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Zola + BarZola, Palo Alto, CA
Award-winning

Zola + BarZola

4.8
4.8
1057 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
BarZola offers an elevated cocktail experience complemented by a dinner menu from the Zola kitchen. We feature an array of French and California wines, as well as the best and closest sourced meat and produce of the season.


Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Californian, American
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 521-0651
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Guillaume Bienaime
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    Hamilton
  • Parking details
    Public parking lot is located across the street under City Hall. Street parking is also available.
  • Public transit
    Caltrain, Palo Alto Station.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Rhys Wine Dinner

    $205.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 13, 2023 only
    West Coast Oysters champagne mignonette & Beef Tenderloin Tartare truffle aioli MV Rhys Sparkling Reserve ********** Smoked Diver Scallop pickled peppers - persian cucumber - fennel - winter citrus 2018 Rhys Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2017 Rhys Pajaro Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ********** Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin pomme purée - chanterelles mushrooms - cippolinis - natural jus 2014 Rhys Home Vineyard Pinot Noir ********** Syrah Poached Pear chocolate mousse - candied almonds 2014 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains
  • New Year's Eve at Bar Zola

    $105.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Please join us a for a special New Years Even prix fixe dinner and champagne toast.

What 1,057 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Best Ambiance

  • Peninsula

    Hot spot

  • Peninsula

    Lively

1,057 Reviews
  1. Shanti

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really great place for great food, upscale environment and peppy. It is little loud so be prepared but if that is OK for you I cannot say enough good things about this place. A corner table can help worth the noise and activity and then it is a pretty sexy place.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Despite our reservation, we had to wait over 30 minutes for our table. This should not happen with a 6:30pm reservation. I will say that the staff was nice and didn’t charge us for a round of drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a wonderful evening last night! We were celebrating a birthday, and the Zola team made us feel so incredibly special. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating—we continued to talk about this after we left. It's rare to get such a strong combination of service, quality, and kindness in one go, Zola is our favorite.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    AMAZING! Great food, great staff, amazing ambience. I love this place so much. First time I came and will definitely be back. Hopefully it doesn’t get too popular because I want my reservation to be easy to make!

    Is this helpful?

  5. California1944

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zola is a great dining experience and wonderful for any experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently excellent. One of my favorite restaurants, fantastic cocktail program

    Is this helpful?

  7. JanisS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment you enter Zola's, it is an incredible dining experience. Delicious appetizers and wines before awesome entrees and desserts! Exquisite evening!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Alex

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    The food and atmosphere were excellent, as usual. The host was responsive when I called and seated us at a suitable table. However, the service was slow. It seemed that the waitress was either overwhelmed, uninterested, or simply slow.

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  9. AliceE

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Delicious food! Great service. Love this place!

    Is this helpful?

  10. VictoriaD

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Went to Bar Zola a couple of years ago for our wedding anniversary. It made such a lasting impression, food was simple and delicious, ambiance and service excellent. This time some of the dishes were disappointing. Oeuf Diable, ice cold. Seared yellowtail nicoise, hardly any fish, not worth the $28. Service was good and friendly. We asked for ketchup for the frites but they forgot. Mentioned it was our wedding anniversary. No one acted as if it was anything special.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    It was exceptionally loud in the dining room but this may just be the acoustics of the room. Halibut was flavorful. I was not expecting the bone marrow based in a vinegary sauce. Not my favorite way to have it prepared. Our server was knowledge about the food and helpful.

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  12. rosay

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience1
    The food is as expected, on the expensive side for what we got. The ambience is terrible! For a high end restaurant like Zola, our neighboring table, with a large number of people is obnoxiously loud! The waiter offered to move us, but took a long time to find a table. We eat out at least a couple times a week, never experienced such rowdy and inconsiderate group of people!! They should go to a fast food joint, not a nice restaurant in Palo Alto!!! Wish the waiter could have said something to those people!

    Is this helpful?

  13. Minnams

    San Francisco

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe and outdoor space (we have a dog). Cocktails were extremely good and food excellent—pricey, but delivers on every level, including friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Raquel

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always! Big shout out to Kelly, Seth, and the owner at Zola - truly a special experience for Halloween. The food, ambiance, and people are what make Zola so special, and we are truly lucky to have them here.

    Is this helpful?

  15. EileenS

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and imaginative cocktails

    Is this helpful?

  16. bigfella

    San Francisco

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Zola is outstanding -- always innovative and masterfully done. I had the special -- coq au vin. The waitress was uncommonly knowledgeable.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice place, food was delicious for the most part. Cocktails were very fun as well. Only things to critique are that the prices got the be really expensive and it didn’t really make sense as to why some things were so expensive with small portions and others weren’t. Also if you order bread items (charcuterie or pretzel bites) the ratio of bread to pairing items is ridiculous. It’s 2 bits of bread and a massive tray of cheese/big cup of dip. Gotta get those ratios right!

    Zola + BarZolaResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thanks for the awesome review and constructive criticism! Hope to see you again soon.

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  18. HelenU

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our dinner at Zola! Everything was perfect amd the food super tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  19. GiMR

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service. Will be back! Very tasty and delightful food.

