more expensive than an Olive Garden, but not like a 5 star restaurant. I ordered the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino, which was really really good. I also tried the risotto which was very good as well. Out waitress was very nice and informative, but she repeated herself a lot. She made sure we knew that they could substitute for different things and make any dish how we liked it. Overall I would go back because they have great food and service, but to me there isn't anything really unique about it that I would brag about.
(4)Amber S.
We went here on new years day. We were seated right away and had great service through the entire meal. They brought this amazing red sauce with great fresh bread. It was delish. My husband had a ny strip steak med rare and I had a seafood pasta dish. Everything was prepared well and tasted extremely fresh. The decor was nice and the bar looked cool. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Betty H.
This place is very good,went with a friend, she enjoyed as well, service the Best, the ambitious, warm, cozy and would be great for a date nite or just an exceptional dinning experience ! I ordered a Rib Eye Steak, charred perfectly prepared, came with amazing fresh vegetable! For appetizer, ordered the artichoke with lemon butter, great for dipping bread by the way and desert peach sorbet, was amazing! My friend had the pasta with Italian sausage Cannot remember the name, we shared dishes and that was good,as well! Overall I recommend ZaZa's Italian Steakhouse! Just want to mention,wine list Interesting, good selection!
(5)Scott F.
The food is very, very good. Washington hill is their best Cabernet, and the artichoke appetizer was tasty.....but you are losing me with the whole $haring charge. Considering I was driving the tab up in plenty other areas why stick me with that? We didn't ask for more food, just split the portion. We also ordered soup and had the bread, artichokes etc so we were quite full already. Also, what's with the roman statue picture with his man parts dangling in the dining room? My date noticed this and it made for a good laugh, so I'm not sure what to make of it... Just a tad jarring to see the boys hanging out when your in a fine Italian restaurant. Anywho, I will return because the food is superb, but lose the sharing charge.
(3)Aimee M.
I am always a skeptic when it comes to good food in my 'burb. Other than some mom and pop type fast food or my local carniceria, my go-to's are always in another 'burb or in Chicago. I was definitely put in my place when my gal pals invited me out for lunch at ZaZa's. I've never gone wrong when I've ordered the special of the day and at Zaza's, their lunch special was impressive. Two of the specials were salmon, and two of us opted for the grilled salmon, served with a creamy mushroom leek sauce, served with sauteed spinach. It was absolutely delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Fresh and flaky (in a good way) and so flavorful. The sauce was divine, I had it served on the side and I just wanted to mop the rest up with my bread. One of the lunch trio ordered the salmon Caesar and that looked just as impressive. The salmon that was served to us was a very nice portion and not at all a "lunchified" portion--you know what I mean. We lingered over coffee--it was Lavazza. Rich, bold, wonderful taste. Refills aplenty. Service was really good, friendly and on point. The restaurant was empty save for a large lunch group and some ladies enjoying the patio. But as I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I saw many diners coming and going. I can't comment on the rest of the menu because as soon as our server read the specials, I knew that's what I wanted. Beautiful setting. It's in a semi crowded strip mall so parking is cramped when it's busy. I want to make this a regular spot for the gal pals lunch meetings.
(4)Rose D.
I've been driving by ZaZa's each work day thinking I'd like to try them sometime. Several coworkers had commented on how wonderful their food is. When the opportunity to choose a place for special girl's night Leap Day dinner presented itself to me I jumped at the chance. ZaZa's it is! I appreciated when I called to make the reservation Victor asked if I wanted the Addison location, which I did, as I didn't realize they had another location. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous inside. I love the decor and the ambiance is perfect. Upscale but not pretentious. They have a nice little bar area and a decent amount of high-top seating in the lounge, then regular tables in the dining area. The have an excellent drink menu and I opted for the white wine flight - all three wines were equally good, though I'm always partial to a riesling. My friends had red wine which they also enjoyed. They have so many wonderful things on the menu you won't have to twist my arm to come back here again for more! They also had a number of specials, which I usually prefer to order from at any restaurant. Our group all ordered from the specials menu and were not disappointed. I had an amazing salmon dish. It was a layered dish which started with a wonderful tomato and basil sauce on the plate, a potato pancake, roasted fennel, then a large grilled salmon filet, perfectly seasoned, with light arugula salad and viniagrette on top. Wow. A few of us had the same dish and I was the only one who resisted consuming it all. So very delicious. If you are looking for a place to have a special dinner or impress a date ZaZa's is an excellent choice!
