Zama Restaurant & Bar

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1. JL

   JulianaL

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We wanted a quiet mellow dinner and specifically made reservations for Monday night. The food was amazing. The caviar bump was delicious! We ordered the salmon plate, the fish of the day plate, a couple of sushi rolls, agua chile and ceviche trio. Everything was super delicious and fresh. A must if you like seafood. And Jack our server was amazingly knowledgeable and super polite and just had this great energy to him! Coming here again soon!!

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 22, 2023

   overall2food2service1ambience2

   Very excited to try this restaurant as it took over a spot that I loved stopping at in gaslamp. Never got my entree. The very beginning of the evening at ZAMA we made a reservation and me and others were waiting for our reservation outside for over 20 minutes, I didn’t not complain as the night happened trying to give this place a fair shot. When we never got our meal I walked over to the server to close the bill, he wrote me off as he did most of the meal, I payed my bill and tipped and he asked why I couldn’t wait for him to bring the bill over. I told him I never got my meal and he said in the moment that he never put my food in and he apologize, as a server I told him I understand but I will not be back. Food was not special as we did get our appetizers and service even beyond my server was not concise. Sad as I was so excited to take my date here as we together had loved the pervious spot The Monkey King. If you are a LA transplant you’ll LOVE the dopamine hit this place is. This is not about the restaurant itself but as a SD local this place is trying a little to hard to draw the new set of needs for the thristy transplant, I’m in my 20s, I love a good club but I don’t love being treated as I don’t matter in a place I made a reservation and payed for service and I can handle how harsh that sounds because wow is that true, I hope they can handle how harsh that truth is. Place is cheaply renovated from former restaurant and it shows. I saw and heard the manger handling SO many people complaining through out the night, I have a first job in management and second job as a server, they need to review their protocols.

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3. AD

   ADrdmd

   San Diego

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 15, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great place, fun atmosphere.

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4. F

   Foodie

   Minneapolis

   9 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on January 15, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience5

   The food is all pre-prepared including the sushi rolls so the food didn’t have a fresh taste.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 14, 2023

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Poor customer attention. Service was lacking from beginning to end. Very disappointed.

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Phoenix

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Love this place!

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall1food2service5ambience5

   We were super excited to get to know the place but unfortunately we didn't have a good experience. service was good, lovely server, she knew exactly everything on the menu and gave good recommendations. The atmosphere is very cool and the music is good, although we thought the dj would be visible (he's upstairs, no one can see him). about the drinks: weak, lots of water, they brought the beer IN A CAN (?) and not in glasses… about the food: nothing special for the price we paid. super overpriced and little quantity. The only cost-benefit was the fries, which were delicious and well served. that's it. We were not informed that the water was charged, we only saw the charge for 3 bottles of water on the bill. The bill came with extra items and charging 2 types of taxes outside a tip already included. anyway. super overpriced, do not recommend and would not return.

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Pricey but delicious food and great ambiance

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9. DA

   DonnaA

   Washington DC

   136 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   136 reviews

   Dined on January 2, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   Stunning decor and creative menu! Our server, Sofia, was very welcoming and attentive. The hostess on duty New Year’s Day was also very sweet. The weak spot was definitely the cocktails. We tried four different concoctions, and they were all blah.

   Report
10. J

    Jenn

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience5

    Food was amazing and our waiter was as well but the service at the bar was super slow that day.

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11. TE

    TENY1010

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall3food1service5ambience4

    Food is very subpar and below average, not worth the price. It's a fun, trendy atmosphere. The service is great! We had a really attentive waitress. Overall, not worth the hype.

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12. B

    Beautiful

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience1

    I had very high expectations from this place. And honestly it wasn’t that great. Let’s start by saying we made a reservation and put special ocasión it was my moms birthday and my bday celebration with the girls. They invited us and I chose this place thinking it would be super fun & cool. I’m the contrary they didn’t even say happy birthday and obviously didn’t even bring a bday candle or anything. Now a days when you go out especially during a birthday is to have the whole experience. The place itself is beautiful! I can’t complain! The whole decoration is super beautiful you feel you’re in the jungle. The tables evehrhjnf is cute. The place itself is kinda small of what I was expecting. Now the food. The food is literally below average for the price you pay. Nothing really amazed me not even the sushi rolls. They were below average sushi rolls. But overpriced. For appetizers we ordered the guacamole it was mediocre. And the yellowtail omg had no flavor at all. My drink was good I ordered their signature drink and it was good. Best part of my meal. For sushi we ordered a few the salmon one and the surf and turf! Surf and turf g disappointed me big time. The service was good I can’t complain about it. He was friendly & very polite. Overall I don’t think I’ll come back. There’s better options and with better quality.

