Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » Zouave – Seattle
Zouave - Seattle
Photo from Zouave
Zouave at a glance
Seattle Ravenna
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#69 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
674
Reviews
90.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Tricky parking
- Salty dishes
The restaurant Zouave, an Italian Restaurant located in Seattle’s charming Ravenna neighborhood, offers a truly delightful dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Don’t miss out on their great dessert selection, a highlight that consistently earns rave reviews. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a casual lunch, Zouave provides a welcoming setting for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Zouave
Zouave presents a dining experience where the culinary offerings often leave a strong impression, with many guests praising the quality of the food. The attentive and friendly staff also contribute significantly to a pleasant visit, making diners feel welcome.
However, some have noted concerns about the atmosphere, specifically regarding airflow and the general upkeep of certain areas. While the generous portions and reasonable pricing are frequently appreciated, there have been occasional comments about the pace of service.
Despite these minor points, Zouave generally provides a welcoming setting for those seeking a satisfying meal.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
674
Reviews
90.8%
Satisfaction
44
negative
18
neutral
612
positive
Zouave earns a commendable overall rating of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is notably high at 90.8%, indicating that the vast majority of patrons are pleased with their visit.
This positive feedback stems from a significant volume of customer remarks, with 612 favorable observations compared to 44 less favorable ones, from a total of 674 comments. The establishment truly excels in its Service (9.2), which receives frequent praise, and its Food (8.7), consistently earning high marks for quality.
While the Ambience (8.3) and Value (8.2) also contribute positively, they are slightly outshone by the top two aspects. This consistent performance across key areas underpins the restaurant’s solid reputation.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent, friendly service
- Great value, reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Tricky parking
- Salty dishes
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, Zouave is certainly a place worth considering for your next meal. If you prioritize delicious, authentic food and genuinely friendly service in a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll likely find it a rewarding visit.
It’s a solid choice for those seeking a flavorful experience with good value, provided you are prepared for potentially slower service and some parking challenges. Overall, Zouave offers a compelling dining proposition that many will appreciate.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zouave
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are consistently impressed, with an excellent 90% customer satisfaction and a solid 8.7 score. With 332 positive remarks out of 369 total, many rave about dishes like the Lobster Ravioli, Osso Buco, and Paella. The homemade tiramisu also gets special shout-outs, often described as authentic and delicious.
However, a few of the 26 negative comments point to some specific issues. Some found the polenta too salty, while others encountered hard bread. There were also mentions of Tiramisu being too sweet and some dishes being perceived as unauthentic, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
369
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
332
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Lobster Ravioli
- Authentic homemade Tiramisu
- Generous, fresh portions
What people don't like
- Salty polenta
- Hard, stale bread
- Unauthentic dishes
Often praised
- foodWe decided to try this place for our monthly date night after driving by it multiple times. Our experience exceeded our expectations with a very relaxed atmosphere paired with delicious food that transported me back to my time in Greece and Italy. The Moussaka was highly recommended and lived up to the hype.
- tiramisuThe food is AMAZING and authentic Italian. The chef personally came out to serve my mom and I, was very personable, offered us a free sample of the delicious tiramisu he had just finished, and even held the door for us as we left. I just moved in a few blocks away and I will definitely be a regular!
- gnocchiI would absolutely recommend this place. I tried the moussaka, pasta, and gnocchi.
- portionsthe portions and prices are very reasonable
- lobster ravioliMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a cup of mushroom soup, an appetizer of mussels (special), the seafood paella with chorizo (special), and lobster ravioli. Everything was absolutely delicious.
- menuIf I could give this place ten stars, I would! The menu is small, but mighty, featuring weekly specials. The food here is so spectacular, and the service is impeccable.
- mushroom soupWe ordered the mushroom soup along with a couple of other small dishes. I can confidently say it's THE best mushroom soup I’ve ever had, hands down. The food was great, and the service was also excellent.
- FoodFood is great
- sangriaThe sangria was refreshing but not overly sweet
- breadplus the bread with an amazing dipping sauce
Frequently criticized
- polentaEveryone was so friendly. I’d maybe skip the polenta, it seemed a bit too salty for my taste, but honestly, everything else was fantastic. Definitely worth a visit!
- breadThe bread for the appetizer was so hard I chipped a tooth.
- foodThe owner/head chef was also very hospitable, checking in on us and providing items to entertain the children. Despite the poor food quality, the service was great, but the food was not fresh at all.
- Alfredosome wet water trash Alfredo on one side
- CapreseThe Caprese was drowning in balsamic glaze, which made it hard to enjoy.
- CioppinoI'd never had a Cioppino with fish before, until this one. First bite of fish was rubbery and so fishy I instantly had to spit it into a napkin.
