My husband and I have been here many many times. We always sit on the back patio and always bring our dog. Sometimes we go to Giordano's but we do tend to prefer the quaintness of zest back patio. We seem to always get Roberto as our server and we wouldn't have it any other way. He is lovely and a Sommelier and he loves our dog and he lets us taste wine before we commit to a glass or bottle. And he's just wonderful. The food never disappoints. We've ordered many different things off the menu over the years and would highly recommend this place. read more

I absolutely loved it here and will be back many times. The ambiance was perfect. The zesty hour was one of the best. I ordered all of the wines -- the lobster bisque was delightful. The service was exemplary. read more

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Love this place! Always surprised that the literal happy hour 4 to 5pm "Zesty Hour" isn't crazy busy. Select wines by the glass and draft beer only $5! Nice selection of appetizers from the restaurant next door are reduced price and very tasty especially garlic knots. Nice outdoor patio cozy inside bar area and very friendly and helpful service. Love to meet friends here and always bring out of town guests. Great way to wind down your day or start your evening! read more

What a gem this place is! I stopped in for a Thursday happy hour and it was wonderful! Had a couple glasses of the $5 sommelier's choice happy hour wines and the $8 HH cheese plate. The wine was great and the cheese plate was really substantial for a happy hour plate! I was able to plug in my laptop and work at the bar, though there was no wifi. The two folks working were very friendly and happy to answer my questions. I'm really looking forward to returning! read more

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Zest is my new favorite local happy hour!! They have Zest Hour every Wednesday-Sunday 4-5pm. We showed up on a Saturday just after 4pm so we were able to enjoy their Zest Hour. We sat outside in their cute small patio. I ordered a glass of white wine from their Zest Hour menu ($5) and it was delicious. I then ordered a red wine from their Zest Hour menu (still $5) and that one was delicious. What an amazing deal. I ordered the Brussel sprouts, cheese raviolis, San Danielle pizza with no sauce and it was all delicious. The only thing that was just ok and not impressive was the Baked Brie with fig jam. I did not care for the breading on it and took away from the Brie cheese. Our server Roberto took great care of us and was super friendly. I never knew this place existed but since I live a few miles away, I will definitely be coming back more. Roberto was telling us about events they have at the end of every month so I will be sure to sign myself up for some of those. This place is truly a hidden gem you must visit. read more

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I mean...it wasn't a bad experience but it was also kind of weird...owners husband welcomed us, very high energy to "reel us in" and then disappeared by the end no where to be found. He was trying his best but obviously didn't want to socialize. Very difficult job for him not to w the locals coming in and how tiny the space is but the happy hour red wine selection was good. Not a bad red at all. The mushroom appetizer healthy but sort of a watery w a cheese crumb sauce stuffing was ok.only came w 3 mushrooms...not even 4. Kind of cheap. Even for a happy hour item. Do at least 4 lol Sauce could be better and stuffing on that. Definitely room to reimagine but again healthy wont hurt your stomach. Cesear salad pre chilled but for how long? Dressing had already absorbed. Also runs Giardanos next door. It could be for you--it couldn't? Depends what youre looking for? Small, quaint local, nice enough but probably fake conversation w overworked burned out husband? But featuring a good $5 zesty hour wine...go here ‍ Coin toss depending on your personality. For me...id rather just grab a bottle at the market and boil an entire pot of mushrooms at home myself and forgo some of the intimate awkwardness. We tried tho... thank you. read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Lemon Grove tends to be one of the last places you consider when planning an evening out with your people to enjoy a tasty wine flight, great italian food, or even joining a wine club - right?? I was proven wrong on every instance this past weekend as I drove into the much overlooked Lemon Grove. Stuck in between what had always been an industrial area of LG, you approach Zest with the first challenge of finding parking amongst the limited spaces out front - but as you slow, you note an alley and signage directing you to the back of the building where a spacious parking lot sprawls out with easy access to the patio of the Bistro. The owners greet you as you enter and allow you to sit where you are most comfortable. An introduction to the menu had my party ordering multiple appetizers and entrees as wine was poured non-stop covering various varietals from the menu. The staff completely explained the operation of the Bistro and how it works in conjunction with their business partners next door - bringing fresh and hot Italian meals direct to your table, as you select from the litany of worldly wines. The service is friendly and makes you feel like you have been best friends for years - while the food comforts your taste buds with a warm hug assurance that you will return for future meals. In addition to all of the food, wine, and service - they offer a little known wine club at a great deal~! Let's just say, for the wines you get, for the price you pay, a trip to Zest Wine Bistro is worth the visit to get all of the details~! See you there~!! read more