(4)Christina C.
oh. my. god. My boyfriend and I have only been here twice yet we keep coming back for the same entrees because you cannot find anything close to being as good. So far we have gotten the bruschetta, calamari, potato soup as starters and sides and they were AWESOME. As for the entrees we ordered the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino and Petto di Pollo Limone, which are both TO DIE FOR. You can tell that everything is extremely fresh and homemade! Not to mention, it comes out very fast even though the Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino has the bone in. The ambiance is very cozy, slightly elegant, and romantic and the service is amazing as well! SUPER IMPRESSED and will ALWAYS be coming back for more!
(5)Meredith K.
Some ladies and I popped in here after an appointment up the road. The staff was really nice but inconsistent. I was immediately sat, but then waited a long time for water. We ordered lunch but never saw a bread basket even though we had bread plates. That is a peeve of mine. If there's no bread then there should be no plates! Then I wouldn't have expectations. My friend got the salmon special which was covered with some crab and had a side of linguine. It looked heavy esp for lunch and esp for salmon. Maybe omit the crab and change the pasta for salad. My other friend got the steak salad which looked amazing! I had the chicken tortellini. It was yummy and comforting but had way too much sun dried tomatoes! Maybe chop them up and have less. Less is more when it comes to sun dried tomatoes. Then they could add asparagus or olives or something else. If I am in the area with friends again I would come back but I won't drive out of my way for it.
(3)Christine C.
We came here to celebrate our engagement with our parents. I wish we would have picked somewhere else. We had never been there, but picked a place in between our parents so it would be convenient for them. Our waitress, Chelsea, was not wonderful. She was not attentive and instead of asking me to repeat myself twice she said "What?". Pet peeve...that's not polite, people! She would wander off for 5-10 minutes and we could never find her to get a drink or a refill. We tossed around the idea of ordering 2 or 3 bottles of champagne, then decided on 2. She brought 3. We gave her the unopened one back and she had the nerve to state twice that we had ordered 3. There were 6 of us at the table...that's 12 ears to her 2 ears. She took it back, reluctantly. The bottle was unopened so I'm not sure what the issue was. All of the pastas were ok at best, the pesto was AWFUL, probably the worst I've ever had-super bland, boring, yuck. There was a special Valentine's Day menu that they would not deviate away from which made me angry because there was NOTHING diet friendly on there. There was no mention of this special menu online either, so we had no way of knowing. Preparing for a wedding, I wasn't trying to eat a heavy meal. The place was SO loud and SO crowded. We were on top of the surrounding tables and could hardly get out to go to the bathroom. I hate that! After the waitress was rude, my fiance went and talked to the manager, Al. He didn't comp anything, but he brought us limoncello....which was gross. I've never had it in a glass with ice and it was just way too bitter to sip. However, he was really nice, chatted with us, took a picture for us and for that I gave this place another star. Overall, I'd say this place was mediocre, but I don't often eat in Addison so I don't know where else I would recommend. Do your research ;)
(2)Saba A.
I guess this is the only stop in the Addison Area that seems "classy" enough but I would rather just get my pasta from Applebees across the street and save money, get a little bit more hoppin' of entertainment, and taste. It's your usual everyday pasta dishes, but if you are looking for a "romantic" dinner for two, this is the place! I wish I stopped by for a drink rather than have sat and split a whole dish between my fiance and I. We split spaghetti and it was good, but it was just quiet and boring. Our server was great, she named all the specials and was quite attentive. The ambiance brought me back to Italy a little bit but I don't know, it was more of a museum place to me. They were putting away wine bottles that were in boxes right in front of us and I was just kinda ready to leave. I'm glad I tried it because otherwise I'd just be curious. But if you are looking for good eats, go eat at the other restaurants in Lake, cause for Italian, I would have to say, this was just, A-OK.
(3)Jeff W.
I have been here a few time and it has always been a good experience. The two biggest highlights for me are their white fish and their ribeye which is not usually on the menu, but usually availible by request. We have ventured other directions, but found different choices to be average. I am one who rarely likes a steak that I have not cooked by myself or a place that does them to perfection. This one is on the pricey side ($50ish), but it is worth it. Wine list is just ok, but my tastes are more American centric. The owner often greets us at the door and is usually close by to make sure all goes well, which is a reason why it usually does.
(4)Maria P.
Visited this location for both lunch and dinner and I've yet to be disappointed. The staff is rather friendly and accommodating. I have tried many things on their menu and have yet to be less than satisfied. I had the fish special the last time I was in that had an avocado salsa on top pair with risotto. That was delicious! My husband had the linguine with clam sauce which was flavorful and beyond filling as their portions are rather large. I usually get their fish that comes with the sauteed spinach which is rather healthy and flavorful.
(4)Chuck M.
