Zinnia

The Best Brunch Restaurants In DC

"If eggs benedict is your favorite brunch entree, Zinnia is a must-visit—it offers four variations, including one that’s made with smoked salmon and pastrami for that extra savory finish. Other highlights include the challah french toast, crab cake tartine, and spring vegetable shakshuka. With its lush gardens and outdoor café dotted with fringe-tassel umbrellas, this Silver Spring restaurant is made for moments when you’re craving a spa day, but eating brunch in the sunshine will simply have to do. Weekend service is popular, so we highly recommend reservations." - mekita rivas, omnia saed, tristiana hinton

Zinnia Review - Silver Spring - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"If eggs benedict is your favorite brunch entree, Zinnia is a must-visit—it offers four variations, including one that’s made with smoked salmon and pastrami for that extra-savory finish. Other menu highlights we can’t get enough of include the challah french toast, crab cake tartine, and spring vegetable shakshuka. With its lush gardens and outdoor café dotted with fringe-tassel umbrellas, this Silver Spring restaurant is made for moments when you’re craving a spa day, but brunching in the sunshine will simply have to do. Weekend service is popular, so definitely make a reservation." - Mekita Rivas

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest Around D.C.

"Located on the grounds of the historic Mrs. K’s Tollhouse, Silver Spring’s Zinnia celebrates its 2nd annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 23, with free-flowing beers, German fare for purchase, lawn games, a take-home stein, and more. Choose from two sessions — noon to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — for $45 (or $50 at the door)." - Tierney Plumb

Where to Eat and Drink in Silver Spring - Eater DC

"The old Mrs. K’s Toll House transformed itself into an indoor tavern and outdoor garden bar with plenty of space to kick back and enjoy the natural beauty of this historic estate. Weekend brunch is a particularly good time to visit for essential dishes like a veggie shakshuka, challah French toast, and a Louisiana-style po’boy packed with Gulf shrimp." - Tim Ebner

Judy Pirnia

Google

Delicious food in generous portions with friendly and professional service. My friends and I had a wonderful evening at Zinnia while enjoying drinks, apps, dinner, and dessert. Staff was accommodating to help me avoid stairs (♿) and readily answered questions about the menu as my party ordered. Prices are very reasonable given the generous portions. There are lots of vegetarian options, and meat can be added to certain meals if you prefer. Wonderful experience. Will definitely visit again.

Jennifer Lemke

Google

This place was amazing! We spontaneously stopped in for brunch and were so pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a really fresh, flavorful, farm to table vibe this place is perfect. We sat at the bar and the restaurant felt historic but modern at the same time. We order the French toast, shrimp and grits (recommended by the server) and the eggs Benedict. The shrimp and grits are a must, so flavorful and great texture. The French toast was out of this world! The benedict had a great flavor but we wish the egg was a little softer/runnier. We will definitely be back!

Devon Janes

Google

LOVED our first time at Zinnia for brunch! It has a lovely atmosphere, the food was both beautiful and delicious (which isn't always the case for brunch places in this area) and our service was prompt and friendly. We raved about every dish and will definitely be back!

Abigail Smith

Google

Service Zinnia is our go-to spot for happy hour, and the staff never disappoints. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere each time we visit. Taste The food here is consistently delicious! Our favorites are the eggplant rolls and the pimento cheese, both of which are must-tries. Oh and the mussels are yummy!!The flavors are on point, and the portions are just right. Their cocktail and wine offerings are equally impressive and reasonably priced. Ambiance The ambiance is a major highlight, especially in the summer when outdoor seating is available. During the fall, the fireplaces add a cozy and charming touch. Whether you're indoors or outside, the setting is perfect for relaxing with friends. Recommendation If you're in the area, Zinnia is the perfect spot for an affordable and enjoyable happy hour. Great food, drinks, and atmosphere make it a standout choice year-round!

Sarah Leinbach

Google

My friend and I had a wonderful dinner here! We visited in the winter and sat inside, so weren’t able to experience the garden, but it was very cozy inside and decorated for the holidays. All the food we ordered was delicious! We ordered the spiced cauliflower, coq au vin, Mediterranean bowl, and hazelnut crunch brownie. Really cute space and excellent food. I would definitely go here again!

Alberto Zamorano

Google

A very delightful food and service experience, the restaurant setting (Formerly Mrs. K toll house), is beautiful and well spaced between tables to give you privacy feeling like you’re in an European setting with great outdoor sitting arrangements in a well cared garden. The service being provided by Rafael was superb and the entire service staff are very cordial and attentive. The food items being ordered were on point and delicious. There’s only one menu now for both lunch and dinner. Looking forward to keep coming back!!!