Zest is Lemon Grove's hidden gem-- they've been my local go-to wine bar for the past 3 years and let me tell you the reasons why: First off, the vibes here are everything . The outside just feels so homey and inviting . There is a shared parking lot in the back that also makes it very convenient to stop by . The interior is pretty cozy, has a very nice bar, and is decorated so cute . I also really enjoy the outdoor patio area if you have a larger group of people with you . The owners are super sweet and are easy to talk to . The customers/locals there are also very friendly ! Second off, the WINE-- I yet have ordered a wine I disliked . They have a variety of different wines that they do a very good job of rotating . They also offer a wine cub that I might just join the next time since I love it here so much lol . Did I mention they have happy hour like everyday ?! See you 4pm (: Thirdly, the bites are tasty sooo fun to share ! They have a sister Italian restaurant next door (Giardino-- SOO GOOD) that they share a kitchen with ! I personally love ordering the charcuterie board to pick on while I sip on wine . A few other honorable mentions would be the calamari, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms ! Overall, Zest is one of my favorite places to chill out and grab a sip of wine . If you're in the area, I would highly suggest checking it out ! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - (Instagram: @angiela.eats) - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

A very cute and spacious wine bar! I don't mind exploring downtown and more hype areas but I really love that this is a less than 10 min drive from home spot. They have a very good happy hour with wines and bites. I got the two whites in the HH menu and I didn't love them... then, my friend and I decided to get a bottle of Prosecco and that was a very good Prosecco. They have a huge variety of wine in their regular menu. If you are hungry or want to pair your wine, you can get food from the restaurant next door. The pricing of the HH was very good ($5 a glass of wine, how can you beat that?) but after HH I would say it's on the pricey side. We met the owner who was really friendly and approachable. She told us they have events some times during the month so I will be for sure joining one (or more) in the future. Our server was a sommelier so that was impressive. Overall I really liked it and will be back! read more

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Came for the happy hour which was great! $5 glasses of wine which I feel like is unheard of now. They had choices between white, rose and red. My friend and I got there right around 4 and it wasn't busy at all. They have a small amount of indoor seating but a very large patio in the back that is really cute. I got a glass of the Pinot noir and rose off the happy hour. Honestly... They were both just ok. Not sure if they rotate their happy hour wines but hopefully they do! We did also get a bottle of prosecco that wasn't part of happy hour that was really good. Service was really friendly and quick when we were there. Worth checking out. read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Happy hour menu on 5/9/24 - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Came here on a whim a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Intimate space, great wine selection, and the owner is a joy to interact with. The kitchen is shared with Giardino's next door and the food was very good. I did not expect the steak to be as great tasting and masterfully prepared as it was. Definitely a repeat dine! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Steak and veggies! - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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We recently had my husbands birthday dinner on the patio here, it was perfect for a group event! They were so nice and let me come in the morning to decorate the tables and put up balloons. We had about 20 people and I chose charcuterie boards, flatbreads and had lots of wine. Parking in the back made it easy for everyone. If you're celebrating something and want a private patio outdoor area, I highly recommend checking out this place! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Private patio for events, they let me decorate! - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Everything from when we showed up to when we left was top-notch! Shannon, our server was the absolute sweetest and one of the regulars was even kind enough to help us with some stuff. It was awesome and we will be back. read more

Attention East County. If you're like me sometimes I prefer to stay local. I love SD's local food scene and until recently this was the only choice for great Italian. Zest is the chill version of Giardino's. I'll review Giardino's separately but if you're looking to chill, look no further. Karina ( Owner of both ) now offers the best of both worlds. Casual/fine dining or a relaxing wine bar. Which one to choose? This is the beauty of having both right next to each other. If you're feeling like an excellent Italian in an urban setting Giardino is the choice. but if you're looking for something a bit more quiet, then Zest is the ticket. One word for Zest, cozy, and my favorite, dog friendly. Karina has a bistro menu for Zest but if you're looking for something a bit more substantial, you can also order from the restaurant. Ok, the wine! We're just back from Napa and I appreciate the variety. They have something for everybody and the price point is spot on. Roberto is a gentleman and I think we tasted four wins before going with a lovely Syrah. This was the perfect compliment for our charcuterie and pear pizza from next door and OMG. So how do you feel, you know have a choice? read more

Zest Wine Bistro - charcuterie/olives and wonderful pear pizza. - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

This was some amazing pasta that I had ever had. I will be coming back . The service was great too

Went here last Friday after visiting the sister restaurant.. Giardino. This place is EVERYTHING! They have a super cute and cozy patio. The service was Phenomenal!! Our server Roberto explained all of the wines to us and was just a super nice guy. All of the wines we had were good too! And the chef Roberto!! Omg!! His food is like a party in your mouth! And he is so nice!! This place is my new favorite wine bar!! read more