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  20. Bigmama

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great meal tonight at Zola. My husband and I shared the wonderful Steak and Frites, our son had the Bouillabaisse and thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was great and even though they were extremely busy, we were not rushed in any way!

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  21. Merel

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service, great food, great atmosphere. The terrace was heated so it was very comfortable outside.

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  22. Lisa

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best chicken anywhere has now been joined by the best pork chops I’ve ever had. A great place.

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  23. DebbieB

    San Francisco

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I always love Zola. Last night we tried the outdoor seating for the first time; it was very pleasant…. Warm and comfortable seating and quiet enough for conversation. We had the burrata and tomato starter which was delicious… my only thought is that it needs to be served with more than 2 slices of the toasted bread. My friend ordered the pork chop and I had the beef bourginon. Very tasty! For dessert we shared the chocolate mousse cake which was so good!

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  24. AudreyCQ

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food- slow to get started but better after a bit. Will return!

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  25. Kathleen

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We dined here two weeks ago and I can't believe I forgot to review. Our food was fabulous but the service was my real take away. The staff really works well together and they seem to work as a team. Our female waitress really took care of us and the sommelier was great. This was our first time dining at Zola and we will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  26. mishel

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Classic menu, excellent drinks; seems better for bar/small groups than romantic dinner even though they have a lot of 2-tops available.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, beverages and service! Beautiful ambiance also

    Is this helpful?

  28. tastygirl

    San Francisco

    136 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    136 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a fabulous anniversary there. The service was outstanding and the food just perfect. Nice little anniversary perks and a lovely table in the bar. Couldn't have been more perfect..

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    It was so good, the food was top tier and I would definitely recommend fancy attire the vibe is giving that. Very classy setting would come back here anyday!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. PAfamily2

    San Francisco

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My husband and I shared the cheese and charcuterie plate as an appetizer, and it was delicious. We especially loved the silky pâté. Main courses were also very good: bouillabaisse for him and roast chicken for me. All in all, a very nice dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  31. LizS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great venue for our team dinner of 8 - did not disappoint!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Düsseldorf

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been out there on a Thursday Night for a business dinner. All 4 people of us enjoyed the time a lot. Food was great. Nice experience, will come back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Grace

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The hostess who seated me noticed that I got uncomfortable as soon as I sat down. We were sat right next to a professor on my PhD thesis committee, which would've made my first date very uncomfortable. She read the situation immediately and discretely reseated us. There are no words how grateful I am for her excellent service!

    Is this helpful?

  34. MariC

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We enjoyed the meal and our kids appreciated the free tokens for their first alcoholic drinks for their 21st birthday! I wasn't as crazy about the bouillabaisse I ordered, but loved the bretzel, Mac and cheese, and mousse au chocolat! Everyone else loved the Steak Frites. The noise level from a nearby table was a little too loud (we were outside). Also next time I think I will request one of the wooden tables under the canopy (we were at a round table off to the side next to the restaurant). Overall, though, we had a very enjoyable dinner and my kids enjoyed their birthday meal!

    1 person found this helpful

  35. Yuni

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zola made our day! The food, cocktails, the atmosphere, the staffs, everything was perfect! I would definitely visit again and highly recommend it!

    Is this helpful?

  36. RajdeepB

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    After a while, found a place that lives up to what it promises. Excellent food made the French way, balanced portion size, super selection of wines, and delicious dessert - Chocolate Mousse. Love. Love. Love.

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  37. Mimi

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food3service1ambience5
    I usually enjoy dining at Zola restaurant, but on this occasion, our experience was marred by an overly invasive waitress. She interrupted our conversation every 3-5 minutes to ask the same question over and over, and continuously refilled our already full glasses, causing us to pause repeatedly. Over the course of an hour, she visited our table around 15 times. This constant interruption prevented my guest and me from having a private conversation and connecting. Not only did the waitress interrupt us so often, but she also expected immediate responses, lingering by our table until we answered. It felt like she made the evening all about herself. Our expensive dinner was meant for my guest and me to connect, but we couldn't achieve that. Eventually, I politely asked her to be more mindful of not interrupting our private conversation so frequently. Unfortunately, she became upset and took away our water glasses, despite the fact that our expensive water bottle was not empty. I hope to see this situation improve, staff member should not stress our table so often to ask for feedback. Such question can be asked once or twice, but not every 5 minutes please. Tips to staff: Give people some space please.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. Christine

    San Francisco

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent, highly recommend. Service was warm and delightful. Food was excellent. My new favorite, will visit again soon.

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  39. articdinning

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Chef does a fabulous job delivering innovating takes on traditional dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Pundit

    San Francisco

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was very good; nicely curated and short menu with good alternatives. Service good but not fabulous. Lots of noise from happy diners

    1 person found this helpful

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Zola + BarZola is rated 4.8 stars by 1057 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Zola + BarZola

585 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Hamilton
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Californian, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public parking lot is located across the street under City Hall. Street parking is also available.
  • Public transit
    Caltrain, Palo Alto Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Guillaume Bienaime
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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