- Italian foodBad Italian food :(
- TiramisuTiramisu was too sweet
- chicken polentaMy friend got some chicken polenta. Whitest chicken I’ve ever seen she thought it was fish 🤣🤣
- clams and musselsthe clams and mussels were just as bad.
Overall, the food here clearly hits the mark for most, offering a delightful culinary experience. If youre looking for generous portions of authentic Italian and Mediterranean flavors, its definitely worth a visit, though be mindful of a few specific dishes.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this restaurant truly shines! Guests consistently rave about the incredibly friendly staff, the chefs wonderful interactions, and the personalized experience. With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic 94.7% customer satisfaction, its clear why 160 out of 169 comments were glowing remarks about the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. A few diners (5 out of 169 comments) did mention instances of slow service and longer waiting times, with some feeling the servers were occasionally lifeless'. While these are rare points, they suggest there might be occasional inconsistencies in pacing.
Service
169
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chef interacts personally
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized experience
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Lifeless servers
Often praised
- serviceOur experience at this neighborhood restaurant was wonderful. We were impressed by the wonderful selection of food, the excellent service, and the presence of one of the best chefs in Seattle. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5-star rating.
- chefWhile parking was a bit tricky, we walked from the bus stop, and it was totally worth it. The chef was amazing, really making you feel welcome. My only suggestion would be to perhaps ask for a little less salt on the polenta, just a thought!
- staffDespite offering a wide variety of delicious dishes, the place is refreshingly unpretentious and reasonably priced. It's a relief to be able to enjoy such high-quality food without needing to dress up, as shorts and t-shirts are welcome and even worn by the staff. I highly recommend paying attention to the daily specials, as they aren't listed on the menu or website.
- ServiceService: 4
- ownerowner who was the chef who came to our table at the end to introduce himself
- serveronly staffed by the server and the owner
- customer serviceThey have great customer service which is a bonus.
- experienceIt was the best experience I’ve had in Washington
- waiterOur waiter was great, and super friendly
- friendly staffIt's our "go to" location for special dinners. The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food make for a consistently great dining experience. We've never had a disappointing meal here.
Frequently criticized
- foodI was looking for a place to have a long and relaxed dinner, and this was definitely the spot. The waiters were helpful and attentive, but the food came out really slowly. The backyard was cozy, though the bathroom area could use some attention.
- serversServers felt lifeless
- servicethe service was super slow
- slow serviceSlow service but the do their best
- waiting timeWe waited forever for the food!!!!!
If youre looking for a place where the staff, especially the chef, makes you feel like family, youre in for a treat. The warmth and attentiveness are truly exceptional, making it well worth a visit, even if the pace is occasionally relaxed.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.3%. With 96 positive remarks out of 110 total, guests frequently praise the cozy atmosphere, intimate setting, and homey feel, often calling it a great place to go on a date or a neighborhood gem. It sounds like a wonderfully welcoming spot!
However, a few of the 11 negative comments point out areas for improvement. Some guests noted issues with airflow and it being warm inside, while others mentioned insufficient light on the patio or tricky parking. These seem like minor concerns compared to the overall positive vibe.
Ambience
110
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Great for dates
- Homey, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Poor airflow
- Warm interior
- Tricky parking
Often praised
- atmosphereWe've already booked a reservation for Valentine's Day and are eager to try everything on the menu, making it our mission to return as often as possible. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves food and a fun night out.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was warm and so inviting.
- ambienceI really enjoyed the ambience
- back patiothe back patio can’t be beat!
- cozy atmosphereGreat cozy atmosphere
- homeysmall and homey
- neighborhood spotour new go-to neighborhood spot
- patioa cozy patio
- placeThe owner is trilingual, post-national, and an Amazigh speaker, which adds a unique touch. It was a great break with a great dessert and a great place overall.
Frequently criticized
- airflowthe airflow would've been appreciated
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is just fruit flies.
- bathroom endbathroom end could use a little sprucing
- insufficient lightPatio had insufficient light.
- kitchen equipmentThe kitchen equipment also looked like it hadn't had a proper deep clean in years, especially the stove.
- parkingParking was a bit tricky
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurant nameshameful restaurant name 😡
- small sizesince it’s so small they’ll turn you away
- tent flapswith the tent flaps closed it was a little loud
If youre looking for a charming, cozy, and intimate spot, especially for a date or a relaxed evening, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and maybe dress in layers if youre sensitive to warmth.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.2, indicating a good experience, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.3%, guests consistently rave about the reasonable prices and overall great value. Based on 24 positive remarks out of 26 total comments, many found the food to be incredibly well-priced, offering generous portions for the cost.
However, a couple of guests (2 negative remarks) did point out a minor hiccup concerning the specials menu. Specifically, they noted that the specials didnt always have prices listed, which could be a bit inconvenient when ordering. Its a small detail, but worth considering for a smoother experience.