Went here last night with my wife. We weren't impressed. The food was too salty and while it was cooked satisfactorily, it didn't meet my expectations for food at this price. We paid $50 for a dinner for two (no alcohol). The mussels that we had as an appetizer were fine (although I would have preferred a stronger flavor - a personal preference, not really a criticism), but both entrees were sub-par. I had the whitefish and she had the Italian sausage. I think next time we'll spend a little more and go to Hugo Frog Bar.
(2)Cristie F.
My review of ZaZa's might be a little, ummm...lame. My bf and I were craving Italian one evening and figured we would give ZaZa's a shot since we had heard fairly good things about it. The menu looked appealing, the environment was romantic, and the prices seemed fair, so we were in. I definitely got that old school Italian vibe. Our waitress was an Italian woman who was over-the-top ((in a good, ol' fashioned Italian way!)) about making sure we got exactly what we wanted. Needless to say, the service was fantastic. Here's where it gets lame-o. I ordered the Capellini Pomodoro, and he ordered spaghetti and meatballs. Talk about venturing out and really trying the menu items, huh?? Oh well. Neither of us were super starving, and we were craving a big bowl of spaghetti - nothing wrong with that!! Both dishes were very good. The pasta was cooked perfectly, al dente. The sauces were rich and garlicky. Yum. The meatball was the size of a softball, and was tender and juicy. The portions were massive. I had lunch for the next following two days. We also had a couple martinis each - and they don't skimp on the booze. I definitely left with a pasta coma and a buzz -- if it's possible to have both at once. I will be back to give ZaZa's another go. It's probably not the place I would choose to order a steak, but I will definitely give their chicken dishes or fancied-up pasta dishes a whirl. Mangia!!
(4)Aimee F.
I've been here a couple of times so far and have had a decent experience every time. Recently I went with a group of people and we played the "what's the check?" game. We had 4 bottles of wine and steaks and appetizers. The average guess was around $500 for the total bill. Wellll, the bill came and it was only $310! We didn't know it was 20% off wine which made a huge difference. Everyone was really surprised because the food was great, not one complaint from anyone about anything. It's really nice to get a great meal and have a good experience for good prices. I will definitely continue to go back.
(4)Jimmy G.
My wife and I went here about 4-5 weeks ago on a Saturday night without reservations and got a table within 10 minutes. We have been to the one in St Charles many times, but we never went to the Addison location until now. For starters I had a cold Stella with the appropriate chilled Stella glass and my best lady had a Flirtini. A Flirtini is 2 Oz. Champagne - 3/4 Oz Vodka - 1 Oz Pineapple Juice and my wife loved it. She had the Penne Mio Modo and I had the Veal Sassi. We both enjoyed the meal and the servings were plentiful. I would recommend this spot and we will return. Parking was easy and no reservations were needed.
(4)Lola L.
My family and I tried Zazas out tonight and found the restaurant to be mediocre. The staff were friendly for the most part, mostly the waitress. My mother and sister ordered the snapper and it was delicious! I had the rigatoni which was okay....nothing to rave about. We enjoyed our time out there together and the ambiance of the place was great. However, I don't feel compelled to go back.
(3)Brett W.
Only 3.5 stars? Really?! This restaurant bent over backwards to accommodate my wife and I. We don't eat wheat (yes I know I'm at an Italian restaurant that serves pasta. Made from flour. Which comes from wheat. I know. But thanks for pointing that out. :) I barely mentioned it to the Hostess at the door and my server (Alexis, GREAT JOB! Thank you for making our meal so pleasant) knew about it the very first time she approached our table. The chef replaced the pasta with a perfectly done risotto along with the filet tip special. DELICIOUS! My wife had the scallop special, they were also perfect. Tender and cooked, all the way through. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was outstanding. Such great service and attention to detail needs more patrons! Did I mention the outdoor seating?
(5)Avani S.
My husband and I came here for dinner last week. The service was excellent, the waiter was new but was personable. We were taken care of right away and food came out fast and was very tasty. They even got me a new glass of 7 up even though I wasn't finished, but it was watered down. I thought that was great. We will be back!
(5)Claire M.
Wow! This place is as good as it gets! My husband and I just got back from dinner at ZaZa's and we had a Ruth's Chris experience at an Outback price! From the moment our reservation was made we knew we were in for a treat. We arrived and were seated right at the FIre place (Romantic and warm!) MaryAnn was excellent, cheerful and sweet. Our waiter was Victor, he was quick to explain the menu to us when we mentioned we had never been there before. He even made suggestions as to how to get the most bang for our buck! The food was divine! I highly recommend the Sea Bass and my husband had the Salmon (delicious!). The General Manager made his way over to our table and made sure we were treated well. He was quick to joke around with us, and graciously accept our many compliments about his entire staff! Our only disappointment is that we didn't have room for dessert! We are looking for so many reason to go back and can't wait to tell our friend's and family about our experience! Thank you to EVERYONE at ZaZa's for such an incredible evening!
