Excellent food—both in taste and presentation. The service was outstanding, and being able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather was an added bonus.
Lawyer Traveler Dreamer
Check out my I G lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more footage of our dining experience.
Zola Bistro in Bucharest is one of those places that instantly makes you want to stay longer. The floral decor is beautiful without feeling overdone. The space feels cozy and stylish at the same time. I went there for lunch with a friend, and it was exactly the kind of place you want for a slow, easy conversation over good food.
The menu has a nice variety. Everything we tried was fresh and well-prepared. I ordered a matcha latte that came with a tiny bear-shaped foam on top, which was a fun touch. We also loved the comfortable seating. The swing chairs gave the place a playful vibe without feeling gimmicky.
Service was friendly and fairly quick, even though the place was busy. Prices are on the higher end for Bucharest but fair for the quality and atmosphere.
If you’re into places that balance aesthetics with solid food and a relaxed feel, Zola is worth checking out.
Chris
Great restaurant! Food was innovative and excellent! The watermelon Feta Slab salad was outstanding! Very different and delicious sauces for chicken satay, cauliflower frittis and the fish tacos really complemented the dishes. Highly recommend Zola Bistro!
Cheryl
Our server was very attentive and friendly. The food was really good! I had the Shakshuka and it tasted even better than what my cousin makes!! We will be back.
Joe
Went to Zola Bistro for a late Mother's Day celebration. Everyone loved the food they ordered. We had the Americana breakfast, Turkish Breakfast, monte cristo turkey sandwich, salad, and special omelet with asparagus and goat cheese. Mochas were DELICIOUS!
Mary
Our last experience was not very good. It was a couple of years ago, when Vivid was still affecting staffing. The found was frankly, pretty lousy as was the service. Forward now, I met with a friend for lunch. The staff were great and attentive. I had the Chicken panino. It came on multi grain bread and was very nice. Some of the other tables had delicious looking salads. So glad they are back on track and they survived.
Sue
I love the fun combinations of flavors that Zola Bistro provides. We enjoyed the Moroccan 'cigars,' Moroccan salmon, and miso tofu dishes. Clean, fresh, delicious!
Scott
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
Steven
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
Steve
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
We love ZB, but a little criticism can be helpful. The food, generally, is excellent, the wait staff are attentive. BUT, it is exceptionally noisy, even when half full. It's difficult to have a conversation at times, and the noise level diminishes the ambience. An investment in sound dampening would go a long way. Otherwise, 5 stars.
Susan Kamper
The hostess at the entrance when we first came in couldn't have been more rude. She didn't greet us at all. She kept her head down as we were standing there for several minutes. All she had to do was say I'll be right with you, but she didn't bother to do that. She basically just scowled at us. 
Kevin
45 minutes after seating to get water. Food was excellent but they were overcrowded and understaffed
Julia
Service was horrible. We waited an hour and a half just for drinks and they gave us the wrong order. Wouldn't recommend
DAVID
Met two friends for lunch, but planned for a late lunch to avoid the lunch crowd. We were seated immediately (on time). Service was quick, attentive, & efficient, without being intrusive. The dining room was emptying by then, so the noise level wasn't bad. Food was served quickly and started out hot. Prices, like everywhere else, have gone up, but the food quality hasn't gone down. Overall, I like dining here, but it is getting pricey.
Excellent food—both in taste and presentation. The service was outstanding, and being able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather was an added bonus.
Check out my I G lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more footage of our dining experience. Zola Bistro in Bucharest is one of those places that instantly makes you want to stay longer. The floral decor is beautiful without feeling overdone. The space feels cozy and stylish at the same time. I went there for lunch with a friend, and it was exactly the kind of place you want for a slow, easy conversation over good food. The menu has a nice variety. Everything we tried was fresh and well-prepared. I ordered a matcha latte that came with a tiny bear-shaped foam on top, which was a fun touch. We also loved the comfortable seating. The swing chairs gave the place a playful vibe without feeling gimmicky. Service was friendly and fairly quick, even though the place was busy. Prices are on the higher end for Bucharest but fair for the quality and atmosphere. If you’re into places that balance aesthetics with solid food and a relaxed feel, Zola is worth checking out.
Great restaurant! Food was innovative and excellent! The watermelon Feta Slab salad was outstanding! Very different and delicious sauces for chicken satay, cauliflower frittis and the fish tacos really complemented the dishes. Highly recommend Zola Bistro!
Our server was very attentive and friendly. The food was really good! I had the Shakshuka and it tasted even better than what my cousin makes!! We will be back.
Went to Zola Bistro for a late Mother's Day celebration. Everyone loved the food they ordered. We had the Americana breakfast, Turkish Breakfast, monte cristo turkey sandwich, salad, and special omelet with asparagus and goat cheese. Mochas were DELICIOUS!
Our last experience was not very good. It was a couple of years ago, when Vivid was still affecting staffing. The found was frankly, pretty lousy as was the service. Forward now, I met with a friend for lunch. The staff were great and attentive. I had the Chicken panino. It came on multi grain bread and was very nice. Some of the other tables had delicious looking salads. So glad they are back on track and they survived.
I love the fun combinations of flavors that Zola Bistro provides. We enjoyed the Moroccan 'cigars,' Moroccan salmon, and miso tofu dishes. Clean, fresh, delicious!
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
Made a reservation for 6 on Easter Sunday. We were visiting our daughter who is a student in Ann Arbor. We were very excited and impressed by the menu. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Was served a nearly RAW chicken thigh. That's a huge no no for a kitchen to turn out. Raw chicken is a very dangerous situation. I let the server know and she took it back. Asked for new waffles too as they were soaked in the uncooked chicken juices. She reluctantly agreed to put in an order for more waffles. Gee thanks...🤔 Server returned to tell me the kitchen wanted me to know the chicken was red because it was a thigh....sorry but I eat a lot of dark meat and know the difference in appearance and texture between cooked and uncooked chicken. That chicken was RAW! I couldn't believe the audacity of this place trying to put the blame on me for this situation. The rest of my party's food was mediocre at best and for the price it was highly unacceptable. I would definitely not recommend this place. All I can think is that there was not an actual chef in that kitchen. The ones I know have way too much pride in their work to send out raw chicken. They should've been scolding and correcting their line cooks not trying to project the blame on me. I rarely send back food. When it's about my health and well being though I make no apologies or compromise. We will never be back.
Restaurantji Recommends
We love ZB, but a little criticism can be helpful. The food, generally, is excellent, the wait staff are attentive. BUT, it is exceptionally noisy, even when half full. It's difficult to have a conversation at times, and the noise level diminishes the ambience. An investment in sound dampening would go a long way. Otherwise, 5 stars.
The hostess at the entrance when we first came in couldn't have been more rude. She didn't greet us at all. She kept her head down as we were standing there for several minutes. All she had to do was say I'll be right with you, but she didn't bother to do that. She basically just scowled at us. 
45 minutes after seating to get water. Food was excellent but they were overcrowded and understaffed
Service was horrible. We waited an hour and a half just for drinks and they gave us the wrong order. Wouldn't recommend
Met two friends for lunch, but planned for a late lunch to avoid the lunch crowd. We were seated immediately (on time). Service was quick, attentive, & efficient, without being intrusive. The dining room was emptying by then, so the noise level wasn't bad. Food was served quickly and started out hot. Prices, like everywhere else, have gone up, but the food quality hasn't gone down. Overall, I like dining here, but it is getting pricey.
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