Za Restaurant

Meta Sand _{on Google}

Aug 17th, 2013

We are fairly new to the area, and I was excited to try Za, having read the universally good reviews for it on G+. My wife and I came away thoroughly disappointed. The food was good, bit overpriced for how good it was, but good. The service on the other hand was absolutely atrocious. First of all we had a 730 reservation, we arrive 5 min early, and were asked to wait for our table to be ready, no problem, a short wait is no big deal. We waited 25 minutes, while other tables sat open, with little reserved cards on them. I'm sorry, this is Pennington, if I wanted to experience that kind of pretentiousness I could move back to NYC, there is just no reason for that kind of non-sense at a tiny place in the burbs. Having got off on the wrong foot, it just went down hill from there. We were ignored by the server for another 15 min before she took our order, then she didn't bother to come back till she gave us our check. Thankfully the very nice bus boy/food runner was able to get us the few things we needed. I guess that Za has a large book of very loyal and happy customers, and they aren't very interested in gaining new ones. I certainly will never go back.
edit: I just remembered one other thing that was quite obnoxious, they write on their menu that you have to notify them in advance if you intend to tip less than 15% and they reserve the right to add it to your bill if you don't! I'm an excellent tipper, I leave 20% min for good service, 25% if I'm really impressed. This was a situation where I would have probably left less than 15%, I was so unhappy with the experience, but since they had that written on the menu, and I'm out on an all too infrequent date with my wife, I elected to leave them their tip. I think its telling that they would feel the need to have this policy and I can't imagine why anyone would ever go back after receiving this kind of treatment, there are far too many excellent restaurants in the area with friendly service to go here and be treated like a jerk.

lorlon ammatias _{on Google}

Nov 29th, 2012

Service timely (well paced) and cheerful. Chocolate soufflee was dreamy. Entrees cooked to perfection - yummy

Tacy Smcge _{on Google}

Aug 24th, 2012

Great staff, great atmosphere amazing food! Definitely worth the drive from DC.

fofa ntong _{on Google}

May 25th, 2012

Delicious food and incredible atmosphere. This is where we come when we want to celebrate or just enjoy! Thanks for making our Valentine's Day a memorable one.