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My local wine spot, and I love it. So happy other yelpers seem to love it too! I live in Lemon Grove and there is very little going on in this town. Along with Giardino's (the restaurant next door, same owner), Zest is such a blessing! And not just for locals - I have friends that drive from around San Diego to meet my here for the evening because they love it as much as I do. Zest has a great selection of wine, delicious small bites, including a killer cheese board. The weekly food specials (usually tacos or flatbreads) are excellent. The bar inside is cute, but the patio is darling - very cozy! The background music is always on point. The patio is enclosed and they have a fire-table and heaters for colder days. Karina, the owner, is extremely friendly and attentive, always making the rounds and visiting with customers. Roberto, the wine bar manager, is a sweetheart. He's extremely helpful with wine recommendations and accommodating about letting us taste wines before we order them. He remembers what we likes and is enthusiastic about sharing new wines with us. And, scoring brownie points with me, they are super dog friendly (on the patio). My dog, Tango, is always remembered, greeted, and given water right away - a really nice touch! Other things to note: Zest offers a wine club and has tasting events at least once a month. Their prices are about average for San Diego. Parking is reasonably easy: there is usually a parking spot available in back lot, but street parking isn't too bad when the lot is full. read more

I want to say don't go here. This is a friendly, warm, comfortable spot that we locals like to duck into for a snack and a glass (or bottle) before heading next door for dinner. Roberto always has good wine available, and he is happy to pour, to guide, and to just have a good time with wine. There are monthly tastings from different regions, private events, and even day trips to the Valle. It's a very special and unique spot, but if everyone starts going and filling up the place, there won't be room for the rest of us. Consider yourself warned, but I know you'll go anyway, and you should. read more

This place is so cute! I couldn't believe it was in Lemon Grove. We don't have a lot of trendy mid to fine dining places in LG. They had a really nice wine selection, and if you are really hungry you don't just have to order apps of their menu, you can order from their sister restaurant Giordinos. The food was really good. Our server had really good knowledge of the wines and was very friendly and kind. I will definitely return! They also do wine tasting prefix menus each last Sunday of the month. Marking my calendar to try that now!!! Parking is tricky especially on the weekend, so be sure to give a little extra time if you have people to meet/reservations. We parked a block down across the street and crossed at the light. There is parking out front and a lot out back, so you might be a lucky person and get a spot. read more

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Location - Super easy to find and good signage (look for the yellow sign), right next to the Giardino's Restaurant. Parking - Limited. BUT If I'm being honest, you should just rideshare/lyft/uber bc you WILL drink a lot of great wines. There's a bit of street and back of the building parking - but I just don't advocate for drinking and driving. Ambiance - Lovely little inside area to sit, or of course some bar seating. More tables and seating in the back patio (heaters outside too!). Nice little trendy art-deco feel to the place. Great use of the space honestly in terms of how much wine they have on site as well as places to sit/eat. Restroom is cute and kept clean. Back patio area (I believe) is dog friendly and allows for a nice breeze. Service - 10 out of 10. Chef Marco is not only a great chef, but so inspiring, hilarious and kind. Friendly is an understatement. Sommelier Roberto is charming, full of jokes and SO knowledgeable. He can pick you a winning glass and guide you through the history and process of the wines too. It's a small spot with few people - but they give each customer such attentive service that it is worth the wait, if there even is one, because they are constantly working to give great food and drink. Drinks - They have an extensive selection of wines and truly some great, affordable bottles. The flight is THE way to go if you're not sure, or you just want to be adventurous. I had my "notions" changed many times over now and found myself enjoying some wines I would never have considered buying in a store without trying. Food - Gorgeous, delicious, fresh, and made with love. I love a good meat & cheese board, and boy do they do that well. I haven't yet made it to an afternoon tea party there, but the pictures look great, and I'm sure the tea cookies/sandwiches are awesome. Overall, this is a place that I cannot say enough good about. I am so pleased that Lemon Grove was chosen to be home to this hidden gem, which I'm sure won't stay hidden for long! read more

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Looking for a date night spot or even just somewhere to go with friends and family, we'll I definitely recommend stopping by at zest. Great customer service , great wine and food !! The Mezze platter was delicious , especially the sauces and my husband loved the pickled onions! We will continue to return for our date nights. Roberto and chef Nick , Thank you for the Great customer service!!! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Mezze Platter - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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This is a casual neighborhood wine bistro whenever you will love the food and wine choices. There is a menu that has small plates of food that is perfect to enjoy with a glass of wine. The food is really good. Roberto is a sommelier and having him select your wines is well advised. read more

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Had a beautiful Saturday evening here last week. We love their spot next door (Giardino) so we knew a bit of what we were getting into. While I'll likely leave the kiddo at home next time as it's a bit more grown up, they were very accommodating to the fact that mommy needed rosé! The octopus was delicious (even the toddler thought so) and the seared ahi was to die for. Will be back for a "mommy escapes the toddler with a friend" outing very soon. read more

Food was delicious. Wine was perfect. The environment was very peaceful and relaxing and service was outstanding.

