Zola + BarZola

My friend requested a glass of rose, and I got a glass of champagne. I enjoyed dry, fresh, and crisp champagne. It was incredible. My friend couldn't stop gushing about the rose, which she liked. We ate a tuna tartar together. The flavor was superb and it was really fresh. Lovely bar and whole decoration.

Can’t say enough good things about Zola! We came in for dinner and everything for the cocktails to the service was top notch. We got the oysters (wow, so good) goat cheese tartine and the 10oz steak frites. All incredible. The staff was super nice and attentive as well. Can’t wait to go back!

Absolutely loved our dinner here! Really helpful servers and great atmosphere. They also surprisingly had decent vegetarian options and everything we tried was delicious. Highly recommend the goat cheese mousse and the gnocchi. The cocktails, chickpea panisse ,and the grilled bread were good too. We will definitely be back.

Had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating my friend’s birthday here the other day. We came by at 9 and the 7 of us were seated very quickly. The food was excellent and the service was even better. The staff were super friendly, congratulatory, and accommodating. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience. The restaurant & bar itself was also very beautiful! The restaurant and bar were kind of separated into two rooms.

We LOVED our meal here! Everything was delicious, especially the mushroom crepe - the first bite was “wow”-inducing. We sat at the bar, and the bartender Alex was very cool and made some of the best looking cocktails I’ve seen. Definitely pricey though. I enjoyed the music and vibes. We came for a late dinner, but I could see how the space might seem dark during daytime hours. It felt like a scene in there, which I didn’t really know existed in Palo Alto. We will be back!

I booked this restaurant for a company dinner with a group set menu and we all had a wonderful experience! Every dish we were served was delicious and well prepared. I was worried that having a family style dinner meant the portion sizes wouldn’t be enough/we would leave hungry, but that was not the case at all!! The portion sizes were perfect and my team enjoyed the dining experience. The restaurant was also great at accommodating a vegetarian colleague by serving her a special dish to supplement her number of courses. The only thing I would change would be to make the chocolate mousse portion sizes bigger, only because we loved it so much!!! Thanks for the great dinner!

French quality and vibes in Palo Alto! Beef and duck were delicious. Tartine was packed with flavor. Get the mousse and thank me later.

We started with oysters. They were perfect, iodized with a fleshy texture. Scallops tartar and wild mushroom crepe, both with delicate taste and surprising accent. Then a coq au vin (I haven't tasted it) and salmon with vegetables, good and classic. The kids took gnocchi, cheek beef and macaroni, they liked it. I've enjoyed a red bordeau, medium body with floral note. We were outside, the table was too small. I wish the server would approach the table in case we'd like to ask something without interrupting our conversation by asking if everything is OK. Overall, a good experience.

We dropped by here before dinner for some drinks without reservation around 4:30. The bar was already full. They were graceful enough to give us a small table for an hour. I got a glass of champagne and my friend ordered a glass of rose. My champagne was crisp, fresh and dry. It was wonderful. My friend loved her rose and wouldn't stop talking about it. We shared a tuna tartar. It was super fresh and the flavor was spot on. Very nice bar and good decoration throughout. One side note that I didn't get any signals around here. Took me some time to walk around looking like a tourist to find it. But it was worth the effort.

Came here for a girls night out and we wanted to go somewhere nicer. We're able to make a reservation online and got seated right away although it took a while for the host to get to us when we first got there. The bar and the restaurant is connected and share an entrance, and has a nice ambiance that are good for date nights. The menu was fairly straight forward, and I ended up order the gnocchi and my group ordered a winter salad to share. The salad was well dressed and refreshing with the fruits. The gnocchi was flavorful, but also a bit on the heavier side. There wasn't much texture to the gnocchi and kind of felt like i was eating slightly pan friend potato balls which I wasn't as big of a fan of. I'd probably go for a protein dish. Service was alright, and the staff were somewhat friendly and attentive. Overall had a decent time here but wasn't blown away by the food, but would come back for the vibes and maybe drinks in the future.

I had a mixed experience. The indoor ambiance was inviting, with ample seating both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor area was thoughtfully equipped with heaters and shaded spots, making it a more comfortable space to relax and enjoy a meal. The oysters were fresh and delicious, and the standout dish for me was the chickpea panisse--it was truly impressive and left a lasting impression. While most of the staff interactions were pleasant, the main waitress was noticeably inattentive. I felt rushed (we left about 30 minutes earlier than planned to go have snacks & dessert somewhere else because it felt so uncomfortable) & she didn't seem particularly concerned and failed to clearly communicate the ingredients in the dishes I inquired about. This lack of care made the dining experience less comfortable than it could have been. Although I'm uncertain if I'll return (the food was very good & impressive), I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving Zola a try.

