Zest Wine Bistro

Name: Zest Wine Bistro
Address: Broadway 8129, Lemon Grove, CA, United States, 91945
Telephone: (619) 303-3934
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.9

4.9

48 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

Welcome to Zest, your new neighborhood wine bar nestled in Lemon Grove. Come gather for unique wine, tasteful small plates and not-to-miss events!

Zest Wine Bistro’s intimate and cozy interior is the perfect place for evening noshing and sipping. You’ll find a small menu featuring elaborate charcuterie boards, small plates and sweets. Our wine menu highlights premium wines not typically found by the glass, as well as lesser known labels from all over the world. An eclectic beer list showcases global markets, as well as local craft brews.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Wine Bar, Afternoon Tea
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 303-3934
Website
http://www.zestwinebistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Women
Private party facilities
Host your next event at Zest. We offer a spacious yet cozy outdoor patio that is heated and covered.

Location
Broadway 8129, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Neighborhood
Lemon Grove
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 48 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on all time ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

48 Reviews

FF
FrancisF
San Diego
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and wine, wonderful ambiance, and - my favorite - wonderful descriptions of what all the wines are, their origins and what makes each special. As much or as little information as you rerquest. For me, that makes the experience all the better!
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N
Nuttmegs
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sweet delicious gods this was awesome. Came for San Diego Restaurant week on a whim to try something new and was quite impressed. Walked in the front door and was a bit underwhelmed but felt like I had walked through the Wardrobe to a new secret magical land when we got to the patio. Totally unassuming and such a fantastic surprise. The wine flight (white, rose, red) was sensational and was so lovingly paired with the foods offered. We were able to ask questions and the knowledge was evident as was the care for our experience. And the food. was. stellar. Portions were right on target and perfect to share (there were two of us very hungry and eager wine drinking food loving ladies) and we were not disappointed. I took not a single picture save for their bathroom (you have to visit to see why lol) because I was having such a delectable, enjoyable evening. I do not live close but I will be back. Lemon Grove you have a damned sweet spot and I sort of hope it doesn't get too popular so I can save it for myself!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great food, ambiance and even better service! Everything was great.
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M
Marcy
San Diego
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely recommend this small and quaint place. Great service!
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DS
DreamerSD7
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week …? ANY week. But yes, this week you get a super deal. The wines are amazing and for the price point, I’m stuffed. Salmon carpaccio, short ribs and wine flight, all for under $50. Yes please. Service and hospitality is top notch and the various members of their team are both wisely chosen and appreciated. They can pick you an awesome food and wine pairing, all with pleasant conversation, and the familiarity of a long time family friend. Parking is ample on the street and near the restaurant. Super cute decor, great value and quality. Do it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week! Phenomenal food. Wine and vibes. Great staff and service great Thursday night dinner ❤️❤️❤️
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Service was fabulous, wine and food was great. I will be back soon!
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DS
DreamerSD7
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week & amazing price for a wine flight AND food! Adorable aesthetic, super amazing staff and FAB food - wine.
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DS
DreamerSD7
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
International women’s day and they did it so well! Playlist themed with women artists and empowering songs, free desserts for the ladies and talking with the female owner! Amazing wines and great food. Loved!
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LG
LisaG
San Diego
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonder discovery! Incredible food and a legit wine list. Thank you to Roberto and complements to Chef!
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MM
MonicaM
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Zest Bistro was super fun and delicious! Roberto was an excellent server and Nick served up extraordinary delights for Valentine's Day. Super blessed to have in our neighborhood!
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MF
MarleneF
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place over all. Love the unique menu items. The service is exceptional.
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GG
GracieG
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful wine and food shared with 6 ladies for a girls night out! We happened to be there when there was fresh mozzarella was being made right in front of us. It was amazingly delicious!
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KO
KarlaO
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, service and ambiance were all awesome. Good spot for date night or girls night.
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TG
TrinaG
Hawaii
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The wines were amazing… my wife and I did a tasting. The patio is beautiful. We had a pizza from next door; the pizza dampened our experience because it was a little hurt. The server seemed like he was a one man show but he was perfect. He was so knowledgeable on the wine selection and cheese and meats.
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AE
AnjanetteE
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Roberto was a Great server. We order wine tasting and he explained all of the wines and suggested food pairings.
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MP
MarjorieP
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great wine pairings with the 3 course meal. The short rib with polenta was amazing. No knife required for this tender piece of meat & nothing needed to be trimmed off. The crispy ahi mini tacos made my mouth sing. Too full for dessert, we ordered 2 pieces of the limoncello cake to go. Savored each bite of the moist cake & cream layers. Put a smile on my face. This gem of a restaurant rivals the best of downtown San Diego, & even better. Loved the atmosphere, great service. Completely joined talking to Chef Nick. I highly recommend booking your reservation for a wonderful night out. *****
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went during SDRR for my birthday. Delicious food & friendly employees — will 100% be going back!
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M
Melissa
San Diego
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I checked out Zest during SDRW and it was amazing. We were able to do a wine flight, I ordered the beet salad and short ribs. Decided to sit outside which has a really cute vibe. The wait staff were very personable.
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AR
AlisaR