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13. DG

    DonnaG

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The staff was wonderful and the ambiance super comfortable and elegant. While the food was delicious, the menu was limited and , I felt, it was overpriced. Basically, $20 for each salad and an average of $25 per roll, and more for entrees. Super convenient if you are staying in the area. Otherwise , there are better options

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14. JC

    JoeC

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first time at Zama, and the food was quite delicious. We had the yellowtail appetizer, which was incredibly good. We also had the Caesar salad and 2 rolls, all of which was fresh and tasty. Lastly, the asparagus was done to perfection. Highly recommend.

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15. D

    Delmargirl

    San Diego

    45 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    This is my second time coming to Zama. Beautiful ambiance, great music. Apparently a DJ that the owner knows personally. First time had a great time sitting at the bar. Very energetic and I loved it. Second time I took my daughter. Service was slow. I asked them not to serve all the food at once and it came out pretty fast. They sent it back but I was wondering where it was going to sit while we waited. They kept on clearing plates when we were not done. Ordered the Toro appetizer and it was very fishy. Surprising for Toro. Bone marrow butter and bread was awesome. A couple of sushi rolls we ordered which were good. The coffee cocktail was superb. Service overall lacking. Took 25 minutes to get our check even asking 3-4 different people. Our server was nowhere to be found and ultimately was seen helping other tables without closing us out or asking if we needed anything. A bit disappointing at the end. I will come back but probably only sit at the bar since service was much better there.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience5

    Food was just ok nothing wow , bone marrow was just 1 piece, nothing special , drinks took more than 25 min to be made and the restaurant was not even full it was 6 pm . Waiters need to be more attentive looks like they are still getting trained , had to tell them 2 times to pick up our empty plates. Ambiance was good music wasn’t too loud you are able to have a convo without screaming . Restaurant has potential will give it another 2 tries since it’s fairly new .

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and drinks were fabulous!

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18. GR

    GinaR

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Friend’s birthday

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19. A

    Amazingnight

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic!!!

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Loved the ambiance here! We had a great time and the food was delicious, but I wouldn’t recommend going for a birthday or special occasion. We noted we were celebrating a birthday on our reservation and it wasn’t acknowledged.

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21. MM

    MarkM

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Overall everything was good. What was lacking was the service/experience. There were only 5 tables with guests and yet no one really came by once food and drinks were served. Giving it a 5 and another shot when I come back. Food ordered; Bone marrow Oysters Grilled corn Japanese yuzu Sashimi

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22. F

    Foodloverdiva

    Central Coast

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Ok keep in mind they just opened a month ago. However it's way overpriced!! Main course scallops came with 3 tiny 2" sized portions and a cup of rice for $49!!! Appetizer size with a premium price. They were good but come on its not a kids meal?! The Rolls Royce Maki roll was my favorite and much more filling for $38. We asked our waitress to request the music to be turned to a lower level because we couldn't hear her or converse without shouting throughout the entire time there. Are we dancing at a club or eating hanging out with friends?! I really hope they will make some improvements because I really do like the decor and overall vibe. I just don't want to have to buy a slice of pizza after the meal or shout. If you keep your prices at that elevation there are other competitors who do it better and I am happy to pay premium for premium experience but it wasn't quite that yet.

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loud music, good drinks & good looking people.

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24. LL

    LovelyLisa

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the filet mignon and salmon, and both were excellent. Asparagus was okay. Drinks were good. The food is a little overpriced but the quality, service, and ambiance was great!

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25. M

    Michelle

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Almost cancelled because of a lot of bad reviews online but asked two friends that had been here that I personally knew and they had great things to say. We decided to risk it and so glad we did. The sushi was amazing. The desserts and drinks were amazing. Ambiance was amazing. No complaints at all!

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26. a

    acunningham

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We had a reservation at 6:15 for 3 inside and were seated at 6:25 at a two top outside while we waited for a table to open up inside. Our drink order was taken at 6:30 and we were moved inside shortly thereafter. By 7 we had not received our drinks and no one had come to take our food order so we left as we had a concert to attend at 8. Very disappointed would not recommend.

    Report
27. EW

    EddieW

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    Awful experience. We were seated at the time of our reservation. Drinks and an appetizer were ordered and came in a timely manner. It was hard to rate the food because it never came!! We ordered and an hour and a half later…the waitress and manager said that there were still two tickets in front of us. We ordered salads and entrees…and, our salads had not even come to the table. Arrived at 5:45 pm…had to leave at 7:30 to catch a performance. Do NOT waste your time with this restaurant!!