(5)Bea B.
We had gone to the ZaZa's in St Charles for New Years Eve with a large group and we all agreed the food was fantastic (at the St Charles ZaZa's). So, my husband and I decided to try their Addison location since we were going to the movies across the street this past weekend. Based on both of our meals (and we tried eachother's)....the consensus was a big NO. The staff was friendly and there were a couple of larger groups in the same seating area as us who were seeming to enjoy their food. The hostess and our waitress were very friendly. I did think it a bit odd she didn't ask if we wanted to start out with an appetizer (or make recommendations), ask if we wanted a salad, etc. I've never been to an Italian restaurant that didn't ask if you wanted pepper or fresh parmesan cheese grated onto your pasta. The waitress didn't ask or offer. I got the special of the night - Mahi Mahi with scallops and garlic mashed potatoes. My meal was very watery - if it was intended to be the sauce, it certainly didn't have any flavor and was more like water. The garlic mashed potatoes had no flavor and were watered down. They put the Mahi Mahi on top of the potatoes and there were barely any potatoes that I actually forgot there were potatoes on my plate until I got half way through the Mahi Mahi (due to having no taste and they weren't very visible along with the spinach). The scallops had a very fish smell so I am going to assume that is because they were very fresh. Disappointing to say the least for a $24 dish. My husband had the Penne Abruzzese and he was not impressed with it. It seemed to lack on the meat and just wasn't very flavorful overall. The best we had that evening was the warm bread - very good with the tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. I thought of sending the Mahi Mahi back but we were hungry and didn't want to miss our movie. But we won't be back at this ZaZa's location. The ambiance at the St Charles location is better too (both inside and out).
(2)Dee D.
My husband and I decided to try Zaza's and we're glad we did. We have been coming here often and will continue to do so. We like the atmosphere and the food. I've enjoyed every meal I've had and normally end up bringing home leftovers. I also love all the appetizers we've tried so far.
(5)Roseanne S.
Definitely was not impressed. Living in the area, I pass this place by many times and always wondered about it. My boyfriend and I really had a taste for steak and seeing as this is a STEAKhouse, we decided to try it out. There was nobody in the resturant on a Saturday at 5 which to me is always a warning sign, but we went in anyway. The inside was nicely set up with white table clothes and the like. I was very disappointed when I saw the menu, though. Only two steak items? Are you kidding me? Their steak options were New York Strip and Filet Mingon. I'm a girl who loves a good, hearty steak so I was looking forward to a Ribeye, which was not to be found. The waitress came by with the specials. As soon as she said Ribeye, my ears perked up only to find out that it was a 20 oz Ribeye for $40. Yikes. That's way too much steak. I could have gotten it, but then I would have leftovers for sure, and it wouldn't taste as good the next day, if I remembered to eat it. And that price tag is too high. I asked if they had a half portion of the Ribeye and she said they do on some days but today was not one of those days. I don't think you should have this popular steak available on SOME days. Also, they should think of the money they could make if they offered a smaller portion. Instead of selling me an $8 salad which is what I ended up getting, you could have sold me a 10 oz steak for $20. Win-win. Like I said, I ordered a salad (Caprese) which was nothing special. I had made one at home earlier that week and it was much better. They used way too much oil. I was scraping it off on the side of my plate. My boyfriend had some pasta which looked good and was a huge portion, but I wasn't in the mood for pasta at a steakhouse. Maybe this is what an Italian steakhouse is but for my money, I'd rather go somewhere with a lot of meat options if I'm going to pay that much. Hell, I'll even take Outback over this.
(2)Matt G.
The food was decent and the portions huge. Service was lacking and the salads were brought after the entrees arrived. The layout is bad and contributes to the experience. Doubtful I will be back.
(2)A F.
Portions are big and the spicy seafood pasta was actually good except for too much salt. They should have shared some of that salt on other dishes since we had the blandest chicken tortelini we've ever tried. My wife had to pour parmesian cheese on it to get some flavor. Also why is everything ala cart, I mean this was in Itasca, not the Chicago Firehouse on Michigan in Chicago. Also the waitress had ADD or something, not that it should matter but we didnt get a straight answer from her and she just stared into the wall ahead of us without making eye contact. Weird. Later, one of the managers came by and asked if we would like the tortellini packaged to go and we said no actually it was very bland having only taken 2 bites out of it and her response was just OK, No apology, no remorse and just a blank stare when I suggested the chef should really pay attention to the salt as he may have accidentally dounle salted the seafood pasta and not salted the tortellini at all. Just weird experience indeed.