Value
26
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
- Exceptional value
What people don't like
- Specials lack prices
Often praised
- pricesWe waited about 20 minutes for a table, which wasn't bad at all. The portions were huge – seriously filling, and the prices were really reasonable. Everyone was so friendly.
- priceDespite being packed, the service was exceptionally friendly and attentive. We received a huge amount of food for the price, and it was seriously delicious, especially the cioppino. My only feedback is that the polenta was a bit too salty; perhaps less salt next time would be ideal.
- reasonable pricesserving elevated dishes for reasonable prices
- PricesPrices are $20 or so a dish
- price per personIt came out to 35$ a person
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely crazy good and unique. It was a complete steal for what you get. I've never had Berber-inspired Italian before, and the beef roulade was incredible.
- well-pricedincredibly well-priced
Frequently criticized
- specials menuthe specials menu should include prices
- specials pricespecials didn’t have a price
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You can expect generous portions and reasonable prices, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Zouave?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 34$, most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the 21-30$ range. However, there are also plenty of options for those looking to splurge a bit more, with a good number of diners spending over 40$.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering it’s an Italian Restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, making it accessible while still allowing for a more premium experience if desired.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zouave
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Amazing Food, Friendly Service, Worth a Visit!
Okay, wow, this place was amazing! Seriously, the smells coming from the kitchen were incredible. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, which wasn't bad at all.
The portions were huge – seriously filling, and the prices were really reasonable. Everyone was so friendly. I’d maybe skip the polenta, it seemed a bit too salty for my taste, but honestly, everything else was fantastic.
Definitely worth a visit!
- smells9
- waiting time7
- portions10
- polenta3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Italian Flavors, Worth the Trip!
My experience at the little place on NE 65th – 2615th was truly wonderful. The moment we walked in, the smells were incredible, evoking a real, warm Italian kitchen. Despite being surprisingly busy, the staff were really friendly and attentive.
We enjoyed a Caprese salad and some paella, and both were fantastic. The portions were generous for the price. While parking was a bit tricky, we walked from the bus stop, and it was totally worth it.
The chef was amazing, really making you feel welcome. My only suggestion would be to perhaps ask for a little less salt on the polenta, just a thought!
- smells10
- staff9
- Caprese salad9
- parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! The smells from the kitchen were amazing, truly indicating that everything was fresh. Despite being packed, the service was exceptionally friendly and attentive.
We received a huge amount of food for the price, and it was seriously delicious, especially the cioppino. My only feedback is that the polenta was a bit too salty; perhaps less salt next time would be ideal. It's definitely worth a visit!
- smells from kitchen9
- fresh9
- service10
- polenta4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Food and Service Despite Late Arrival
My experience at the restaurant was truly great. Despite arriving late for my 7 PM reservation, closer to closing time at 9 PM, the chef and waiter were incredibly kind and accommodating. I was particularly impressed by the food: the mushroom soup was the best I've ever had, the lobster ravioli was delicious and served in a large portion, and the tiramisu was wonderfully moist and flavorful.
I eagerly look forward to eating there again on my next visit to Seattle.
- chef and waiter10
- mushroom soup10
- lobster ravioli9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Home-Cooked Meal Experience
My experience at this restaurant was akin to being served a fantastic home-cooked meal by a professional chef on their day off. The service was incredible, and unlike most restaurants in Seattle, I left feeling full and satisfied. The aroma of the food being prepared filled the air, and the restaurant itself was incredibly cozy, with the kitchen visible from our table.
It was a wonderful experience, and the food was amazing! It was definitely worth every penny, with reasonable prices too. They even treated us to complimentary gelato!
- service10
- full and satisfied10
- cozy9
What Zouave offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Zouave Restaurant?
At Zouave, you can anticipate a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed meal. They offer table service for both lunch and dinner, with a special focus on their highly-rated desserts. You can also enjoy a selection of wine, coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
Does Zouave Restaurant cater to specific needs, such as accessibility or dietary preferences?
Yes, Zouave is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For dining, they provide vegetarian options and a dedicated kids’ menu. You’ll also find convenient free street parking available, and outdoor seating is an option for a pleasant dining experience.
How does Zouave rate overall, and what are its strongest points?
Zouave holds a strong overall score of 8.7. Its highest marks are for Service (9.2) and Food (8.7), followed by Ambience (8.3) and Value (8.2).
Can I expect good value and delicious food at Zouave?
Yes, many customers highlight the generous portions and reasonable prices, contributing to a strong Value (8.2). The Food (8.7) is frequently described as delicious and authentic, with dishes like moussaka and mushroom soup receiving praise.
Are there any common issues to be aware of before visiting Zouave?
Some guests have noted that Service can be slow at times, leading to longer waiting periods for food. Additionally, parking can be tricky, and a few comments mention concerns about airflow or specific maintenance in the Ambience (8.3).