I reached out to this place for a company team event for about 15 people and they were very accommodating. Most of the places I reached out to in Palo Alto required a very high minimum and signed contract but Guillaume from Bar Zola was very helpful and didn't require this which we appreciated. We reserved the side room for a stand up cocktail style event and it was perfect for our group that ended up being about 12, with standing tables and some high bar stools. The place is dimly lit for a more intimate ambiance and decorated for the holidays. We saw that there was another hidden room for a private sit down dinner that another group had occupied. Because there was a door to separate our groups there wasn't an issue of invading our spaces. We ordered a bunch of food ahead of time so that they were prepared for our arrival and the food was great! * artichoke lettuce cups - these were okay, we had a couple vegan guests so these worked for them but we had a surplus of these left over. * stuffed mushrooms - cute little mushroom caps with more mushrooms inside. These were the perfect little bite * crab cakes - these were so cute and easy to pop into your mouth, these were probably my favorite * steak poivre brochette - steak on a skewer, and these were definitely the group fave. Tender and good flavor! * crispy pork belly - not very crispy unfortunately. * truffle truffle grilled cheese - I was afraid these would be too rich with the truffle but it was the perfect balance, it was delicious! * seasoned olives - I liked these but some people in my groups didn't like that it was warm instead of cold. * chocolate mousse was delicious not too sweet! * lemon tart - wow this was tasty, from the meringue on top to the lemon custard and then the crust. Wow! Drinks were also great! Along with attentive service! All guests in our group were very pleased with everything from the drinks, to the service, to the food! I will definitely be back!

If I could rate this place 100 stars out of 5 I would. Bar Zola is quite possibly my favorite restaurant ever, I've been coming here for almost 3 years. After moving to Palo Alto I have been able to come here more frequently and because of this I have become friends with a few of the staff. Nathan, AJ, and Josepho are so kind and always go above and beyond. The food is always amazing, the atmosphere is super fun and best of all they have an amazing staff. If you're looking for a fun place to have drinks or get dinner, look no further than bar Zola :)

Soooooopo salty!!!! While this is a beautiful space and the service was friendly, my main memory from the dining experience is how salty it was. I love the heated outdoor space which is also pet friendly, so we can enjoy our meals with our pups. The outdoor space has wind barriers and has heaters so it was quite comfortable despite the weather getting colder. The service is very efficient and the food came out pretty quickly. I appreciate they offered to split items that we plan to share such as the French onion soup. At $17, it seemed a little expensive but a good size when it was split; however, this was the beginning of the salty meal. The soup broth is made from mushrooms, so it is very mushroom forward, but the salt overwhelmed the entire soup. I also had the steak and fries; the shoe string fries were good and crispy but the steak was over salty where even the freshness of the chimichurri sauce couldn't rescue the flavor. There's too many good dining options in the area for me to return, but it is a beautiful space and the service was quite good. There is free street parking but plan extra time to find an empty parking spot.

Wow! What a great dining experience. The service was great and the food was fantastic. We shared an appetizer, salad & the monk fish dish. It was all delicious! I had a bees knees cocktail and it was very refreshing. We did ask to have our dessert to go and it was 10/10. We didn't have a reservation but they were able to seat us outside under the heaters which was great. Can't wait to come back again next time we're in town.

I went out with a girlfriend on a Saturday night to celebrate her first mom's night out. This was the first time I have been after their renovations this summer. The ambiance was a bit upscale - perfect opportunity to get dressed up and go out in the Bay. In light of their 10 year anniversary at the original location, they had a special menu: french onion soup, braised short ribs, and a peach dessert. It was good. My short ribs were a bit too fatty for my taste, but I think that depends on what cut of meat you get. We enjoyed the potato side that came with the main the most. Service was fine. They left us alone most of the night (but was attentive) as I think they felt we were deep in conversation. Drinks came incredibly fast. We felt the restaurant was quite busy being a Saturday night. I didn't particularly enjoy the interaction with the host. We had a "misunderstanding" and were seated at 7:30 pm for our 7:15 pm reservation. But I liked it enough to try it again maybe with my husband for a future date night.