Kayla

Google

I love this place!!! The outside patio is a wild flower fairy garden. My waitress was Sarah and she made my first experience amazing!! She recommended the mussels and they were delicious. She recommended extra bread and it was perfect for the sauce!! Not to mention the toasted bread that came with was crispy bliss. I look forward to coming back here and hopefully I get to catch up with Sarah!

Cyriac Edappully

Google

Had a wonderful meal here. The server was excellent and the ambiance was very nice. Definitely a good place to come hang out and have dinner with friends. Basically all the food we tried was excellent. Definitely a place I would visit again.

Matt B.

Yelp

I went here for a Sunday morning brunch date right when they opened at 10am. It was a lovely sunny day, so we chose to sit in the outdoor garden area (which is GORGEOUS). There was a yoga class finishing up on the grass, which immediately set the tone. The menu isn't enormous and things are on the pricier side, the average breakfast item price is about $18 (cheapest is avo toast at $12 and most expensive is crab cake tartine at $25). BUT... everything looked and sounded delicious. I got the zinnia benedict with duck confit and every bite was scrumptious. I also appreciated their mocktail options. I tried the rosa de jamaica and ginger kombucha and enjoyed them both. Our waitress was a greatress! She checked in on us often enough and quickly refilled our water whenever we were out without making us feel pressured to order quickly. We soaked up the chill vibes and took our time without issue. There was no rush once we were done eating either. We spent about 2 relaxing hours there. I will absolutely go back.

Nick S.

Yelp

Very cool space, fantastic menu, great food, good service (but like, oddly standoffish sometimes?) -- overall a very solid Silver Spring Dining Experience™ and a pleasant walk from DTSS. If you can, eat off the bar menu, it's always got something interesting on it.

Christine R.

Yelp

I really like Zinnia! I came with 3 friends and we were seated on time. One of my friends ordered tea and it came in a cute little tea press. I wanted to order the crab cake tartine but they were out. I ordered the breakfast sandwich with avocado instead. It was pretty good, but I do wish there was a bit more savory/smokiness involved- maybe some sauce or pickled onions? One of my friends got the shakshuka and really enjoyed it. The presentation was great! My other friends got the Colesville Cobb and the Mediterranean bowl and they both said they liked their food too. One got the blueberry muffin as well and she said it was one of the best she's had. The restaurant has not changed the aesthetic since Mrs K's, which I appreciate. It is a wonderful blend of the old and new/fresh tame. High tea had started on the other side of the restaurant and we look forward to coming back for that.

Jeff T.

Yelp

I had dinner last night at Zinnia for the first time and it was a wonderful experience! The venue is just beautiful, and it brought back a lot of memories for me as my family used to visit this place when it was Mrs. K's tollhouse. The food was absolutely delicious! We started with the corn and crab dip served with sourdough bread, it was really good. I had the blackened catfish which had a crawfish etouffe sauce on it, so good! My dining partner had the short rib, which was also delicious! After dinner, we went downstairs to the tavern for an after dinner drink. Really cool space, if you go to Zinnia you have to check it out. In addition to the delicious food, the service was top-notch. Our server, Viviana, was great! She was very friendly and very attentive. I also talked to the general manager, Aiden, and he was great too. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

Abigail S.

Yelp

Maxine S.

Yelp

Visited for the first time recently and we ate in a sunny parlor next to the coffee bar. I was very glad firstly that they provided a seating option for walk-ins, as we didn't think ahead and reserve a table in the basement. The quiche was excellent and the service was very top notch. Staff were especially attentive to our every whim, which made this visit really enjoyable.

Taylor M.

Yelp

This restaurant checks the boxes for every meal! I've been here for weekend brunch, weekday lunch, and dinner. Brunch was probably my favorite. They have solid vegetarian options for each meal, like the mediterranean bowl and the sweet potato gnocchi. They make great drinks, and I especially love the chai tea. At dinner, the appetizers are not large portions, so I'd recommend getting a few. The ambience is elevated without feeling too formal, so it's a good place to bring parents, in-laws, or coworkers. Just make sure to get a reservation because the place fills up!

Chris D.

