Nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, Zola + BarZola is a culinary gem offering seasonal French cuisine in an intimate and sophisticated setting. What began as the charming restaurant Zola has blossomed with the addition of Bar Zola in 2021, featuring an extensive menu of craft cocktails that change with the seasons and an impressive wine list. Zola is truly a special place, blending comfort and upscale dining in a beautifully classy establishment. We absolutely loved our dinner there!

Despite a slight 15-minute wait for our reservation on a bustling weekend night, we didn’t mind at all. The pleasant outdoor waiting area made for a lovely start to the evening. Right behind the host station is a lively bar where you can sip on a drink while you wait or if you walk in without a reservation—it’s first-come, first-served.

We had reserved a table inside the restaurant (after seeing stunning photos of the dining area on Google), but they also offer cozy covered and heated outdoor dining options. A quick tip: reservations run out fast, so be sure to book ahead!

The restaurant’s elegant decor sets a fantastic atmosphere, buzzing with great energy and good vibes. The servers were incredibly helpful, and the staff exuded friendliness. However, as the night wore on and the restaurant filled up, our service did slow down a bit.

What We Ordered

The food was a delightful blend of innovative and classic French cuisine.

Colette

This cocktail was a masterpiece with mezcal, honey, peach, and lemon coming together beautifully. Absolutely fabulous!

Bretzels

We started our meal with these perfect rolls—soft and warm, a delightful cross between bread and pretzels. The whipped gruyere cream dip was warm, salty, velvety, and utterly delicious.

Tuna Tartare

Neatly diced cubes of tuna dressed in a zesty lemon dressing, topped with delicate microgreens and petite potato chips, and served with thin crostini. An elegant and beautifully presented dish.

1/2 Dozen Oysters

These West Coast oysters, though on the smaller side, were sweet and paired perfectly with the Tabasco, mignonette, and lemon they were served with.

Steak Frites

My daughter loves steak and ordered it for her main course. Cooked to a perfect medium, the steak was accompanied by shoestring fries that were lightly salted and had the perfect crunch.

Beef Cheek Bourguignon

My husband enjoyed this melt-in-the-mouth delicious bourguignon with glazed carrots, grilled onions, and mashed potatoes that were simply divine.

Halibut Beurre Blanc

I thought my halibut fillet was perfectly seared, with a slight crunch around the edges. The beurre blanc, adorned with capers, was rich, silky smooth, and absolutely divine.

Chenin Blanc

I thoroughly enjoyed this wine—a golden white with a fruity bouquet that paired wonderfully with the halibut. Tip: they’re more than happy to let you taste wines by the glass before choosing.

Dessert

We skipped the dessert after being satisfied with our first and main course selections.

Overall Review

Though it’s a bit of a splurge and we visited for a celebratory family dinner, it was worth every penny! Zola + BarZola is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or dining with friends. I’m thrilled to have discovered this gem. Our Bar Zola experience was exceptional, and we will definitely be back.