Cafe Zol

CAFE ZOL IS CLOSED AT S. SHEPHERD LOCATION. more

Check out my pictures picasaweb.google. com/rakalin/CafeZol# Pros: Great food, very friendly staff, nice interior more

If the culinary gods struck me down and took me from this earth today I would like to think they would send me to a little place called Cafe Zol. I am not a food critic. I am not in the food industry. But I know a damn good fillet when I have one! I would put that big fat juicy hunk of meat up against any in town!! I know... I know... that is saying a lot. I LOVE V&A's fillet. Their fillet was the greatest in my book for many years. I am afraid to say that my beloved V&As has a bit of competition, and said competition's name is Cafe Zol. I also partook in the ""beef-something soup"" (sorry that I forgot the name). It was the perfect blend of meat, broth and a touch of salt. I would almost consider the broth as an aperitif. It was the perfect opening act for ""the Phantom of the Cats at Chorus Line"" that I was about to witness. I cannot speak of the other choices on the menu. I like to keep things simple before trying a new fillet. As for the ambiance... It was great. The restaurant itself is a nicely lit, sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. The bar is absolutely beautiful with the exception of these stupid looking teapots that are completely out of place. The tables were nicely placed and minimally ornamented. It was very nice. The waiter was the best. If I remember correctly, his name was Thomas. He was very informed of the menu and had great recommendations for my wife (I was set on the fillet). He was also very informative about the wine selection. The selection in and of itself was very impressive. All-in-all I would highly recommend this restaurant. I feel confident that one of the Montrose restaurants finally got it right... No more obnoxious trips to downtown. Cafe Zol has finally brought the meat to Montrose. If you don't try the fillet at Cafe Zol... you might as well eat at LJS..... Pros: Everything Cons: Not enough people know about this place. more

My partner and I went here last night and will definitely be back. An amazing restaurant with, hands down, some of the best food in Houston. We had a chance to meet the owner and chef both and were told that the original Scandanavian approach they had taken didn't go over so well, so they've changed the menu to a more American fare - and a great decision it was. We started off the meal with a bottle of St. Michele Riesling and the Semolina-crusted Calamari with Chipotle Aioli. This calamari was not greasy at all, rather a perfectly fried crust that did not fall off when you pick it up. The calamari has enough taste to stand on its own, however the aioli was fantastic. We asked about the soups and opted to both split a small cup of the Cream of Leek soup. The only regret was that we didn't opt for a larger portion by getting a bowl. I have never had any type of leek soup before, but this soup was amazing. I ordered the Coriander Duck Breast atop rice noodles and asian slaw in an asian soy sauce. On the first bite I literally put my fork down and said ""wow!"" The duck was juice and succulent with a sweet/savory combination that just fills your mouth. The soy sauce it was cooked in is amazing. Went perfectly with the slaw and rice noodles. My partner had the Braised Short Ribs with a Cream Cheese Polenta cake. I had to steal a taste and was very impressed. Literally melted in your mouth. The polenta cake was cooked with a touch of thyme that added a really nice flavor. We ended the meal with a handmade apple tart with fresh blueberries and ice cream and my partner had the Blueberry Shortcake with fresh blueberries, both of which were nothing short of fantastic. We have visited hundreds of restaurants in Houston and this is now in our top 3 favs. Elizabeth the owner, Jimmy Peterson (formerly Lancaster Hotel) the executive chef and our server Gideon made this a fantastic experience. You'd be doing yourself an injustice not to experience this place. Pros: Best Calamari in Houston, Great Service Cons: A/C could have been a little cooler more

What a wonderful experience all around!! I have to admit that the lack of cars in the parking lot and the Dino out front made us a little unsure about what the restaurant was like but we tried it anyway and were so happy we did. The service, food, decor were all wonderful. I just think this place needs some better marketing. Pros: Nice decor more

The restaurant has a great interior design. The dark colors and brass finish create a very warm enviornment. There were not too many tables filled and the service was very attentive. The spinach artichoke dip was very well done and tasty. I had the filet and the meat was very tender and the taste was great. We had a bottle of wine (very decent price). more

Whoa, that was a foul dinner! I can't believe Crostini closed down in this location but Cafe Zol has been here for 9 months! Pros: Nice ambience and server... maybe a good place for drinks Cons: Very bad place for food. more

A lovely restaurant! My friend and I went there for the Saturday brunch. The meatball and omelette taste wonderful! The waitor is cute and welcoming. The owner even showed up by the end of the meal to greet us. Definitely going there again~ Pros: Meatballs, price, parking. Cons: The waitor is too handsome. more

I took a colleague from NJ to Cafe Zol. I was completely embarrassed and the both of us laughed throughout the whole dinner. Pros: no lines, because no one goes there...place was empty more

What a relaxing dinner... Great ambiance and delicious food! The duck fingers were my favorite, and it's fun to get several tapas to share with friends. more

Cafe Zol?s Scandinavian tapas concept is loosely executed; the menu is very accessible and includes dishes like open-faced sandwiches and omelettes. Traditional meatballs (which were perfect) are well represented, as is duck, seafood, and pastry. Our food was ridiculously good and the offerings are both unpretentious and surprisingly unique. Service was great, too ? attentive & friendly, but low-key. Cafe Zol fills a refreshing niche in a city dominated by barbeque, sushi, Thai, and Tex-Mex. Pros: Food, Service, Location Cons: None - but it would be cool to see Scandinavian flatbread added to the menu. more

i was eager to try this place, since i'd seen the construction going on last fall. i was not disappointed! scandinavian tapas is an exciting concept, and i got to try lots of different dishes the first time i went. everything was great, especially the lamb chops and duck fingers (which is duck, apple and plum in puff pastry-- delish!). the ambiance was great as well-- very warm and cozy, with great service. i am recommending this place to all my foodie friends! Pros: food, atmosphere, open late Cons: not a huge parking lot, but parking wasnt an issue more

Cafe Zol, is one of the most relaxed atmospheres that I have had the priveledge of dining in. I was not expecting such a relaxed atmosphere being that I was in River Oaks, but I felt right at home, even when Liz, the owner came by to chat for a minute. I was very curious about the menu, scandinavian tapas? however the service was amazing and the server was willing to go to great lengths to answer any questions that I had about the menu. I have been back a few times and will definitely keep going back, I highly recommend this place to anyone. (They are open late big plus in my book) Pros: open late more