First visit to Zola was middling. Our dishes lacked the consistency and quality expected at this price point. Dark and romantic atmosphere, but very loud. I struggled to converse with my dining companion seated at a corner 2-top. Service was fine but veered towards inattentive. Fish was overcooked, gnocchi was fine. Best dish was the side of scalloped potatoes. I likely won't return.

Great menu selection. Our server was extremely patient in explaining the entire menu to us. We had someone who was gluten free in our party and our server marked the entire menu with what they could/ couldn't have. We sat outside and service was pretty quick and attentive. Great ambiance for a medium sized group dinner. Food was decently delicious as well. The gnocchi was a true standout and I'd opt for the steak instead of the fish for entree.

Came here on a Thursday night. Was seated immediately. Ordered drinks and a few appetizers. The bone marrow was good and so were the drinks. Meatballs just okay. The beef cheek was the best and would definitely recommend. I also recommend getting a side of fries as it is a good portion. Service is okay, though a little slow

This was my second time visiting Zola +Barzola and I must say I really enjoyed it. We came here for a little date night and had delicious cocktails, apps, and entree. The service was great! Our server was friendly and she gave us recommendations based on what we typically enjoy for both cocktails and food. For our meal we had the bretzels, chickpea panisse, salade verte, Mary's chicken paillard, and for dessert the chocolate mousse. Our absolute favorites were the chickpea panisse and chicken paillard- Both were excellent flavors and reminded me of comfort food on a fall evening. The bretzels were not warm and I would pass on these next time. The chocolate mousse- wow just wow. Please save room for this chocolate mousse! My cocktail was " around the world" and it was also amazing.

Absolutely amazing food. The fries were crispy and perfectly salted and not too oily. We ordered our steak medium and it came out quickly and was paired well with the Malbec. The star dish was the brussels sprouts, which is something i would come back solely to eat again. If you're debating between the baguette and the rolls, do yourself the favor of getting the rolls. Very soft and fluffy insides, and sweet buttery crust outside. Right before we ordered dessert the restaurant ran out of their special (bread pudding with banana ice cream) which was heartbreaking to hear. The vibes are definitely geared towards date night, or late night intimate dinners. It's very dark inside which serves its purpose seeing every table is candlelit. Our server was great for making recommendations but forgot to check on us a handful of times for our drinks, but he comped our dessert to make up for it. I recommend.

Zola/Bar Zola are absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite spots in Palo Alto. Every meal I've had here has been excellent, service exceptional and be it wine or cocktails...I've never had a bad libation. We stopped in this trip for dessert and night cap. The espresso martini was delish and I can't recommend the chocolate mousse enough. I almost licked the bowl . Looking forward to coming back soon for a full meal

We sat in the heated outdoor area with a canopy, it's nice in spring/summer when there's a light breeze. The service was attentive without being overbearing. There was a slight 15 min wait for our reservation on a weekend, but I didn't mind. There's a nice bar you can sit at while you wait (first come first served.) Chenin blanc -- i really enjoyed this wine, it's a golden white wine with a fruity bouquet and it went well with the salmon. Dozen oysters -- these were mignonette oysters, so all on the smaller side but sweet and went well with the Tabasco, horseradish and lemon it was served with. Steak frites -- there are 3 steak frites to choose from, i liked this particularly because of the sauce poivre (peppercorn). it was perfectly medium and the shoestring fries were lightly salty with the perfect texture. Tarte tatin -- forgot to get a picture but it was done so well with juicy apples and a puff pastry that went well with the ice cream. it's sort of like a french apple pie with ice cream. Since we were here for a birthday, it was nice the restaurant offered a complimentary dessert of choice. We'll be back!

We LOVED our meal here! Everything was delicious, especially the mushroom crepe - the first bite was "wow"-inducing. We sat at the bar, and the bartender Alex was very cool and made some of the best looking cocktails I've seen. Definitely pricey though. I enjoyed the music and vibes. We came for a late dinner, but I could see how the space might seem dark during daytime hours. It felt like a scene in there, which I didn't really know existed in Palo Alto. We will be back!