Yelp

I can honestly say my wife and I come here a lot, but their service and atmosphere is all too good. I appreciate this group's service so much. Each staff member makes you feel appreciated and welcomed. We love to sit outside in the garden. Depending on the time of the day, they have both waiter and QR code. Good for both atmosphere and food. They have great craft cocktails and their coffee in the morning is great as well. Good for both an evening and morning hang. The outdoor garden is the selling point!

Qabso

Yelp

Cute brunch spot--pretty chill and great for both dates and group outings. The coffee and brunch menu is perfect. I love the aesthetic of the place, and the customer service is fantastic.

Andrew P.

Yelp

I love this place. It's perfect for spring and summer when it's not too hot. It used to be Mrs. K's Tollhouse, which I had heard so so much about, but never got to visit before the change. This place has many functions -- it has multiple bars, multiple levels, afternoon tea, cafe food during the day, a dinner menu at night, an outdoor courtyard area with so much greenery, gazebo, and bridges out of a movie. I have had lunch there a handful of times -- including pastries, salad, tacos, and more. I have always enjoyed what I got. Working on a laptop is always pleasant, too. I need to try their dinner menu and their afternoon tea -- it sounds like such a fun time! I will be back in the near future for sure.

Ahra J.

Yelp

Such an amazing spot! 6 of us went recently for afternoon tea and it was so worth it! The afternoon tea is $60 per person with a required deposit upon making the reservation. The seating is limited so be sure to reserve as soon as possible. They offer one tea person and a variety of different sweet and savory bites. We all got different tea options and each one was so good! My favorite was the cherry blossom. They also offer the option to add spirits if that's what you're looking for. My favorite bite was also the curry chicken salad. They also provide alternatives if you have allergies or intolerances. Our server was also amazing at making sure that we all received the right orders as one of my friends had an allergy. They also have an outside area that you can visit if you plan on staying longer and they have a beautiful garden you can walk by. There are plenty of spots for photos as well! Plan a visit soon!

Paola L.

Yelp

Such an adorable hole in the wall! - this was my first time visiting and hearing about Zinnia. The afternoon tea experience was wonderful! Staff was very kind and lively, the inside AND outside makes you forget you're in silver spring, MD!! Flowers, plants and delicate decor. I had the cherry blossom tea, very light but refreshing. The little breads and sandwiches were SO cute and tasty.

Kimi S.

Yelp

Beautiful atmosphere, mid-food, terrible service. Hidden in a lush neighborhood of Silver Spring, Zinnia is an aesthetic dream. I felt like I was having a backyard lunch on the set of a Nancy Meyers' movie. You can choose to dine in their large front patio with twinkling lights, expansive back garden, or inside in their cottage. The vibe had me thinking girl lunch -- so I ordered a caesar salad, old bay french fries, and an iced latte. The fries came out cold and mushy and was mostly untouched during our meal. My caesar salad, was not any better than the bagged ones I get at the local grocery store... but I did enjoy my grapefruit creme brulee and iced coffee. Service was gruff, unfriendly, and unhelpful which is a rarity in this area. I'd stop by for a morning treat and some conversation with a friend but probably not for a full meal.

Diamond O.

Yelp

The food here was soooo good! I got the quiche. The crust was so buttery and thick. The quiche had cheese, eggs, and mushrooms. It was perfect! The service was mediocre. The waitress was very nice, but wasn't attentive. The ambiance was so unique. There's an outdoor seating area in a garden which is so cute. Downstairs, inside of the building, was a tavern. The tavern was very cozy and cool!

Ella G.

Yelp

**DON NOT BOOK an EVENT AT ZINNIA** I rarely leave a negative review but our experience with Zinnia was so awful that I hope by leaving this review that others will be spared of our experience. We booked Zinnia for a private event. From the beginning to the end we encountered problems. Shortly after signing the contract the event manager stopped working for the company. Then we started working with Justin who was very unresponsive. But what was most disappointing was what happened the day of our event. Our event coordinator arrived to find that the restaurant area to be used for the event was actually dirty. The tables were not arranged as had agreed upon, and it went down hill from there. The service was awful, I mean really bad. We were to have what was described as a beautiful "cheese and fruit fruit board" display and an "appetizer station", etc. Instead several slices of cheese were put on a plate without crackers, bread etc.and no appetizer station. When we questioned this, we were told that this was what we had ordered, and the bread or crackers was extra. The caesar salad course was served 20 minutes late and the next course was a disaster. The chicken and the beef were dry and the sides were not served at the same time as the main course. I followed up with the owner, Chris Brown after the event and he provided may excuses for all the short comings and offered a partial refund for all the errors, but then he never made true of his promise and processed any payment. It is months after the event and despite many follow-ups we are still waiting to receive the refund he offered. This is clearly no way to run a business and I can't help but think Zinnia has financial problems in addition to business practices that I don't see as ethical. There are many great venues to have an event in the DMV area but I would not put Zinnia on the list.

