ZINO

"The food and ambience is excellent. Just a bit pricer but fresh … hot chocolate is one of the best I had."

"I came in early for my reservation on christmas eve and sat on one of the couches to wait for my family. While waiting, I heard loud screaming coming from what seemed to be the back of house or kitchen. This really startled me as men yelling makes me extremely uncomfortable. All at once, all the staff came to the front and started talking about the disrespect they just endured and were arguing with what seemed to be a manager. I asked one of them out of curiosity and was told everything was okay and it was just the exec. chef. I have never experienced in my whole 38 years of life that level of disrespect from a “chef” to their employees. Especially on a holiday like Christmas where it’s already stressful enough. I have worked in the restaurant business, this is not normal. The employee I talked to even mentioned they have reported this to HR and other higher staff (who saw this happen) and nothing has been done. I will never come to this restaurant again until they get a new chef or do something about this aggressive man. After doing some research I believe his name is Christopher House (his face is the first thing on Zinos website). Something needs to be done about this. I do not recommend supporting this restaurant in the meantime. These employees are excellent at their job from what I have noticed and deserve to not be disrespected and screamed at right before their shift. I watched as they were hesitant to even enter the kitchen after. Zino, please do better. The old chef was excellent and kind, your staff deserves better."

"Hadn't been here in a long time. Menu did not really read as "Mediterranean " but both of our dishes were excellent, salmon and sea bream. Really really good food. Our server Ignacio was attentive and gracious. The bar was out of some ingredients, which made the special cocktail menu obsolete… However the bartender literally came over to our table and worked out what we might like instead of our original orders, and the drinks thus negotiated were so good we ordered seconds. The restaurant was festively decorated with Christmas trees, which I was hoping for and appreciated. It was very quiet, I hope business picks up because we had a lovely experience and it's different from my usual "hot" dining spots in Berkeley where you can hardly hear yourself speak much less hear your dining companion. Our overall experience was relaxed and elevated."

"Excellent! Everything was delicious! Service was fantastic. Ambiance was lovely. Definitely recommend! We were in town on business and found Zino online. Went in on a whim and I'm glad we did! We started with the spreads which were absolutely delicious. Cocktails were fresh and fun and interesting. Entrees were mouthwatering. I had the lamb which fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. Friends had chicken/vegetable tagine. Somehow we found room for dessert and that was just as delicious. Chocolate tart and the peach tart are a must! The gelato on top was delightful by itself."