As others have said, darker ambiance inside. I came with my family (group of 6). Could be good for a date night but the couple seated behind us were fairly close to us. You can definitely hear their conversation. Service was good. Baguette (3.5/5) - Butter has Maldon salt on it and was easily spreadable. We ordered two orders of the baguette. The first order was not warm and the bread was fairly hard. The second order was actually warm and much easier to eat. Wouldn't necessarily order it again - it should be something provided as bread service instead of having to order. Littleneck clams (4/5) - chorizo gives a nice salty taste to the clams, along with the small bits of leeks and garlic. Small and easy to eat but packs good flavor. Smoked salmon rillettes (4/5) - dark rye bread was fairly soft and holds the salmon well. Salmon itself is fresh tasting with dill and chive sprinkled on the salmon. With a party of 6, could have used more bread. Boles de picolat (4.5/5) - on the softer side. Tangy tomato sauce and nicely salted. The white beans give a good texture to the overall meatball. Pommes frites (4/5) - standard fries. Nicely salted and good portion size. The dijonnaise sauce was not my favorite as it was a bit too sharp - I prefer something more creamy like a aoili. Beef cheek (5/5) - rich sauce. Tasty, not overly salty, you can break the beef up with a fork - no knife needed. Onions and potatoes are a nice complement. Onions are slightly sweet while the potatoes have a slight crisp to them. They also give you a spoon so that you can scoop the meat and sauce - my plate was empty by the time I finished. Gnocchi (3.5/5) - bread crumbs give a nice crunch. Gnocchi itself is tasty, but I expected more since I am comparing it to other Italian restaurants. Dish is on the smaller side. I would recommend sharing this instead of having it as a single entree (unless you are not that hungry). All in all, a nice local restaurant. There are better French restaurants in the Bay Area. I wouldn't mind coming back to try the escargot, cocktails, and get the beef cheek again.

Ideally, 3.5/5 Zola + BarZola boasts a charming atmosphere and impressive menu, but be prepared to settle in for the long haul. While the wait was longer than ideal, the food itself was largely satisfying. The restaurant was busy on a weekday when we got there, so we were seated outside. Thankfully, they had heaters to keep us warm while we dined. Food: The cote de porc (pork chop) with porcini rub, pommes puree, and caramelized onions was delicious. The pork was perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, and with a satisfyingly crisp exterior. The mashed potatoes (pommes puree) were very creamy and had a smooth, velvety texture. It complimented the pork chop really well. The hanger steak was tender and flavorful, seasoned well, and cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The beef cheek bourguignon was Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, but the sauce didn't quite hit the spot. Overall, this dish was okay. Ambiance: The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dimmed lighting and comfortable seating created a perfect setting for a relaxed evening. Service: The slow service significantly impacted the experience. Our wait time between drinks and our main course was quite long, which unfortunately detracted from the overall flow of the meal. Overall, Zola + BarZola offers delicious food and a lovely atmosphere. If you're looking for a leisurely luxurious dining experience and don't mind waiting a bit between courses, then Zola + BarZola could be a good option. However, if you're short on time or prioritize fast service, you might want to consider another restaurant.

Nice indoor and outdoor space tight in downtown palo alto. They seated us quickly even though we were 20m early. We enjoyed a glass of wine while we waited for friends. The bar staff and waiter were super friendly. We order a bunch of stuff to share and everything was delicious. The steak had sauce which we didnt expect and surprisingly liked it. The watermelon and tomato salad was refreshing. Fries were fun. The duck confit was fall off the bone good. Little neck clams were my favorite with sauce and freshness of the clam itself..and some bacon shallots and all. Very flavorful. Wine selection was decent. Will return!

raw oysters: amazing, fresh and not fishy, I liked the sauce it comes with bone marrow: I love how the bread is already oily and you get to cover it in beefy fat. I really enjoyed since I was able to eat a small portion and shared the rest with 2 other people roast chicken: the chicken was tasty but the vegetables that came with it were very hard so I have mixed feelings about the dish ribeye steak frites: consistently hits the spot chocolate mousse: never disappoints crème brûlée: not as good as the mouse, it wasn't as creamy and smooth as I hoped it would be

The evening started out a bit rocky but then improved substantially. We had a reservation for 7:30P and were told that our table wasn't ready when we arrived. What annoyed me a bit was that we were not given an indication of when it would be ready. I was tempted to repeat the old Seinfeld line to the front desk about "you know how to take the reservation, but not how to hold it..." Nonetheless, in the end it didn't take that long to get seated. And after being seated everything improved dramatically. For starters we got the bread and clams, both of which were delicious. The chorizo with the clams was wonderful. I ordered the beef cheek, but we shared a few items among us. The beef cheek was fantastic. Fall off the bone delicious. The only negative was that this is a very heavy dish. It doesn't look that large but it packs a serious punch. - The endive salad was wonderful. The walnuts and blue cheese crumbles with the fruit were an excellent complement to the rest of the salad. - The pork chop had mixed reviews. I thought it was okay, but my wife and daughter liked it fine. - The halibut was a bit of a disappointment, though. The restaurant has a nice upscale ambiance, especially with the lovely patio outside. Our server was helpful and friendly as well.