Donyiel C.

Yelp

This is the former Mrs. K's Tollhouse, which I never had the opportunity to go to. Some of my amazing friends brought me here for a birthday dinner recently. I didn't even know about the outside garden. How lovely it was, but we sat inside. We had a great time, and our server was amazing. The space is very cozy. The bar looks nice, so I'll definitely be back to have a cocktail there soon. We shared a nice bottle of wine. Some other people got their cocktails, and they enjoyed them. I ended the night with a complimentary birthday dessert and an expresso martini. For my meal I got the steak frites and it was delicious and filling! Thank you Zinnia for making my birthday celebration such a special one.

Tom P.

Yelp

Zinnia is a consistently great place to dine. The restaurant can be at the same time, elegant or casual. There's a main restaurant, restaurant bar area, spacious garden, and a basement pub. If you plan on restaurant dining it's better to get reservations, but you can get lucky with the garden and pub. I recently went for Sunday brunch and their menu is untraditional in a great way. Like avocado toast made with croissant. I got the Shakshouka because you can't really find it that often. Amazing. This place is a little off the beaten path but well worth the visit.

Jennie A.

Yelp

I'm a life long silver spring resident and finally made my way to Zinnia this past weekend. Overall it was a great experience! Very unique and charming venue, friendly attentive staff, and a solid brunch menu makes this a fun local spot. The vibes of the place were probably the best part of the experience. The venue is a house with rustic interior and it felt like we were dining in someone's home for tea time. There are plenty of rooms which make for a great private dining situation, and everywhere else was bustling with a lively crowd. Our server was super friendly and welcoming, and gave us good suggestions for the menu. The food was good but not extraordinary. The eggs benedict could've used more hollandaise, though the salmon pastrami was flavorful. The menu had a lot of options though, will have to get the shrimp and grits next time. I look forward to taking out of town guest here for a cute dining experience.

Temima N.

Yelp

I actually really enjoyed this place! The outdoor seating area is beautiful. So many flowers & lots of greenery so definitely enjoyed that. As for the food, I really liked the shrimp & grits. It was flavorful but not too overwhelming. Honestly a great dish. The chai tea was ok & my friend's shashuka was decent. Her drink was late though so they could do a bit better on service but I would definitely come back.

Sydney G.

Yelp

What a dream! The outdoor garden of zinnia is literally my dream restaurant garden and it was so beautiful to see it come to life. I started by going to the counter and ordering an iced vanilla latte and was told that you can sit anywhere in the garden and use the QR codes on the tables to order food and have it brought out to you, so we found a table over by the gazebo. I wanted something in the shade since it was a very warm day. We Noticed that there wasn't a QR code on our table, so I grabbed one from the table next to us to scan so we could order. However, when delivering our food the staff basically yelled at us for doing so (and ok yea I get that since the QR codes are tied to specific tables you shouldn't take them off of the tables, but if the section that we were sitting in was closed, they should've had a sign up or something to let us know Instead of coming over there and yelling at us. They should also say on the menus not to move them. There was literally no way we could've known any of that otherwise). Anyway, service was meh but the food and atmosphere was great. I got the Mediterranean bowl and a side of patatas bravas (carrot hummus FTW). I also got a lemonade and then the apple cider donut cake for dessert. We split a bunch of other dishes and the food was really delicious but I will say that you should be ready to serve yourself during the day and be prepared to follow a lot of unwritten rules. But it's ok because the garden is gorgeous enough that it's all worth it

Destiny G.

Yelp

I've only been here once and ate outside in the garden for brunch, which was beautiful! They also encourage you to walk around and take pictures while you are there, which is nice. It was a very hot day in July, so I felt bad for our server, but she was very nice and pretty quick. They also have a QR code that you can scan if you want to add to your order without waiting for the server to arrive. I ordered the BBQ Shrimp & Grits. It was very delicious! I will be to back to try their dinner .

Richard A.

