Cafe Zola

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1. DB

   DontBother

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 23, 2022

   overall2food4service1ambience2

   A pleasant but inexperienced server who was just not ready for prime time coupled with a kitchen that apparently needs 20 minutes to make a crepe (a signature item they've made for years) while not comping anything on our bill for the ridiculous experience says management at this once vibrant and great restaurant has lost its way.

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 20, 2022

   overall3food4service3ambience2

   We made reservations two months in advance for a group of 12 to celebrate a baby shower. I confirmed with the restaurant by calling three days before the scheduled reservation. When we arrived Monday morning at 10:00am (not a busy time of service!) they were completely confused and not anywhere ready to host our group. We had to crowd around and wait near the host stand. What a disappointment!

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3. CC

   ChrishaunC

   Detroit

   3 reviews

   1.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall1food3service1ambience1

   Slow service but other tables were served timely by other wait staff. We were seated first in the back area, all other tables were empty. As other customers were being seated in this same area after us, they were receiving food before us. There was another person who said she would take over but then the first waitress came back bringing the food and just dropping it off, not remembering each person’s order. It seems she was overwhelmed and began being rude. Not sure why she still served us when the other waitress was supposed to take over. The cost was too much for the bad experience. Will never go there again.

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4. DM

   DanM

   Detroit

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Brunch was very enjoyable! So many choices! And service is always dependable and high quality. Thank you!

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   This is our favorite restaurant in the area. We love coming for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. It’s one of the few restaurants that reminds us of Chicago (we used to live there). This time, we came for Father’s Day. Food and ambiance is always amazing. Sometimes service is slow, but that’s everywhere right now and doesn’t bother us because we know. Always 10/10 recommend this place. *we were running 10 mins late this time too and they were so accommodating

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6. MI

   MIchaelB

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 18, 2022

   overall3food3service2ambience5

   Sitting outside on a nice summer evening was delightful. The food was fine, but nothing special. The service was willing but not very expert with no knowledge of wine nor the ability to get help with it.

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7. JD

   JamesD

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 10, 2022

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Our reservation was for 6 people outside. It was pouring rain, but they were able to switch us inside

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8. DG

   DeniseG

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 30, 2022

   overall2food1service2ambience3

   It’s a place to have drinks and appetizers. My husband ordered a crepe and it was horrible. I had pasta and it was ok. The calamari appetizer were frozen and tough. Not going back there for dinner.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 29, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We LOVe Zola!!!

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    We’ve been to Cafe Zola many times. Tonight was very disappointing. The service was inattentive, the wrong size wine was brought, the mussels were a bit fishy and the overall organization was poor. From the moment we walked in, with staff walking past us and not making eye contact, to not asking if we had reservations so they could make sure we’d actually kept up our end of the bargain, to the very inattentive service, it was a disappointing experience.

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11. GJ

    GregoryJ

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Had a reservation, so 2 of us immediately seated, 3rd person who came a touch later was advised we weren't there and to wait. No biggie, but . . . Server came by immediately when we were seated, but we hadn't had a chance to read the menu to decide on what to eat or what drinks would go with what we'd eat. Server then disappeared for 20 minutes or more, so from eager service, to . . . Food came fairly timely after order, although the octopus appetizer ran well behind the other appetizers. All appetizers were VERY GOOD (tuna tartare, octopus, caprese salad and kofta). I ordered an Old Fashioned, which was good, but you didn't get too many sips for $14, so . . . Wife had the salmon dinner entree and liked it, but portions were not too big for the $, so . . . All in all, a good place to go, service a touch spotty and prices a touch high for what you got.

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12. TH

    TheHoffmans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is one of our most favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor, whether you want to dine outside or inside. Great menu, excellent kitchen, great service and above all, a superb location in the center of Ann Arbor with a great ambience providing a comfortable atmosphere for couples and small to midsize group dining

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13. L

    Lucille

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an outside table with superb food and excellent service from Savannah. I would highly recommend going to Zolas on a nice summer evening.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Over priced for generic food the hamburger tasted like something made off a house stove and the Blood Mary’s where awful and the bill was 100$

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15. AB

    AndreB

    Detroit

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    One of the worst experiences in Ann Arbor. After waiting to being served for 15 minutes, had to ask for service to discover that no one had been assigned to our table. To end the night again had to get up and find someone to ask for the bill. I would not recommend the place at all

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16. c

    ccameron

    Detroit

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Drinks great. Wish the price point matched the food quality.

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17. AC

    AdrianC

    Detroit

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience3

    been there a number of times and this was a huge disappointment! food and service was the worst experience i have had

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience4

    We didn’t know there wasn’t an all day brunch menu like usual. Not impressed with dinner menu or the entrees we ordered. Love brunch but won’t be back for dinner

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19. G

    Greatfood

    Miami

    34 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This restaurant has the absolute worst service in all of Ann Arbor and an owner manager who is rude and uncaring. The food is OK but the delays to get served and for food to come out is totally unacceptable and is not an isolated incident. It is very common to wait close to an hour for food after ordering and if you ask about it they are rude and tell you if you don’t want to wait you can leave. After a few tries I have given up on this place as there are a number of better places with nice people who know how to look after their customers. Go to Angelo’s or Afternoon Delight

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20. BJ

    BryanJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    Great brunch in past (like, amazing!). Very disappointing dinner for special occasion. Took forever (literally an hour) between appetizers and meal, and wine that was ordered was forgotten - not that we could notify the waiter, who disappeared after appetizer delivered to table. Very loud. Hard to have a conversation. Wait staff also forgot to check back after dinner was brought out - until we were essentially done. Lack-luster fillet - have had much more flavorful fillets for less expense - including at Michelin star restaurants. Their version of a Caesar salad (at $14) was not as good as a salad in a bag from Costco that serves 8. Best part of the meal was the antipasto, which was exceptional. Too bad the rest of the dinner was not at this level. Waited forever for a check after everyone was done, and no desert even offered or apology made for not bringing out the wine other than assuring us we wouldn’t be charged. Restaurants are as much about the experience as they are for the food - I’m sorry to say this was not good in either category. Very poor value for money spent, and NO WINE (sorry to whine). Only reason I’m not rating it lower is the phenomenal brunch we’ve had in the past and a great antipasto plate.