Had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating my friend's birthday here the other day. We came by at 9 and the 7 of us were seated very quickly. The food was excellent and the service was even better. The staff were super friendly, congratulatory, and accommodating. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. The restaurant & bar itself was also very beautiful! The restaurant and bar were kind of separated into two rooms.

This might have genuinely been the best meal of my life (so far); seriously I was really impressed! My sister and I were hitting happy hour in Palo Alto when we decided we should get some food and just stumbled upon BarZola. To start, everyone from the host to the waiters and waitresses were so lovely! We were seated on the patio which was the perfect vibe for the evening. For food, we had so many different items (escargot pictured) to include the chickpea appetizer, escargot, the cheese plate appetizer, the gnocchi and a side of veggies which were all truly exceptional. We also drank (likely) a bottle of Sauvignon blanc between us and whatever they have was wonderful. Overall 12/10 and I will absolutely be back when in the area.

The best parts about this restaurant are the drinks and the service. We sat at the bar and what I really appreciated about the bar was that they had several bartenders and servers working behind the bar so you were not waiting forever for the bartender to make their way back over to you. They were extremely helpful and attentive. It is a beautiful, intimate restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The dim lighting and the dark colors make for a romantic and sultry vibe inside. The gold accents bring an elevated look to the restaurant. The food typically is pretty great here. The pretzels and whipped ricotta appetizers are delicious. We also got the steak frites which was a bit disappointing because they temperature of the steak was totally off but this might have been a one-time mishap. This will definitely be one of my go to spots, especially since it is so close to my work.

I had a great dinner with a friend here! The cocktails were creative and delicious; the service was great; the food was solid; and the space was inviting and busy (though a bit louder than I would have liked). I enjoyed my Lost By the Bay cocktail, and my friend liked her green cocktail (it's name escapes me). The food was good. We shared the beet and feta salad, which was fresh and flavorful. I liked my gnocchi entree, though I wasn't blown away by it. The crema brûlée was excellent. The service was attentive and thoughtful. The space, which was lovely, was quite packed for a weeknight. The option to pay via QR code was great - we only wish this method allowed us to split the check. Overall, we had a lovely meal here!

I'm a Zola superfan I've been back like 4 times since I found it a couple months ago. The food is delicious, I recommend the gnocchi, cheese board, pretzels, honestly all of the appetizers I've had have been top notch. It is also a cocktail bar so there are plenty of great drink options. Service here is amazing the servers are so great at explaining everything and they all look like they're having fun at work which is nice. Okay don't get me started on the ambiance! The interior design is ridiculously beautiful it's very elegant and cozy. Perfect for a date night!!!! Lastly it can be pricey so get the InKind app and you will get a discount if you pay through there

Husband and I went here for drinks. Bar was full so they sat us down in the dining area. The hostess provided water quickly then said we will be helped shortly. When the waiter came by, he seemed friendly enough, took our drink order, and came back fairly quickly with the order. That was the last we ever saw him. We did not even get napkins at the table. We visibly saw him skip our table at least 3 times as he did his rounds for the other tables. He paid great attention to the tables with larger parties and checked in with them regularly. Even when my husband and I finished our drinks, the waiter didn't even ask if we wanted anything else. We also noticed he skipped by tables with only 2 people seated. The drinks were decent enough. Service absolutely terrible. Clearly they are only there to entertain tables for the bigger tips not the smaller tables.

Great ambience, pretty good service, but subpar food - the escargot was on the bland side (especially for a French restaurant), and the pork chop was SO salty I could not finish it. The pork was cooked well but I feel like I have never encountered such a salty sauce, (and I love salt/am the type to always add a little extra). With all that being said I found this place to be overpriced and would not recommend for the food - would maybe drop in for a drink, as the posh bustling atmosphere is nice and I imagine it'd be a nice place to have wine with friends, but for dinner alone, I'd say go elsewhere.

Ok so if you're going to come here remind yourself that it's Palo Alto and it's pricey. Now that your mind is in the right space, sit and enjoy the delicious cocktails and the desserts. Just experiencing these two made us definitely want to return for a full meal. Make a reservation ahead of time for dinner seating. We were able to get a table for drinks easily later at night after the dinner rush.