Yelp

Zinnia in Silver Spring has truly earned its place as one of my favorite restaurants in the United States. Chef Danny Wells and the entire Zinnia team have crafted a modern American menu that's simply exceptional, and their location at the iconic Mrs. K's Tollhouse adds to the charm. One of the highlights of Zinnia is their beautiful garden area, where dining becomes an enchanting experience. And when night falls, you have the delightful opportunity to roast marshmallows and create s'mores by the fire - a memorable touch that sets this place apart. I started my culinary journey with a Hendricks G&T and the cauliflower appetizer, both of which were absolutely tasty and set the tone for what was to come. For my main course, I indulged in the ribeye skewers, and they were nothing short of amazing - packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. To cap off this extraordinary meal, I couldn't resist the chocolate cake with vanilla. It was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable dining experience. The service at Zinnia is consistently on-point, and the atmosphere strikes a wonderful balance between cozy and elegant. It's the kind of place that makes you want to return time and time again for more culinary adventures and cherished moments. Zinnia truly stands as a culinary gem in Silver Spring, and I can't wait to savor more of their delightful creations in the future.

Melanie Y.

Yelp

So I was invited to go for afternoon tea with my friend and it seemed that it was only available from fall to winter which was kinda odd. The place has always been such a cute place and I love how they have a waiting room parlor before they take you to your table. The afternoon tea package comes with your choice of tea which they have a good selection of classic ones with holiday ones. I chose a non-caffeinated tea which has such a pretty pink color. Then they bring out your 3-tier selection with sandwiches first tier, scones and biscuits 2nd tier and lovely pastries 3-tier. I always enjoy the scones and unfortunately when I asked if we could have more of it, they said no, which was a shame. I mean I wouldn't mind paying a little extra to get a plate of scones. For the price, it was on the pricier side of afternoon teas. Needless to say, you come for the experience but don't expect getting full from it.

Ruth D.

Yelp

Zinnia Restaurant offers a local and cozy vibe in a 1920s building, featuring four dynamic parts: Upstairs you'll find a couple areas called The Gardens and the dining rooms. Downstairs you'll find the Tavern, nestled in stone and brick walls. Zinnia also has a Cafe which serves freshly roasted Counter Culture Coffee. I visited this restaurant for dinner and I enjoyed the mussels in a delicious sauce with buttered toasted bread. I sat at the upstairs bar, complete with a real fireplace, which adds warmth to the cozy atmosphere. I recommend reservations, especially during peak times. Cool insight: They are currently offering Afternoon Tea for the first time. They are already booked through December but offer waitlists. There current plan is to continue booking through January 2024 so try it now while you have a chance.

Margy C.

Yelp

Zinnia has a large and lovely outdoor seating area. There are tables for large groups and small. Last night on the cusp of the end of summer and beginning of fall, we found the weather just perfect for outside dining. As we arrived, the limited number parking still remains as it did when Mrs. K was there. We did find a space in front of the first house on the street. I think if I lived on that street, I would get frustrated with customers parking in front of my house all the time. It does look like there is a larger lot across the street. There is definitely a plethora of alcohol but a smaller food menu. We got the Zinnia Burger, Mussels, and beer battered mushrooms. The mussels were in a creamy tomato based broth with a bit of a kick. I wish I knew that but the description on the menu didn't mention that it would be a little spicy. The beer battered mushrooms were large and crispy. I really enjoyed it and the portion was definitely enough for more than one person. Service was friendly and good. We asked for glasses for water instead of the plastic cups that were first brought to the table. I also needed a bowl for the mussel shells which wasn't brought with the meal so had to ask for that as well. But every time we asked for something, it was brought to the table right away.

Bo Z.

Yelp

Just can't resist the old Mrs. K's Toll House, now Zinnia. Food is good, the place is really unusual (looks like a meteor came down in one room and stayed - it's a boulder!). Wine basement is great. Service inside is better than seasonal outside service, tho that may change.

Shauna B.

Yelp

Service was amazing! They were accommodating of our 2 kids, brought champagne to a PhD celebration and filmed a wedding proposal! Food and wine were great -- the pork remolaude was a standout for something heavier. The cocktails we tried were ok, not their strong suit. Of the desserts, crème brûlée was our favorite by far. The stand out, of course, is that the atmosphere and setting cannot be matched. A simply divine outdoor dining experience. A lovely night, we will be back!

Jasmine G.

Yelp

5/5 for ambiance! The garden makes the cutest spot for brunch & special events like bridal showers and birthdays. Food was very average. I ordered the French toast & it was probably the worst French toast I've ever had. The bread was super dry, and I only could get myself to finish one slice of bread and couldn't eat the rest. My friend tried it too, and she agreed it was not good. Got a lemonade because I thought it would be a refreshing drink, but it was too sour and not cold despite the little ice they put in. Service was a little slow as well for the automatic 20% service charge they add. It took them so long to bring my friend her iced chai latte, which they brought out in a plastic cup. We also had to flag down our server for the check. And when he brought it out, he forgot to remove a wrong item, so he just removed it after I gave him the card.