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made a reservation here for restaurant week and it was fantastic! The set menu included three glasses of wine, an appetizer, and an entree. The wine was of great quality and obviously chosen with care, we had the prosciutto wrapped dates and the truffle burratta appetizers and they were delicious. The short rib and octopus entrees were perfectly portioned and just so, so good. We will definitely be back.
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GW
GraceW
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot! The staff is warm and attentive, their sommelier is knowledgeable and gives generous pours. Great food as well, they’re new so they’re working on finalizing their menu. Will definitely be back
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E
Evemare
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best dining is experiences in the east county that we have had in a long time. Excellent food excellent service personable employees and great wine. Will be back & recommend to friends already, Eva & Jeff
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KE
KrystalEatsTheWorld
San Diego
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had a delicious meal during restaurant week which means they were definitely busy. The food was great. The stand out items to me were the truffle burrata and the short rib. The wine tasting was good, but the red wines sat outside which meant they were well above serving temp. The service was quick, but it would have been nice to have the cheeseboard and the wines explained a bit more. Overall it was a pleasant evening with good food and wine. Definitely recommend for a date or a ladies’ dinner.
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DP
DianeP
Hawaii
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice atmosphere on the patio and excellent service, food, wine. Will be back.
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KS
KSJL
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This cozy yet elegant restaurant has left us wanting to come back! The food was beyond delicious -compliments to the chef- with beautiful presentation, they had hospitable hosts, & a wide wine list! I recommend to everyone! If do you go, be sure to ask for Roberto as your server - Roberto had excellent service, recommendations, and made our night dining out just that more memorable! Thank you :)
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G
Girleatstravelslaughs
San Diego
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a sweet little gem; we enjoyed truffle burrata and the short rib with polenta. We did a wine tasting and loved all three.
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MD
MarioD
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Really cute (outdoor covered patio with fans and heaters) and the food (panini was practically perfect) and service was great (owner super attentive and great conversationalist). Can’t wait for them to expand the menu and interior. We’ll be back regardless.
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D
Deliciousdining
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time with our friends. Roberto did an excellent job of navigating all our taste buds to the right wine selections. Enjoyed Zest’s shared dishes and had two pizza from next door too. Drink food fun and laughter.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time. The service was great. Its a small intimate place. The wait staff and the chef came out to see us and talk with us. Love it
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
This was a great place to meet for our book club. Our server was very friendly and accommodating, incredibly knowledgeable about the wines, made great recommendations and allowed us to taste the wine so we didn’t buy a bottle we didn’t enjoy. The place is inviting and friendly. We will definitely be back. Thanks for a wonderful time!
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AM
AnnMarie
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here with a large friend group and was so impressed by all - food, wine, service and ambiance. Roberto was very accommodating to our wine questions and provided several quality choices...he is funny too! Our chef and server Alex is the sweetest! Just a little gem in Lemon Grove and looking forward to trying Giardino's next door.
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FF
FrancisF
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I'd been meaning to try Karina Kravalis' new place, Zest Wine Bistro, for a while - right next door to her amazing Giardino Neighborhood Cucina... and it did not disappoint. Wonderful selection of wine (by the glass or bottle) paired with great tapas plates. Lovely ambiance for a long, slow unwind and chat after a busy day... as it grows dark, the back patio ambiance grows ever more magical. Love it, and I'll be back!
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L
Lulu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
First time visiting Zest and we absolutely loved it. Great wine list. Service was phenomenal and cute patio. Only a small minor negative was that we wished there was more and/or different cheese on the charcuterie board. Otherwise, everything was great. We will definitely be back.
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W
Wozi
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
Fun place for wine tasting and meeting new people.
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FL
FrankL
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My family and friends so grateful to have a local gem to visit for enjoying a nice get together over tasty food, great wine and amazing service.
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ET
EmelynT
San Diego
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server was very friendly and attentive, the food was delicious, the option of ordering food fr Giardino’s was a plus and the overall experience was excellent. Looking forward to returning with different friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great selection of tapas and wine. Roberto’s recommendations were great and was not disappointed.
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TJ
TimJ
San Diego
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very enjoyable evening. Very relaxing atmosphere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A group of us went for a birthday celebration. Ambiance was great! Knowledgeable and friendly staff. I’m excited to go back and try more options!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Small shareable plates great wine selection, environment is perfect. Food was delicious cant wait to go back.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Zest Wine Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 48 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Broadway 8129, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Additional information

Neighborhood
Lemon Grove
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Wine Bar, Afternoon Tea
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.zestwinebistro.com/
Phone number
(619) 303-3934
Private party facilities
Host your next event at Zest. We offer a spacious yet cozy outdoor patio that is heated and covered.

Zest Wine Bistro

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

Tapas

Charcuterie & Cheese Board$25.00

Mezze Platter$20.00

Snacks

Prosciutto Wrapped Dates$12.00

Pimento Cheese Crostini$12.00

Choriqueso$15.00

Veggies

Warmed Olives$9.00

Wedge Salad$13.00

Burrata Tartufo Caprese$15.00

Papas Bravas$10.00

Weekly Specials

Focaccia$10.00

Tacos$15.00

Flatbread$17.00

Entree$29.00

Upcoming

Monthly Wine Tastings

What 48 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Zest Wine Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Zest Wine Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information