Wow, I love it here!!!! First things first-- the vibe of this place speaks to my soul. The music, the decor-- everything about Bar Zola is lovely. I had dinner with my mom a couple of days ago and we had a FANTASTIC meal. Service was outstanding as well. We started with a salad and the clams and omg!!!! I've never had better clams in my life. The salad was good... very simple. I will probably skip the salad and try something a little more interesting next time. The steak frites were sooo good. My favorite thing we tried was the halibut-- it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was incredible. I will definitely be back, and can't wait to try more of the menu!!

4.5 stars overall Ambience: 4.5 stars It is dark and moody, like a setting of a great romance novel. Haha. Okay, seriously, it had a lively vibe, yet had a casual sophistication to it, so you can go there for a business meal or for an impressive date location. The only downside is the tables were situated close to each other, at least where we sat, so it almost felt like we were all in one group! The tables needed a little more space for privacy. Food: 5 stars Flavors were ON POINT! The Beef Cheek Goulash and a hamachi starter were our favorites. Service: 4 stars The time it took to order and receive drinks and our food were super fast, but what was odd was people kept sipping around the place, but no one asked us how our meal was or checked in on us. For such a fancy place, I would've liked a little more personal service. The speed of service made me feel a little rushed too. One thing that bothered me: We had dinner reservations, but were seated at a small table in the bar area, not the main dining room. This is why our table was squished by other tables. Zola is such a nice establishment. We just didn't feel like we got the full experience, but still paid the full price. I'd give it another chance though. The food was delicious.

I'm probably in the minority here but I was not a fan of this place. Upscale atmosphere and nice outdoor seating, indoors looked really pretty but the food was meh and overpriced. Martini - too strong for me and had a harsh bite. I ended up not drinking it Old fashioned - my husband said this was fine Ricotta Gnocchi - was bland and I barely touched it. I didn't even take the leftovers home. I immediately said no to the dessert menu which is saying a lot of me since I save room in my stomach just for that at the end of every meal out. I just couldn't try another thing at this place and be disappointed and then have to shell out more $$$.

The drinks and food were mid. The service was the worst treatment I have had in a while. For $266 bill we were treated as if we were some imposters squatting on their property. The guy with a pink hut was great. The rest of the stuff who interacted with us, starting from the hosts and finishing with the last server that was transitioned to us were dismissive, to put it lightly. We also had to go inside to get our order. Daylight robbery. Do not go here.

Amazing service! Shout out to Donna for being an amazing server throughout the meal. I made a reservation early on for my mom's birthday and the manager, Nathan, was so thoughtful enough to consider the location of our table for my mom's bday by contacting me and working it out with me. No one has ever done that. The food is incredible! Can't go wrong with anything. We especially loved the bone marrow, clams, and the beef cheeks were to die for. Everything had its own unique flavors, the beef was so tender and melted on our forks. The vibes were great with delicious drinks and fun crowd. It was packed which is no surprise, and we will definitely be back for another special meal!

I'm just realizing that, despite many visits since the Pandemic, this review was done during that period where good take out was enough. We've been back since Zola re-opened with it's new 2nd area--Bar Zola. The setting is gorgeous in both rooms and now there is a parklet with lots of outside space to eat. AND, they're soon to open a 3rd room at the corner. That's definitely a sign of success! The food is outstanding, the drinks top notch and the staff are friendly, knowledgable and helpful. If you love deviled eggs, try their Oeuf & a drink while you're scanning the menu. You can't go wrong, no matter your order. We love the pork chop, salads, chicken, and more. Throw in a sides of green beans and you're going to want to come back. The food mostly comes out quickly from the team in their amazing kitchen & related team. Certainly our favorite restaurant in Palo Alto for good reason! I'll try to add some photos of food, that is NOT in a box, soon. If you use this link AND if your bill is $50 or more (pre-tip) AND you pay through InKind's app, you'll see $25 take off immediately. https://app.inkind.com/refer/VTR6AGN2 If you like saving while trying great restaurants, you may fall in love with this app! You can use in local places including Tacolicious and Wildseed here in town, and more a little further out. San Francisco has loads of options. Check out Pabu in SF--a Michael Mina restaurant with a stunning kitchen and team. OMG--so good we went back twice in a week. Anyway, the bar team make our visits even more fun, but if eating at a bar isn't for you, you have many sections available--you can find the one that suits you! So good--my mouth is watering as I type!