Nancy R.

Yelp

Zinnia is located in a charming house filled with details such as decorative glass windows. The food is solid American and the service is helpful. Our favorite drink was the Kingston Heat which had more flavor than the ZapatabJulep. Our favorite dish was the blackened catfish. The chocolate chip butterscotch brownie is a nice way to end any meal.

Hazel C.

Yelp

This is my second time here with the family, and 2nd time's not the charm. Counter service was not great. Came at 9 am and the young man at the counter made some snide comments that my sister witnessed after we finished ordering. My husband had asked how many pieces of bacon per order and they didn't know. He just wanted to know so he can order the appropriate number. He just wanted bacon and eggs. The young man also told my husband to read the directions on the table when he asked something. It was his first time here and the staff really wasn't welcoming and helpful. You'd think being in the hospitality business, people would be nice. It's really too bad, I know they're owned by the same people as Takoma Bev and we've always had the best service at Takoma Bev, so I was really surprised to get this kind of treatment here. We'll go to Takoma Bev next time, since service is not friendly here. I had the Sausage and Egg Sandwich and it was fine. The bacon was good. My sister had them cook her quiche more as the filling wasn't quite set. It was still a little watery coz of the butternut squash. You really to roast or cook the butternut squash before adding to the quiche to release and evaporate the water in it beforehand. If you are gonna come here, order using QR code to avoid the counter service, and eat outside in their garden if the weather is nice.

Gabriela R.

Yelp

I really wanted to love this place .... But having been to tea houses here locally and several in San Francisco, I know what good tea time is. Sadly, this was not it. The waiting room we sat in as we waited for our table had a funky earthy smell. I looked up and saw that the ceiling had an uneven texture. I wondered if water damage/mold was a problem in this room. The hostess led us to our table shortly thereafter. She was a little rough around the edges, not warm and welcoming as you'd expect. We were seated and noticed both of our tea cups were dirty, so we requested new ones. Our waitress was nice and she explained the offerings when we asked. Just fyi, it would have been nice to get the breakdown when our waitress greeted us. That's basic. Adults pay $60 for tea and 1 serving of each treat, and kids pay $40. We ordered the orange passion fruit tea. It was good. I wish they offered hot chocolate for the younger kiddos. The sandwiches were so disappointing. They were super tiny and had minimal filling. The cream cheese sandwich was good, curry chicken was decent, peanut butter and jam was ok, but the foie gras and smoked salmon weren't edible. The pastries were also underwhelming, with the exception of the lemon tart. That little lemon goodness was decadent and fluffy, and had a delicious crumbly crust. The apple puff pastry wasn't crispy and the crust was soft and soggy. The vanilla cupcake was too dense and bland, but the icing was delicious. The chocolate mousse wasn't creamy or fluffy, but dense like thick icing and needed to be sweeter. The scones were hard and cold, and not even layers of whipped butter could fix them. Gratuity is added to the bill. I won't be returning.

Candice H.

Yelp

Such a pretty spot for a garden party. Service was amazing, several of the waitstaff attended us and were wonderful. Cobb salad was great. Find a shady spot and stay awhile

Rumit P.

Yelp

Parking is weird, down a big alley. The ambiance was great. Spacious, tavern downstairs, big patio outside, string lights and pride flags, so the vibe is nice. I ordered the gnocchi entree and burrata appetizer. They tasted good, not great or exceptional. These are overpriced for what you get. There is nothing amazing about these dishes. Service was good--prompt, consistent, friendly.

Cindy P.

Yelp

I came here over the summer with one of my girlfriends and Zinnia is just a gorgeous location for a nice after work drink! They have free parking across the street and the location is easy enough to get into. The staff were really nice and gave Excellent recommendations. The only thing I didn't like which is not the fault of the restaurant is the bugs. Because we sat outside we had ants crawling on the table and flies buzzing around. We asked to move inside and they graciously accommodated us. I will definitely be back!

Adelyn P.

Yelp

This is a lovely place. I treated myself to Eggs Benedict with maple bacon. Yum. Lots of coffee. Also yum. Food was wonderful and the atmosphere was holiday festive. Excellent for getting together with great friends. They also do tea service. Come here. You will not regret it.

Elyse P.