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21. JS

    JeanineS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Terrible service. Food mediocre at best. Would never return

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22. CJ

    ChristianaJ

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great place- food is always good and so is the ambiance. Service can be slow but they have been short staffed the past few months.

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23. SF

    SueF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and lattes! Would definitely come back again!

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24. E

    Elle

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    Preparation was lacking. If I could do better making myself at home, I have to criticize the cook staff. Portion sizes were ridiculously small for entrees. We had to order more after 3 appetizers for a table of 6 and each of us ordered an entree. There's no competition in this town, so they do not maintain standards.

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Options and Portions continue to decrease and prices increase.

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    They made it special for graduation!

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Graduation celebration with my husband

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Love the food.. It’s alway amazing

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    Poor service. Short on Staff. Long wait before even water was served. Waitress forgot my wine for dinner

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30. PS

    PamelaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service! Lots of options and love how they allow you to get brunch all day long.

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31. C

    Chris

    Toledo

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Nice restaurant. We liked it. Service was good food was very good. I would recommend.

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32. VS

    VickiS

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience2

    I thought the food was good, very inventive offerings that make me want to return to try other options. The wine list by the glass was good, many choices that you don't see everywhere. My only complaint was the noise level. It was so loud we couldn't hear each other talk. The tables were so close together we could hear everything the people at the next table were saying. It may have been due to the corner in which we were seated, the restaurant seemed claustrophobic, loud, and hot. Be aware that there is no shade and if you select outdoor seating you will be in the full sun.

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33. SL

    StephanieL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience3

    Interesting menu with lots of variety. Overall very good food except one person was served a crepe dish which was cold (supposed to be hot) and the egg inside was literally raw. The server addressed it promptly, but it took at least 10 minutes for a new plate to be prepared. Prices $17-20+ for most brunch entrees. Fairly high noise level.

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34. EC

    EmilyC

    Baltimore

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    We love the atmosphere at Café Zola, but unfortunately we will not be returning. Our server was nice enough, however, the items we ordered (two Cesar salads, and one chicken salad sandwich), took over an hour. We originally were going to order breakfast foods (as they claim they have brunch available all day), but our server told us that because Randy was working in the kitchen (and apparently he hates making eggs), she wouldn't recommend it as it would take forever and he would be spiteful....? I do appreciate the transparency, however, maybe Randy should understand if the menu offers breakfast all day, he should be willing to prepare it. The side of chicken for the Cesar salad was maybe four slices, and an additional $12 dollars. The salmon that was ordered with the Cesar salad was a VERY small filet, and an additional $16 dollars. I completely understand that things are more expensive these days...but honestly that is insane. Neither Cesar salad had dressing on them, and we were charged $2.50 for a side of dressing... Overall, absolutely over priced and not worth it. Ann Arbor has a ton of other restaurants, so I would recommend everyone checking out one of the many other options over Café Zola.

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35. MB

    MindyB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3

    I appreciate the efforts of the servers. I know they were understaffed. The noise at lunchtime was very loud, so we moved into the bar area where it was slightly better. Again, our waiter was very helpful and nice.

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36. M

    Mckennaaaa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    The food was great and there were a good amount of options for brunch.

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37. ND

    NorthvilleD

    Detroit

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    great food, friendly and attentive service. We were out in plenty of time for our play at Power Center.

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38. DD

    DisappointedDiner

    Detroit

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience5

    We have been long time patrons of Cafe Zola and the Bistro, and were hugely disappointed at the Cafe this weekend. I specifically asked the waitress if the egg special could be prepared without mushrooms due to a food allergy, she indicated yes, and offered to substitute the mushrooms with spinach. While finishing my meal, I developed significant itching of my mouth/tongue and noticed a fairly large mushroom under a piece of avocado on my plate. When I asked the waitress about my ingestion concern, she clarified with the kitchen that they did in fact prepare my meal with mushrooms, realized their error, and proceeded to manually remove some (but clearly not all of the food allergen) from my dish before serving it. This is extremely dangerous and inexcusable, as the plate was served with an intact allergen and contact allergen exposure to the rest of the meal. I developed several oral sores/ulcers, a rash, wheezing, and voice change after the ingestion that required medication/close monitoring. The waitress offered a brief apology and some seltzer water, which is clearly not appropriate for an error of this nature and severity. I would insist that the kitchen staff be re-educated about food allergens and appropriate meal preparation procedures in these situations.

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39. O

    Oliver

    Detroit

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    The Turkish brunch was fun however 25 dollars for the crab benedict was a steep price for half what one normally gets. Only received one egg (barely solid) on one side of the muffin and a crabcake on the other. Never had that before. Service was okay however they have very small tables for two and the waitperson came out with our breakfasts but had not cleared the table of the plates we already had on the table from something we had first.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Arrived and was told by both ladies at the check in that they could not find my reservation. Questioned me if possibly I was in the right location. Soon realized my party was already seated at our table. It worked out but not a great start.

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