I hadn't gone to Zola for a long time, mostly because it is more expensive than other French restaurants in the Bay Area and because at the time, it didn't feel like the extra price was worth it. After going back today, it sounds like the restaurant evolved positively over the last years (not that it was ever bad!) and I was happily surprised by the quality of the food. Yes, it's pricy, but considering how good everything was and how each dish is beautifully presented, it was worth it. I would definitely not go as often as my other favorite French restaurants, but it's a great place for special occasions, date nights, or dining with friends. What we had for dinner: scallop tartare (excellent), goat cheese mousse (fresh and tasty), Parisian gnocchis (delicious), coq au vin (tasty and filling), cheese platter (great assortment and generous portions), and desserts. Perhaps my only caveat would be the limited options for dessert. It would be nice to have 2 or 3 more choices.

Five glowing stars; we shared six dishes in total, every single one a winner. Zola, a dark & moody French bistro, is nothing if not consistent. Hors d'oeuvres: -- Bretzels with warm gruyere ($10) are a textural & flavor wonderland. Arguably one of theee best pretzel-type things I've ever put in my mouth. Pillowy soft inside & salty, perfectly crunchy outside. -- Fromages & Charcuterie ($26): didn't partake in the meat selection, but the cheeses were excellent, particularly the brie paired with stone fruit compote. Les Plats: -- Halibut Beurre Jaune: tender halibut coated in a buttery sauce with hints of tarragon & pesto. Doubly happy to see capers in this dish. -- Poulet Forestiere ($40): I'm not sure which element I liked most -- the tender white meat chicken, the herbaceous green sauce, or the expertly-cooked artichokes. Dessert: -- Mousse au Chocolat ($12): de-ca-dent. -- Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta ($12): just enough sweetness with the peaches & cherries. Dishes come out at a leisurely pace so make sure you have time to chill if you have dinner here. Friendly waitress anticipated all our needs. A truly great dining experience, through & through.

Stopped by for a friend's birthday drinks and bites. I haven't been here since before COVID. They have expanded the space both indoors and outdoors and they have a full liquor license. Their drinks were fantastic and we were bummed to have to leave to another dinner. I'll be back in a couple weeks for a girls night dinner and very excited for it!

Sooooo... here it is, I popped into this place one Friday night, being drawn to the "French" wine bar claim. The inside was bustling, quite the social scene, music, dim lit, trendy, and appealing decor- clean upscale. . Now with all that said, I wasn't a super fan of my wine. My food was okay. We ordered a small app and some dessert, having eaten earlier. The dessert was good. The had an array of wines and nice craft cocktail offerings. I would say, this place is a social event more than anything Ugh, don't shoot the messenger lol, but this is not would not be my preferred go to. Maybe I could give them another try, but my first impression, I'd rather check out another wine bar.

So good! We had been looking for French food in the Bay Area and especially for well-done mussels and clams. This place didn't disappoint. Their clam appetizer was perfect and the steak-frites were delicious too. Would maybe skip the salad next time. We sat outside and didn't have any of the issues with service that prior reviewers have mentioned inside the resto.

I came here to meet a coworker for drinks, so we were on the bar side. They have a beautiful heated parklet and two seating areas inside, as well as a bar. The atmosphere is low key but moody in a good way, very different from a lot of the other places in downtown Palo Alto. It was packed by 6pm on a random Tuesday! Drinks: - Fungi and Foe: tequila based, with candy cap, date, cassis, China China. I got this because of the more unique ingredients. - Old fashioned: classic We also got some scotch (note: there's an upcharge for the big clear ice cubes.. they were very beautiful, though). For snacking, we got some fries, which were thin, nicely salted. They have a good promotion right now if you pay with a specific app - $50 off $150! Details are on their website. I'll probably be back later this month to take advantage of it!

We had a lovely time at Zola, big party who walked in and they sat us immediately. I had an espresso martini which was SO good. It was my friend's birthday and our server brought out a round of drinks and made us feel so welcome. Loved it!

Driven by BarZola a bunch of times on the way home from work, and had to check it out. Definitely a great date night spot. Needed to try out this spot at least twice before making up my mind. Tbh hella got lost trying to find the host stand to check in (I'm a goon, so don't take my word on direction). Just look for the iPad. The girly pop hostess is so sweet and kind. Already a great start to the night. 15/10 would recommend ! 10oz wagyu flat iron is the way to go. Accidentally ordered the hanger steak the second time around and you can tell the difference (still good, but defo leaning towards the wagyu). Gnocchi is a go to, don't sleep on it. Bone marrow smacks. Meatball smacks. Scallop tartare absolutely smacks (maybe a couple more chips and we gucci). Drinks are a bop. The second trip we celebrated our anniversary, and we were gifted a couple drinks. Honestly, try them all. Word of mouth tells me that BarZola wins a handful of cocktail comps. Shoutout to Henry and Whitney. Service is stellar. Servers ,who weren't even assigned to us, refilled our water. Bussers were quick to pick up our empty plates and glasses. Also the blue chore jackets were a vibe. Very Parisian.

My wife and I have had the pleasure of visiting Bar Zola in Palo Alto multiple times, and each visit reaffirms our love for this place. Whether we're enjoying a casual night out or celebrating with friends, Bar Zola never fails to impress. Ambiance (5/5): The cozy yet chic atmosphere at Bar Zola creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. The dimly lit interior and comfortable seating make it an ideal spot for both date nights and gatherings with friends. Food (5/5): The food at Bar Zola consistently delights our taste buds. Two standout dishes we highly recommend are the "Ricotta Gnocchi" and the "Halibut Beurre Blanc." The Ricotta Gnocchi is a heavenly blend of rich, creamy ricotta gnocchi, peas & corn, truffle velouté, mushrooms, and a perfectly slow-cooked egg. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that keeps us coming back for more. The Halibut Beurre Blanc is a culinary masterpiece, with the halibut cooked to perfection and served alongside artichokes, turnips, blue lake beans, tarragon, and capers. Every bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you craving more. Drinks (5/5): Bar Zola's drink selection is nothing short of impressive. We are particularly fond of the "Jai Alai" and "Pensamientos" cocktails. The Jai Alai, made with mezcal, charanda, apricot, turmeric, pineapple gomme, lemon, and a pepper melange, is a unique and refreshing concoction that pairs beautifully with the diverse flavors on the menu. The Pensamientos, with its intriguing blend of gin, blueberry, pisco, jasmine, gran classico, lime, and bitters, is a delightful journey of taste sensations. It's a must-try for anyone looking for an innovative and well-crafted cocktail experience. Service (4/5): While the majority of our experiences with the staff at Bar Zola have been positive, we have occasionally found the wait staff to be a bit slower on certain nights. However, it's worth noting that service can vary, and our overall experiences have still been enjoyable.

I was introduced to this place by a friend and I'm glad I was! We met for dinner and drinks and everything was awesome. Great food, service and creative cocktails! Will definitely be back.

Service was OK. Took the server while to get our order in. Food time also took some time so we finished 3/4 of our wine bottle before the food arrived. Food quality was good. Star dish was definitely the melt in your mouth Beef Cheeks Bourguignon. The burrata was a miss for me. The winter squash didn't pair well for me. The Brussels sprouts were very zesty. The gratin de courge (winter squash) was not my cup of tea. Steak Frites was average. And the salmon tartine was good and zesty. Food portion to price portion is a little imbalanced for me so it is a little pricey. Corkage is $45 per 750 mL I would definitely make reservations because they are very popular and you won't get your preferred seating if you don't Reserve ahead of time.

I would not recommend going to this place. My husband and I were there for dinner yesterday and we regret it very much. The server was nice, but when my husband nicely asked if his steak was medium rare, the serve just told him that it was even though it wasn't. It was very much red and my husband felt sick eating it and for that price, the steak should be cooked to the correct level that the customer asked for. My husband wasn't upset and we have a dog who we knew could eat it and would love it, but watching him nicely ask if it was cooked to medium rare and the server just giving a CYA answer that he knew was false was ridiculous. I also felt sick after the dinner and repeatedly threw up. It is ridiculous to pay hundreds of dollars on what should have been a nice dinner out just to have the order messed up without an apology and to have both my husband and I with upset stomachs after the food. They are closed Sundays, but I will be contacting the establishment to voice my concerns.

We've been coming to Bar Zola for quite some time and so glad the bartenders are always the same! We enjoy sitting at the bar watching the professionals do their thang to make us such delicious cocktail. Some of our favorites are Lost At Bay, Jai Alai, but everything is so yummy. Their schnitzel is to dieeeeeeee for along with their corn soup. Anything you try, you won't be disappointed! Valentina is the best!!

9:00pm reservation. Arrived early, was seated at 9:20pm Waitress took so long to take our order another person had to jump in Bread: ehh not good not bad. I've had better free bread Bone marrow: sour, one of the worst bone marrow I've had Beef cheek: way to salty Fish cod: zero flavor at all, like eating cardboard Overall a bad dinner and experience overall. Will not be back