(2)Victoria W.
I went here with my partner on a late Friday night. It was a good choice for a fairly peaceful, romantic meal with a casual vibe. The place was beautiful and spacious -- fireplace visible from the outside, red walls and modern furnishings on the inside, somewhat odd Greek statue-inspired paintings. The waitstaff was friendly. There were 3 solid vegetarian options for dinner, all pastas. I had the ravioli alla fungi which was only about $12. Very tasty, though the sauce was too salty. The Flirtini was deliciously citrusy. Artichoke appetizer was pretty interesting. Peach sorbet for dessert was perfect -- I kind of want to go back just to try the coconut and pineapple sorbets ^__^
(4)Taryn T.
Stopped in here for the first time last night after seeing The Social Network at Marcus Addison right across the street. The place was surprisingly empty for a Saturday night, but then again, we walked in at 9:45 and they were set to close pretty early (10:30). We sat at the bar and ordered drinks - sangria for my friends, the Tuscan Sun martini for me. I was VERY pleased with my drink because it was nice and strong, just the way I like it. I tend to be disappointed with the quality of drinks at suburban restaurants, so this was a pleasant surprise. Ordered two appetizers to share - the artichoke and the scallops, both of which were delicious and perfect to split among three people. They also gave us fresh-out-of-the-oven bread with two little bowls of tomato sauce and parmesan cheese for extra flavor - YUM! I'd recommend this place if you live in the suburbs, like your drinks strong, and don't want to worry about waiting a while for a table on a weekend. I plan to come back for a full meal (read: steak).
(4)Steve F.
Ask for Big Al, he will always get you a good table! Victor and Kim are the best servers in town..
(5)Laine K.
Nothing to write about. Cheerful waiter. Mediocre food. I really don't have too much bad or good to write about this place. It worked in a pinch to have dinner quick one night and that's about it. Huge portions. Would I go again? Probably not unless some one insisted they wanted to try it. Maybe for a drink since the patio was nice and the bar looked really cool.
(2)Jessica G.
Great Atmosphere. No complaints about the food. Very classy place. The service was exceptional. We started the evening with martini's. They had a raspberry cosmo. Very tasty! My husband and I do not agree on appetizers so much. He loves shrimp cocktail, and I on the other hand, love calamari. We always run into this problem, and most fine dining restaurants will not do a half order of calamari. ZaZa's did this for me. I opted for the grilled calamari. It was very tasty. A little zesty, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Our entree's were great as well. To finish off the evening, I had a turtle martini, and we shared a tiramisu. The tiramisu was excellent. The drizzled the plate with a dark chocolate syrup, which really complimented the coffee flavor of the tiramisu. From the outside, you do not know what to expect, being as ZaZa's is in a strip mall, but the inside is very inviting. The prices belong downtown, but you feel as though you are downtown when you are in there, so I guess the pricing goes with the atmosphere. If you want to go to a nice place, that has large portions, this would be it. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. Kudo's to ZaZa's!!!!!
(4)Travis R.
Great food and great atmosphere!!!! Bar is big enough and swank enough to make it a night out with friends!
(4)P.R. H.
If we could rate 3.5 stars we would. What we had: caesar salad, roasted asparagus side, salmon entree. penne w/sausage. All were quite good except the caesar was a bit flavorless. Good, solid italian food. HUGE portions. Nice ambience that goes beyond its strip-mall location. For Addison, we're sure you could do worse, but not sure you could do better.
(3)Susan J.
Great cocktails, superb pasta dishes and great Italian dishes in abundance coupled with all around good service and fair prices is what I love about this place!
(5)Amar P.
Two friends and I came to this Italian STEAKHOUSE to get some Friday night food and drinks. When we walked in at about 730 pm there were a 4-5 tables occupied in the entire restaurant, a signal to us that something was awry. We decided to sit in the bar area; it seemed more appealing to us. The waiter was a bit pushy and recommended a wine to us, which was one of the more expensive ones on the menu (go figure). We ordered a couple drinks, and they standard. Our bruschetta appetizer was very good and garlicky and cheesy. The waiter was friendly but was rather pushy on a couple of expensive dishes. He probably worked at a car dealership at some point in his life because he was a terrific salesman. I ordered a New York Strip steak - medium. It was heavily seasoned with mushrooms and prosciutto yet nothing spectacular. My friend S ordered a Chicken Limone and he seemed to enjoy it thoroughly - he was grinning like an idiot through his entire meal :). It seems funny to me that this place is called an Italian steakhouse even though they really don't have a wide variety of steaks. I don't think I'll be visiting again, as I have had far superior steaks and overall food. I left with a decent buzz so that's partially why I gave it two stars.