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28. LD

    LeslieD

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    The sushi dishes were the best. Try the Salmon sashimi - its small but so yummy

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    We came here before the Elton John concert for dinner. We had a great time! The food was way better than we all anticipated! We enjoyed everything we tried. All of the rolls were awesome! We can’t wait to go back again! Only negative was the cocktail were kinda boring. Not a lot of flavor. But they did just open so I’m sure things will continue to get better. Thank you for an amazing dinner and experience!

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30. JG

    JoshuaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very good service and food. First time there and will be going back

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31. Q

    Qlovesfood

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    Fries arrived cold. Sent them back immediately. My friend had to send the salmon back after asking for it to be more on the well done side (to prevent it from being raw in the middle) sure enough, it was undercooked. The employee returned with 3 mins later with THE SAME PIECE OF SALMON ( had the same fork and bite indents). Corn was delicious so we ordered another serving. Second serving did not have the same flavor as the first. Too many inconsistencies and our server, nick, seemed to blatantly disregard our table throughout the night as discrepancies arose. I simply wanted to enjoy a meal with my friend without it being increasingly difficult to receive the basic standards upheld at this establishment. Will not be back.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Three words: Pom Passion Roll. best sushi I’ve ever had

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33. n

    nataliev

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Terrible service!! Reservations were at 8pm. Weren’t seated til 8:25. A waiter didn’t arrive til close to 9pm. Never ate as we were frustrated with the service. The food coming out didn’t look appealing. Im assuming you come here for the ambiance, since the music and noise level is so high. Making it hard to have a conversation. I do not recommend this place!!

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34. LS

    LadieS

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Girls night out. Had reservations for 5 @8:15pm on a Friday night Halloween weekend, was seated right away thank goodness no wait like previous reviews. We had a female server, music was way too loud it’s difficult to have a conversation period. It’s a struggle even for the server to input our orders. Service was slow which I can understand, possible short staffing and busy weekend. We had to ask 3 different workers for a straw because our server seemed to forgot, took at least 10 minutes. My friend was actually just gonna get up to grab a straw from the bar. Anyway moving on, we tried variety of foods: salmon, sashimi, scallops, corn, truffle fries, mashed yuca (not pictured) Food took a good 20 minutes to come out, not too bad for a busy weekend. My friends said their food was ok, nothing special. I ordered the filet medium, but clearly I was served well cooked. I told the server she didn’t even apologize, but did offer to bring me another one. I asked how long will it take she didn’t give me a time frame. So I just kept my food as I didn’t wanna have to wait longer. Aguachiles good but portions not worth it for $16. Bone marrow was a little over cooked for my liking. It wasn’t rich or buttery. As for the cocktail drinks I tried the Junglerita and Verdezado. Did not like either one. Not much alcohol. My friend who has not drank any alcoholic beverage for over a year tried the Agua Bendita (cognac) and didn’t even get a buzz. Clearly watered down cocktails. We should’ve just opted for a round of shots! Restroom line is always long, with 2 stalls. The place is cute and very well decorated. Instagram worthy. I wouldn’t recommended this place for sit down dining. Maybe to stop by and grab a drink before heading out to the club.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We had a lot of fun and the food was really good… the service was amazing!!! I just felt like couple of the seafood we had ordered could have been more fresh especially for the price we paid, and their sushi needed a little more fresh vibrant/bold flavors. The inside of the restaurant was gorgeous and the ambiance was amazing, although they lacked some energetic music or sound which would make the dinner experience more fun. The cocktail were kind of weak and nothing big deal… maybe they can add couple other cocktails containing vodka or gin to have better and more variety choices. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others and I’m definitely going back again… hopefully they’ll be more satisfaction!!! Keep up the good work and strive for better 👍🏼

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Service was okay. Food wasn’t the best. Very loud. Very Smokey w all the sparklers.

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37. T

    Tina

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    I honestly couldn’t get past the strong sewage smell in there! They have to do something about that. It completely ruined the experience. Bummer because I was so excited to try it! Our service was wonderful and the food was good (just seemed a bit overpriced for what is was). Wouldn’t recommend coming back until they fix the smell.

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38. JR

    JimR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous from beginning to end. Valena, with a strong support staff, made everything perfect.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for my Birthday everything was great! Ambiance and food! I love the decor. Staff was pleasant and knowledgeable.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Birthday celebration

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