Personal service and quaint ambiance are what makes this place so unique. We went to celebrate and felt the special attention and care for our group to be above and beyond. We sat inside as it was a chilly night but I look forward to an evening on the patio. Our board was beautiful and delicious- I think a little honey or fruit spread would be my only request to add on. The accompanying toast was perfection. Wine recommendations are fabulous too. The dessert sampler was an amazing end to a superb evening. read more

My wife and I just left after our Valentine's dinner date. Reservations at 6:30. Sat outside in the patio area. The ambience was nice and the place is cute. The service was seriously lacking. The server didn't come by at all after taking our order. We spent over an hour waiting for our food, with no communication whatsoever. Had to go get my own water for the table. Empty plates were left on the table for over 30 minutes. The calamari and crab cakes were good. Don't know how the entrees were because we left before we got them. Was charged $40 for the appetizers. Nothing offered but a "sorry". read more

Amazing service Delicious food Top notch wine Relaxed ambiance Super glad to have found this spot in our new neighborhood Will be back many times read more

Came here after dinner at the restaurant next door and the selection of wine is pretty impressive. Service is stellar and owner was a joy to speak with. As all selection of bar bites, but I like there paninis here. Doesn't get too crowded so it's a great spot to stop if your trying to get out of the bar scene. read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Cold cut panini - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

First time coming here and absolutely LOVE it!!! Shannon provided AMAZING customer service and Michelle (the chef) made a Lobster Roll that was absolutely DELICIOUSNESS!!! And the decor is soo CUUUTE!! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Lobster Roll and Chips.... Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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I really want to give this place 5 stars but dang that strong disinfectant smell turned me off the minute I walked in. I even sat outside and still smelled the strong odor of Fabuloso, read more

Brand new wine bar in Lemon Grove! The owner is just absolutely lovely and accommodating. The sommelier was very informative and friendly. The burrata and ahi tuna was fresh and tasty, highly recommended. 100% would frequent this place. read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Bathroom decor! - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Amazing wine list. Wonderful staff. The chef brought out the charcuterie that was the most beautiful and delicious I've ever seen. He does all his own pickling, and the results were amazing. They sliced up an apple an added it for me since I'm gluten intolerant. One of our friends only likes sweet wines; the server recommended one that wasn't on the menu, and our friend loved it. read more

Sweet delicious gods this was awesome. Came for San Diego Restaurant week on a whim to try something new and was quite impressed. Walked in the front door and was a bit underwhelmed but felt like I had walked through the Wardrobe to a new secret magical land when we got to the patio. Totally unassuming and such a fantastic surprise. The wine flight (white, rose, red) was sensational and was so lovingly paired with the foods offered. We were able to ask questions and the knowledge was evident as was the care for our experience. And the food. was. stellar. Portions were right on target and perfect to share (there were two of us very hungry and eager wine drinking food loving ladies) and we were not disappointed. I took not a single picture save for their bathroom (you have to visit to see why lol) because I was having such a delectable, enjoyable evening. I do not live close but I will be back. Lemon Grove you have a damned sweet spot and I sort of hope it doesn't get too popular so I can save it for myself! read more

Great little hideaway for happy hour wine. Sit outside on patio. Food available to order from adjacent restaurant. Service is prompt and pleasant. Keeper. read more

Tried this wonderful little place last week. It was wine club pick up day for a friendly group on the patio with tastings and appetizers. Roberto, the proprietor, kindly invited my friend and I to join but we chose to sit inside where we met chef Nick taking a photo of the nights special Tomato bisque and grilled gourmet cheese. We tried it and it was delicious! Plus we enjoyed a lovely Chardonnay and charcuterie plate. Everyone was so nice, ambience and food great. Plus they offer cooking classes, listed on their website. read more

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We are so excited and lucky to have Zest in our neighborhood! Beautiful designed and decorated. The wine selection is thoughtfully chosen and the menu is fresh and delicious! We are working our way down the menu and have loved everything we've ordered; beet salad, seafood tostada, shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna, cold cuts panino, and the wrapped dates! read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Seafood Tostada - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Roberto was the best waiter! The small Cheese & Charcuterie Board was more than enough for two (see picture) and the Prosciutto Wrapped Dates were so delicious that I forgot to take a photo. read more

Zest Wine Bistro - Cheese & Charcuterie Board - $22 Small - Wine Bars Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

We visited Zest Bistro last night for the first time after an Amazing dinner next door at Giardino's! Such a fun inviting space the decor is so well done and their patio space will be amazing when completed. They have a great selection of wines and small plates. The staff was very welcoming and very knowledgeable. We will be back! read more

Tried this place out this weekend and loved it. Really cute and the chef was amazing ! Wines were good, will definitely be back again it's so close to my house ! read more

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Fun for a large group and excellent selection of food and drink. Lots of parking and great service.