Yelp

This place is so cool! The garden is beautiful, and the old building that the restaurant/cafe is in is full of character, with dining space in several rooms and a downstairs tavern (staff is happy to help guide you). The elevated American food is amazing, with high quality ingredients and great execution of flavors. The highlight here is definitely their desserts and pastries. We split three across the table and we loved all of them! There was almost a fight over who got to finish the chocolate crunch dessert.... These were made even better upon learning that the pastry chef is an absolute lady boss at the top of her game. Hope to get her number next time!

Sharon W.

Yelp

This review is for the Cafe. I really debated between 3 and 4 stars. We were meeting a friend for lunch and unfortunately the other areas of the restaurant don't open until 4:00. There is a small parking lot, with a generous number of handicapped spots, and a larger lot across Dale Drive. The Cafe has no table service. You're given a menu at the front desk upon arrival and invited to find a table. When you are ready you place your order at the front desk. We went down a small flight of steps leading to a room overlooking the gardens and with a homey fireplace separating it from the bar area. We were able to find a server to ask what the soup of the day was, what the quiche was, and how to order a glass of wine and a beer. Turns out you order beverages back at that magic front desk and pick them up there. There are carafes of water and plastic cups on the bar for self serve. Your order is brought out to a table near the entrance to the bar and a device you are given blinks when your order is ready. At the "delivery" table are forks, knives, and napkins, again for self serve. The ambiance is beautiful, warm and cozy with multiple smaller dining rooms, large windows, the fire place, the gardens. The down side is the food is average at best. The portions are generous but the Caesar salad was just average. Rich and our friend both ordered the Shrimp Po Boy which was on a sub roll with shrimp, lettuce and cucumber, but needed more sauce and the shrimp were not crispy with the breading falling off. There was a mound of fries which could have been good but were not hot, just warm. Such a beautiful venue if the food were just a little better.

Julie K.

Yelp

I ate here on Sunday for brunch. We were indoors which was lovely but in the nice weather the outside is beautiful. I ad had the breakfast bowl chorizo scramble and it was wonderful - and a very nice serving - leftovers came home with me. My friend and I shared the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. It was indulgent, large and terrific. The kind of thing you dream about going back for. My only comment t would be that it would be even better without the chocolate - and this from a chocolate lover. I wish I had the recipe.

Robert H.

Yelp

We went for happy hour and ended up staying for dinner due to a guy named Carter the bartender. He was just a great guy and fun to be around and gave a great atmosphere to the restaurant and the bar. Definitely be back here again.

Shay E.

Yelp

My girlfriends and I stopped in for wine and appetizers the night before we flew back home. We sat at the bar downstairs. The Bartender, Mel served us. What a delight they are. They had the best personality. So warm and friendly. They totally made our night. Zinnia's has a wonderful wine selection and great appetizers. Mel stole the show though, they are a total gem!

Shafiq A.

Yelp

Second time coming here and as always really really good! We got the creekstone ribeye again. While they gave me a steak that was more done than I wanted, the staff took it back and fixed the order with a new steak. We very much appreciated it! We also got the asparagus and eggplant kale side, which was really good! Still love this place and plan on come back again!

Chelley S.

Yelp

Sooooo, you know those garden-ish restaurants that you see in movies, and you're like, "where is that place... I want to eat there!?" That place is Zinnias. It has 3 possible places to dine-indoors, outdoors, and the tavern. We ate indoors then sat on the walk way wall for a bit. It is really really beautiful here. The food was exceptional. I'm sorry I didn't take photos, but I wasn't sure that food photo-ing wouldn't look tacky in this foo foo place. I also didn't want to ask for a to-go box b/c it looks like you shouldn't do either. Well, do both! It really wasn't that serious the more I looked around. The abbreviated menu meal: I had the jumbo shrimp, catfish, sorbet, and a rum drink... for.... drum roll.... $45.00!!! The food, the sorbet, the drink... ALL DELICIOUS!!! Everything was rich and fresh! I've NEVER had sorbet like that. It was a lemon, ginger, lavender flavor, sooooo good. I DO NOT like the heat, so sitting in the garden only worked for me after 7pm. I am sure to return - soon! Here is a funny. My work sister friend and I wore the EXACT same kimono- WITHOUT PLANNING IT!!! We did manage to get a picture of that...lol Zinnia is very nice. I can't wait to return and enjoy the night lighting.

Mike K.

