Zambra RestaurantNot for the hungry90% of aspects were good/very good. Even recognizing it is a "small plates" restaurant, food quantity was very noticeably meager.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOrder from the specials menuZambra offers two menus--the standard tapas menu, and the daily specials menu, which is where the restaurant shines. This menu offers original and flavorful combinations of seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared. Standouts included octopus tentacles (the tenderest I've ever encountered) with arugula in a vinaigrette that tied it all together, and a sounds-terrible-but-tastes-amazing peppermint-maple flan. Less successful was the pork terrine, which was too large/heavy a portion for a small plate, and lacked the freshness and originality of the rest of the specials menu. I would love to go back and explore the rest of this menu. I usually don't care much about ambience if the food is great, but Zambra looks like it could use a makeover.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Food & Great StaffI rarely rate anything a 5 but Zambra is worthy of the top rating! Service was great. There was always someone checking in to mkae sure we got our food and the water glasses were full.
We were visiting with friends and they suggested Zambra for the small plates and variety. It is one of their favorite places and now mine too. We tried all sorts of dishes from olives to seafood to chicken fried beef tongue to beef heart. There was not a bad dish in any of our selections. The flavors are well married and enjoyable.
Wine list is very good and reasonable.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLove this place!!This is the third or fourth time that I've eaten at Zambra and it's always delicious. The setting is dark and romantic and it is usually very busy. Absolutely make a reservation. They have a great wine list and plenty of wines by the glass. I always start with a bowl of warm olives,crusty bread and a great glass of wine while I peruse the menu. I had the baby arugula salad (delectable!) and then went to the PEI mussels. The mussels were in a very tasty, spicy broth. Finished the meal with lamb T-bone with lentils - excellent! Great meal and great service. I'll be back!!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable anniversaryIt was our 8 wedding anniversary. My husband ate the beef tongue and declared it one of the top three things he has ever eaten. 5 out of six were perfection. Baby octopus was buttery deliciousness. My only regret is that we did not come on an empty stomach.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAn out-of-towner's viewZambra is a great little Asheville gem we found several years ago. Its tapas menu allows you to try all sorts of dishes that you might otherwise miss as entrees, and the assortment varies daily. Our server made great recommendations, and was extremely knowledgeable about the ingredients. Live music on the weekends adds a great energy to the eclectic restaurant. We'll definitely return!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!Came here on a recommendation and it was spot on. We tried about 7 different menu items and LOVED all of them as well as the house Sangria and Zambrarita! Service was great and atmosphere was unique and fun.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMTapas--yumThis was our second trip to Zambra. The first was last December, and we loved it! We returned to Asheville last week, and made a reservation in advance. The food was really great, and the service was outstanding. We will return.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMNot over the topWe love good food but some "foodie" restaurants try too hard to be unusual, creating dishes with so many disparate tastes as to be inedible. Zambra serves really tasty, interesting small plates. I have never had such tender shrimp or scallops in delicious and interesting presentations. The ribeye/tenderloin dish was also delicious. I would definitely plan a trip to come back here. The service was so friendly and attentive!
A+ for this restaurant .
Two Wisconsin Foodlovers5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGo Tapas!Exceptional quality and variety - my husband and I enjoyed the tapas portions and being able to share and try out new things. And the signature drink was wonderful - nice to have a crafted cocktail!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Restaurant!Impressed with Zambra. I have no idea how they coordinate a tapas restaurant that big - kudos to the chefs & staff. Great ambience (though a little crowded). Really great cocktails, and a lot of adventurous menu options, truly a great fit for foodies. Standout menu items - the quail, beef tongue and the chimmichangas. Items which were good not great - flank steak, sliders. Would definitely return to Zambra if /when I visit Asheville again. Plate sizes were good to share with one person - great date night scene. Husband and I ordered three plates each - and were too stuffed to really enjoy the last delivered plate. They had a xylophone/bass duo performing which was a nice touch without being too loud or intrusive. Definitely would recommend!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodEvery time someone comes to town to visit we take them to Zambra's; they have the best food in the country (I've traveled). Whether is a staple dish or one of their new ones, I'm always amazed at the quality and flavor. A must if visiting Asheville5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our favoritesWe've started to make a habit of eating at Zambra before we go to a performance at NC Stage across the street. The food is excellent and innovative - who knew Brussels Sprouts could be so tasty?! Service is friendly and attentive, and the ambience has a lot of charm.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOur new favorite restaurantOur new favorite restaurant in Asheville! Fabulous, creative tapas - wasn't a single one that we wouldn't reorder next time. The server was helpful and informed and well, perfect! Can't wait to go back. Want to treat guests to this incredible experience!