(2)Nick N.
Went back a second time and it was nothing short of excellent
(5)Dina M.
This may be my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. Service Fantastic! On their busy evenings the service may be a little on the slow side, but it is understandable. Food Appetizers: Baked clams- they are small, but packed with flavor. The sauce that they are served in - lemon, garlic, butter - is to die for. Stuffed artichoke: again wonderful. the stuffing is not too heavy and it too is served in a lemon, butter, garlic type sauce that is phenomenal! Entrees: All of the pastas are wonderful. They are full of flavor and are generous portions. I have not had the steak, but others at our table have, and all have enjoyed it. The fish - especially the whitefish - is delicious, and, like the pasta, a generous portion. Desserts: Basic, but good. I highly recommend ZaZa's, and I continue to go back there on a monthly basis!
(5)N. M.
Ate here last week. Very nice decore and good food. Great romantic restaurant for you and your sweetheart.
(4)Gail L.
I spent my entire meal staring at David's junk. Yes, really. Well, it was actually a huge portrait of Michelangelo's David, with a bright green merkin. I found myself staring, despite my best efforts. I think if you are going to have a giant portrait of David, you should just embrace the nakedness - it'd be less distracting than a huge green merkin. We started out in the bar, while waiting for the rest of our party. At 6pm, it was quite nice, but I could see it'd be unpleasant and packed later in the evening, since they had really crammed a lot of tables in there. I had the house Shiraz, which was truly very good. Since it was New Years Eve, they had a special menu "because they had prepped a ton of stuff", according to our waiter. Which, fair enough. The menu still had a lot of options. Our appetizers were excellent - we all split an asparagus salad, fried calamari and a really really yummy shrimp dish. Our entrees were reasonably good - I had the filet, topped with lump crab and a yummy sauce. My steak was cooked well. It was a bit salty, but not horribly so. Or at least, it wouldn't have been a problem, if my wine glass and water wasn't empty, and had been for some time. Everyone else seemed reasonably happy with their entrees, especially the folks who had gotten pasta. So, why only three stars? Honestly, the service wasn't all that great. It felt like they were battening the hatches for New Years Eve, so everything felt rushed and like a crisis was about to erupt. The host and hostess seemed flustered, and it was only 6 pm. We had a hard time getting drinks - the waiter, when he took our dinner order, only seemed to notice one person's drink was empty - I had to ask when he came back some time later for another glass of wine. I'd be willing to give this place another chance - the folks who suggested it rated the pasta very highly, and perhaps it was just a New Years Eve thing.
(3)Kat G.
This place was a huge disappointment. My hubby and I love steak, and we have been wanting to try this place out. We decided to go lat night. We were worried that it would be extremely busy for a Saturday evening. Just the opposite - the place was empty. The place was beautiful inside, very modern and very comfortable atmosphere. The waitress was good, she recommended a red wine for me and it did not disappoint. My husband had a Za Za's martini and it was too strong for his tastes. He ordered a different drink which was better.. The food... well let me tell ya: I had veal scallions. The sauce was WAY too salty. The veal was perfectly cooked though. It came with a side of linguine which was a little cold and not too much sauce which is good to me. My husband had the bone in rib-eye: medium. It was very rare and he sent it back to be re-cooked. Also, the au jus sauce was quite peculiar so when they re-cooked it he asked for no sauce. The waitress was apologetic and very accommodating and of course it wasn't her fault it was undercooked so she still got a substantial tip. This place was overpriced and over rated so we will NOT be going again for a second chance. Look at my reviews for a place called Brian's Charhouse - it is consistently good and lower priced.
(1)Wolf R.
Somewhat pricey, but in fairness to them I ordered the most expensive steak on the menu. Nice decor. Appetizer: artichoke with breadcrumbs. I'm not going to do it justice by describing it, but it was good. I had their signature steak, a ribeye. Good cut, but I've had better. That said, perhaps I just actually wasn't in a ribeye mood that night after all. The veggies and potatoes that came along for the ride were very tasty. Among the best I've had. Peach sorbet for dessert. Good, and served with style: they hollowed out a fresh peach and froze it, serving the sorbet inside it.
(3)Lorene H.
I've been to ZaZa's three times and have enjoyed my food choices all three times. We were there last night and I ordered the eggplant appetizer and a salad as I wasn't hungry enough for a full entree (their entrees are large!!). The eggplant appetizer and the salad were plenty!! We also ordered a bottle of wine versus by the glass as the server informed us that bottles of wine were 20% off - that was a no-brainer, order the bottle! The server could have used a little more personality, but she was quick and efficient, so she met the purpose. I really like the atmosphere there as well..... it's not super loud, but it is cozy. Overall, I think it's a good choice!!
(4)Kate J.
Great restaurant. Delicious food. Excellent service. One of the best Italian restaurants in the area!
(5)janaynay n.
I was skeptic at first going to this place but at the end, it was AMAZING. I seriously thought- must be hekka expensive and food is probably not going to be so great. I was so wrong. Prices were not so bad....it was like an upgrade from olive garden. Food was amazing. I had the chicken with limone. BEST FREAKIN LEMON CHICKEN I HAVE EVER TASTED. It also came with pasta which made it perfect. My bf had the surf and turf...his dish was delicious too. Oh yeah calamari was best from all the italian restaurants we ever went to. Service was excellent. We had a very friendly waitress.
(5)Lucy P.
We went to dinner on a Wednesday evening. We were greeted by the hostess, who asked if we were first time guests and we were. She gave us a brief history of the establishment. Victor, stopped by to offer a wonderful wine recommendation. I will admit it was pricey. It was also delicious. Nickel and Nickel Oakville 2009 just bursting with fruits and chocolate. We had the Italian sausage appetizer which is made in house. A recommendation of our wonderful server Kim. It came with sundried tomatoes, asparagus, tips mushrooms in a light wine sauce. Yum. It was very tender. We didn't need a knife. I had the tapalia and my husband had the new york strip. The tilapia did have a flour coating but was not loaded with bread versus fish and was very tender and juicy. The spinach was al dente and very bright green. I will admit my husband does like his steak medium rare. He actually received a medium rare steak. There was not too much fat and very tender. Just enough sauce to let the steak shine through. Delicious! The wait staff was very attentive. We drink a lot of water and our water glasses were never empty. Plates were politely picked up in between courses and we were always asked if there was anything we needed. We did have the house made limoncello followed by a decafe espresso and the biscotti. We enjoyed the limoncello as neither of us like anything too sweet. The biscotti was an excellent choice with the espresso, again not too sweet. The owner, Al stopped by our table to greet us. He was very cordial. Our server even stopped long enough to share a story or two with us. The accommodations were very comfortable. We sat near a window but did not hear the outside car noise. The tables were large enough to be comfortable and were always picked up between courses. No rush, but very comfortable. The lighting was not too bright but not so dim that we could not read the menu. Tables were spaced comfortably apart. The décor was mostly wood and gave a home feel. Soft Italian singers played in the background. It did not drown out our conversation. We enjoyed the restaurant and will return again. The food, wine, personal customer service and atmosphere were very enjoyable.
(5)Armando R.
Great food, good service. Their food is always fresh and delicious and they have a very good wine selection. Nice relaxing atmosphere; fireplace in winter and patio in summer.
(5)Megan B.
I love this restaurant! The atmosphere is superb. Very welcoming, relaxing, and inviting. Absolutely not what you would expect from a restaurant in a strip mall, but in a good way! The staff are always friendly. I have gone here on several occassions and never been disappointed with anything here. Food quality, service and surrounds are wonderful. Anyone who enjoys linguine with clams MUST try that here! It is amazing!!!! And even when it is not on the menu they will whip it up if you ask! ;) I was told by one of the waitresses that they have about 10 menus that they rotate to keep things a little different, but as long as they have the ingredients available they will make anything from any of the menus that you have tried previously. Now how is that for customer service! This place is guaranteed to satisfy!
(5)Pizza L.
In terms of décor and ambience, ZaZa's leans towards the classier side in this area in a non pretentious way.. when I'm in the mood for this and don't feel like venturing too far away, I come here. The warm and inviting bar is wrapped with a copper mosaic tile complimenting the black granite bar top. There is also a fireplace :) The deep red walls showcase Michelangelo's David. The lighting sets a romantic tone and it just feels 'swanky'....There's also a few t.v.'s behind the bar. It's cozy and has a sultry vibe. Service is friendly and welcoming here. Some servers have been here a long time and they treat you like they know you...(well they should know me cause I've been here more times than I can remember). I've been here with dates and friends and we enjoy the selection of potent cocktails. For Italian fare which happens to include great steaks this place puts out some terrific dishes. For app's - the mussels in tomato sauce are always tasty & if the mussels are not good that night they will tell you if you ask (which I usually do). Have you ever ordered mussels only to find half the shells are empty?? Not cool and just get's my Italian blood pumpin. The carpaccio with wild mushrooms and avocado is always a must order for me here & the baked goat cheese in tomato sauce while not a complicated dish, satisfies your need for some warm, comforting cheese. These starters alone could complete my meal & have. For entrees the pan roasted chicken with roasted artichoke hearts in a tomato sauce with melted mozzarella and side of linguini is delicious. I especially LOVE the artichokes (mmmmm) & reasonably priced compared to some of their other entrees or when you don't feel like spending $30 on a New York strip. But when you do, this is just as good as some of steaks you'll find at upscale steak houses and it comes with potatoes and a veggie..no this not a la carte. Entrees are decent portions. I don't usually order the pasta dishes only because I think spending over $12 on pasta here is a crime especially when its very simply prepared. Pasta is cheap and so are tomatoes. I opt for either steak, poultry or seafood specials. Pizza's are pretty tasty too.. They also have a small outdoor patio. Just come and hang out at the bar, enjoy the ambience or savor an above average meal. They'll treat you like a paisano!!! Salute!
(4)R J.
Mixed experience here. Service from Victor (who came recommended on other reviews) was rushed and impersonal. Food also mixed- see my posted pics. Caprese salad and pasta special were mediocre to awful. Canned crab meat as a sauce base? Yuck! Shrimp mixed in a pasta dish with tails still on? Just wrong. And $24! The pasta abruzzese was actually quite good. Overall, an expensive, forgettable meal. I've had 5-star food and service at the Clarendon Hills location of ZaZa's.
(3)Eric B.
Stopped here for a business dinner. Portions are large... Food was decent, but not to die for. I had the lamb - very tender, but a bit bland. The apps were good. We split the meatballs and Italian sausage - plenty for four people. We thought the limoncello for the table was being compted based on a food delay and a comment from our waitress... Not the case... That's a bit misleading and leaves a not so Pleasant taste.
(3)Cindy H.
I was glad that I visited Zaza's after it was highly recommended by friends and the hotel I was staying at in Addison. The city is lucky to have them. And Zaza's is lucky to have Kim as a server. She suggested a fantastic Cabernet since they didn't serve zinfandel by the glass. I had the filet mignon which was perfectly cooked medium and Kim had the chef butterfly it so that it cooked evenly. The filet came with this absolutely dreamy, buttery, cheesy, soft but crunchy potato wedge. So yum. Besides being treated like we were dinner guests at our family's home, Zaza's is clean and neat as well as dark and quite romantic. Truly the whole package!
(5)Lana C.
This place has a nice ambiance for a romantic date for two, or for a group. But it is very dark in here. The food was excellent. But it is not cheap and mostly al la carte. A few meals come with side dishes, but not many. They are fast and you don't wait on food for long. Bread is at every table, along with oil, salt, pepper, and cheese to dress your bread however you like. Parking can be tricky. I got lucky and found a spot right in front. Plan on have to walk a bit if it is a busy night. By a bit I mean from the back of the building to the front. I had an allergic reaction to something in my food. I don't know what because I have never experienced food allergy before. It could have been a blessing in disguise and I don't hold the restaurant responsible for this. However I have never experienced anything like it before and for that reason I probably can't eat here again.
(3)Charlotte W.
Italian isn't usually my go-to food but something about Zaza's.... the music, the ambience, the smells, the service-- it all just adds... something. We often sit in the bar when we go which is nice (though there is dining room seating); therefore, we usually get the same waiter! He's great, so nice, so knowledgeable of the menu and wines, and you'd think you were one of his family coming for dinner the way he happily greets you. The food has always been great, so far, and I've ordered various dishes. Having just eaten there yet again, whatever I ate was so good that I'm glad I have leftovers. Some sort of gnocchi and shrimp in a garlic cream sauce and what may've been calamari. Definitely recommend it. The desserts are good, my little sister is very fond of the crème brûlée. Of course you can get some of your typical fettuccini alfredo, but if you consider that a meal you might as well go to Awful Garden-- I mean Olive Garden... though Zaza's F.A. is still no doubt better. This is located right across from Marcus Theatre, the parking lot could be better, it does have a patio if you don't mind being in close proximity to traffic, but all in all I like Zaza's quite a lot. Between the food and the waiters we've had, I'll keep going back again and again.
(4)Lisa D.
I love this place I usually go during lunch and the wait staff is awesome and the food is yummy I've never had a bad experience here
(5)Carolyn B.
I was very pleased with Zazas Italian steakhouse in Addison. My husband and I stopped by on the spur of the moment and did not know really what to expect. The food was very good. We both ordered the whitefish and it was excellent! The service was very good. We would definitely go there again.
(5)