Yelp

Mike and Rafael helped make out dinner Al fresco a memorable experience. Cheers to the folks in the kitchen, behind the bar and the runners that made the evening fantastico! Let's get some music and dancing g going on a Saturday night! See you again soon. Mike and Jill.

Julie L.

Yelp

Excellent food! The ambiance is beautiful. There's lots of areas to eat. We came here twice in 2 weeks and it was great both times. Service was better in the tavern part for some reason but we also ate upstairs in the giant "sun" room. I don't know what it's called. The service upstairs was inconsistent. We had to keep asking for stuff. We never got bread with dinner. My daughter waited for like 7 min just to get a fork for her dinner as we couldn't flag anyone down. The food upstairs was fabulous. She had the whole fish, I had the gnocchi, caesar salad and the seafood chowder. For some reason the seafood chowder wasn't as good the second time I had it. I don't know if it hadn't cooked long enough the second time because we were at the tavern at like 4 pm. It's so lovely for people to be able to sit outside all in the garden. I didn't know this was a choice when we booked. Well def do this next time. The pimento cheese dip is awesome.

Chiamaka N.

Yelp

Absolute 10/10! My boyfriend and I live in downtown silver spring and were looking for somewhere very close to have a proper date night without having to drive too far. I had passed Zinnia many times on my way back from work with it in mind to make reservations, and decided that this was going to be the night we try it out! So things to note: Exterior/Interior - The outside of this restaurant is so beautiful and quaint! There is a small parking lot within the vicinity of the place, but in the event that there is no spaces available, there is a lot right across that is spacious and only requires customers crossing a small street to come over. - The garden area that sits in the back of the restaurant is quite a beauty and would serve as a Instagram worthy backdrop. The weather that day was really rainy, otherwise I definitely would've opted to sit outdoor to dine. I only captured a photo from the lot, but others that have left reviews have posted pictures of the outdoor dining area and it's *chefs kiss*. Not too over the top but just enough. Food: - I LOVED the burrata appetizer!! The burrata cheese was placed in a mildly chili oil with some pine nuts on top. Took a piece of the sourdough , scooped the mixture up, and once the delicious goodness touched my tongue, I was smiling from deep satisfaction with my choice. - The tiny herbal dumplings had me speechless. When placing that order, I thought I was going to receive normal sized dumplings, but then the waiter brought the dish out and I was a little confused lols. The dish consists of mini dumplings that are so small they serve as the base of the dish (like rice would), with a over easy yolk in the middle. Very robust, filling, delicious meal. Would highly recommend. As we are in the process of trying to find smaller intimate places for romantic dinners, this is a place that we will be returning to.

DC A.

Yelp

We found Zinnia from an Instagram influencer. Unfortunately our experience did not meet up to the expectations that the post led us to have. The ambience and service were great, but the food was not and the cost was way too high for what we received. They charge $60 per adult which gets each person six finger sandwiches, many with very scant filling. You also get five small desserts and your choice of tea. We found most of the desserts to be unexceptional. The lemon tart was probably the best of them. Be aware that a 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills. There are better teas to be had in the DMV.

Kevin L.

Yelp

For all the hype and fancy looking people here, the experience was terrible. To start, the only person that was pleasant was the hostess that greeted us at the door. She was literally the only worker there that greeted us with a smile and asked what we needed. The general atmosphere of the outside garden was nice. We definitely enjoyed the garden and lighting. That's all. The food was ok but the service took away from the flavors entirely. We could barely finish our plates and drinks before a waiter/waitress was trying to haul them away. For a forced 20% gratuity, the least they could have done was pour our water and wait a few seconds for us to put in an order before rushing to another table.

Scott S.

Yelp

Went for a weeding reception...all aspects were outstanding! Great food, great service. Great ambiance.

Zack B.

Yelp

WE came her for brunch wiht family today after they helped us move some stuff into our new place just up the road (well, on a break from doing so). The brunch menu is very nice and the main room is lovely to sit in. Due to the quickly changing weather we opted to sit inside but cannot wait to dine Al Fresco. My mimosa was lovely and the Masala Chai iced drink and the turmeric Ginger latte also got high praise. Service was amazing. Between the 4 of us for our meals proper we had the shakshuka Gulf Shrimp and grits, Eggs benedict with Salmon and smoked Tuna sandwich. "I've never had a sandwich like this" said one family member as he devoured his, and the shakshuka also drew high praise. I would've like a few more shrimp and maybe a little more zip on mine and the other party member said there was just like one cut too much of Salmon on her benedict. Let's be honest though; it's just supremely lovely at Zinnia.

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