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best restaurants in townI had a wonderful time at Zambra again. I have never been disappointed in any experience that I've had at this restaurant. The food was amazing, service was incredible, and we sat right next to a fine jazz trio which we loved since we're both musicians. It's expensive for sure, but not ideally priced for the quality of your dining experience. If you've never been to Zambra, go to Zambra.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food every time..I have dined at Zambra's a total of 4 times now. I have been impressed each time with the taste and quality of the food.I love trying out new menu items. The atmosphere is great . Being a server in the food industry for 20+ years, I do have to say that the quality of service is lacking at Zambra's. That seems to be the case in most restaurants in Asheville. It seems to me that the servers know that they are going to get the business and customers regardless, so they slack off in their service skills. There is no personality. Very rarely do I even get a proper greeting when entering. I feel that a visit to a fine restaurant should consist of great food, atmosphere AND great service to top it off. It really does make a difference.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful, as usualZambra is one of my favorite restaurants and it never disappoints. The service was great, the food was incredible.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful, eclecticWe had a wonderful, eclectic meal. Great food, great atmosphere, great band and great experience. Would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys unusual, creative tapas in a romantic environment.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMDeliciousWe were first here in 2011, the weekend we got engaged. We just walked in off the street and really enjoyed the food, the really friendly staff and overall ambiance. We were not disappointed when we returned. Still great food and friendly service and the place is charming and romantic. My husband even ate some of the tofu (he is not usually a fan) and had to admit it was yummy.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways great food, good serviceAlways great food, good service and an interesting setting. A local favorite for years. We enjoy this restaurant for dinner for two to a family gathering or a meal at the bar. The tapas are interesting, delicious and well presented. What is not to enjoy?5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent dinner option inExcellent dinner option in Asheville...especialy for foodies!
Great menu variety. Everything we had was well-prepared and fresh. Serving sizes were just right and the flavors on each plate were well matched and complimentary. The restaurant features a very impressive wine list. Service was friendly and knowledgeable....perfect for a tapas style restaurant.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic DinnerWent for our 18th wedding anniversary. Had a cozy spot in the corner with lots of pillows, great music, tasty drinks and food. Try the Citrus Flower cocktail - tequila, white grape juice and chili peppers. The gnocchi with feta and beets was full of flavor. Loved the pork tenderloin with jalapeño jelly and the chicken taco. Our waitress was a little ditzy and rushed us through our dinner, but really enjoyed the whole experience.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA real find!Zambra was recommended to us on a recent visit to Asheville. What a find! We were welcomed graciously, our servers were friendly and knowledgable, the atmosphere romantic, the food was delicious and correct temperature. Restaurant lighting is on the dark side and we needed our cell phone light to read the menus. Reservations are a must! We difinitely will be back when we visit Asheville again.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSaturday night in AshevilleZAMBRA offers a great experience for a nice environment and good meal! From the entry greeting, to a relaxing drink at the bar, our table was ready on time, and we enjoyed a friendly and competent waiter. The selection of tapas was extensive, and dishes were served hot and on time........bonus was a moderate price for dinner for two with wine at around $40. Nice music and atmosphere, low lighting, and abilty to talk quietly!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat FoodWanted to find a place close to the Civic Center for a concert that night. Couldn't have picked a better place. Food was outstanding with an attentive staff. If I lived in Asheville, this would be a weekly haunt.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat uncommon food choicesI like different and bold flavors. Zambra fills the bill. First, the low-ceilinged basement space has been interestingly designed, to look exactly as I remember the succession of cave-like tapas bars beneath the square in Madrid 50 years ago. We sat in a secluded curtained nook with 3 other tables; it would be perfect for a group. Service was great, the daily specials included over 20 choices. The flavors of each dish (fried oysters, sauteed shrimp, octopus, pork cheek, among others) were bold and perfectly balanced. I had had beef heart only once before and wanted to see how this kitchen would do them - excellent, like really tender flank steak. Great wine menu with good by-the-glass choices. Park in the garage across the street.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMCozy & romanticCozy, romantic setting in this Spanish inspired venue in the middle of bustling Asheville. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgable without being a pest.. The small plates were creative and delicious. The wine selections were ver good. Unfortunately, we went early on a Sunday night and there were no belly dancers. :-(4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat selection of small plates.Great selection of small plates. Presentation was well done and food was very good
Only problem was the noise level - very noisy4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful tapas - would defWonderful tapas - would def go back and take out of town guests!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMDid have to send my soup backDid have to send my soup back for correction. But the food was good. I had beef, my friend had lamb.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMZambra's was delicious andZambra's was delicious and catered to our request for a more private area as it was my husband's birthday. They have a wonderful dining room and super cozy little cave like rooms that are truly unique. I have already suggested Zambra's as a great dining spot to friend's visiting the area. Cocktails were fresh and the wine list extensive. If you like the tapas dining experience Zambra's was wonderful!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMElectic quality tapasEclectic and changing tapas menu, with focus on local ingredients. Creativity and quality are given emphasis.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food at a decent price,Great food at a decent price, considering location, range of the kitchen and style. Have enjoyed it every time we've gone.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a really fun experienceWe had a really fun experience at Zambra. We had been foraging with No Taste Like Home's Alan Muskat that afternoon and were told to bring out "finds" to Zambra and the chef would prepare something for us. We had hoped to find morels but were only able to find some greens. We somewhat apologetically offered them to the waitress and were thrilled to be served a delicious and beautiful bowl of gnocchi with goat cheese and sauteed greens! Everything else that we chose from the extensive (and seasonal) tapas menu was equally delicious and presented with finesse. The wine list was extensive with several notable choices. Overall, our entire evening was very enjoyable.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was an overall fantasticIt was an overall fantastic restaurant experience. I give it 5 stars all across the board.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAn amazing find in the mountainsWe had an outstanding experience at Zambra! We ordered three dishes to begin with: duck taco, a brussels sprout dish and the pork spring rolls. Each dish was a culinary explosion in your mouth! I tried the blackberry chipotle Zambratini and it was delicious. The wait staff was extremely helpful with advice on choosing dishes and gave us a great wine recommendation as well. We had three additional dishes, all of which were amazing and finished with flan to share and coffee. A marvelous evening in an atmosphere of old Madrid. Tables are close to each other, but not distractingly so, nor is the noise level intrusive. We would return in a heartbeat!4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for couples orGreat place for couples or small groups. The only negative is that they charge for soda refills.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable TapasGreat selection of tapas. Something for every taste. Each small plate was a gem. If I lived in Asheville, I'd be tempted to dine here very often.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall was a wonderful resturantOverall was a wonderful resturant and will definitely be visiting again!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA slightly hidden gemEven though busy we got seated early for a 8:15 reservation. Seated near the center of the place it seemed at first loud but I noticed when the two man band started I could hear them fine. Waiter arrived within seconds and our initial oreder in about a minute. Tapas are simply like eating appetizer size portions of foods and my wife's favorite way to eat. I will not try to describe each item because I only have 282 characters left. Suffice it it say it was all very tasty. Even the one dish we didn't really like. The fried tofu w/ hummus. Loved the hummus, the crust was cooked perfectly, the tofu tasted like---why people say they don't like tofu. The wine list is long and a bit pricey but the Sineann Pinot is a good priced gem.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMZambra is our 'go-to' placeZambra is our 'go-to' place when we have guests in town; it's such a unique experience. There's something for everybody on the menu.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to go with a group;Great place to go with a group; food did not disappoint!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to relax and catch up.We are in love, for two hours we dined and laughed. The food is outstanding and everyone is just so accomdating. The ambiance is perfect for a social gathering, or initmate dining experience.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat atomosphere, large selectionGreat atomosphere, large selection of menu items, good wine, good service. Great cheese course.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThe apps and salads whereThe apps and salads where better than I main dishes good selection of items3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMRainy night outside , butRainy night outside , but warn and very cozy inside. Arrived 30 minutes before my confirmed reservation time, but no problem for the staff, was seated immediately and totally enjoyed the rest of the evening. Everthing was wonderful, food was great, and the wait staff was efficient. Can't wait to go back.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMZambra Was a True Birthday Treat!I LOVE Zambra! Visited AGAIN for my birthday and the meal did not disappoint! It's a little dark for the sight-impaired, but if you have a smart phone, use the flashlight option and you'll be fine. All was delicious: Sesame-encrusted scallops, sweet potato/coconut soup and a cheese plate with a wonderful glass of wine. Delightful server. The dimly-lit room with intimate corner seating options and exotic decor is very romantic (the couple at the table next to us cozily celebrated their anniversary).3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM