This place has a nice atmosphere. They have a deck in back for outdoor seating on the Maumee river. Summer of course. . Also it's a short ride from lake Erie by boat and you can pull up dock side. Have been to this location several times. Service is usually good, but on this occasion they forgot to put in my sons meal. Waited almost an hour. They have good happy hour specials on food and drinks if you sit at the bar.or bar area. read more

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If you try to go on the weekend, I would definitely suggest making a reservation online because it can get crowded. The decor is fun and random as there is a fountain that's not always running around the tables, a big chandelier lamp on another table, a faux vineyard like structure in a different corner and glass bottles hanging from the ceiling in one part of the room. When you walk to your table, it will smell overwhelmingly like fish. Staff are friendly, but he would forget some of our requests like for extra bread. He also took awhile to come check in on us before we ordered and between courses. Caprese salad: too much onion! But good. (Comes with an entree for $6 more) 3.5/5 Swordfish: could have used more of the rub, but the Parmesan risotto with it was good. 3.75/5 Seafood risotto: this was tasty with different kinds of seafood like crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Nice creaminess. 4/5 If you can get a table by the window, you'll have a nice view of the skyline and river. Overall, I thought the food was solid but only okay and the service was subpar. read more

Pretty impressed with Zia's. My husband and his family decided to come to Zia's right before the Christmas holiday. We made a reservation (for 8) in-advance and were seated upon arriving. Our service was also great, and they kept our drinks filled. We started with the house made bread, fried ravioli and the calamari. If I were to come back, I would definitely order the ravioli again. It was fried perfectly, yet still soft and tender. The calamari was Ok- nothing special. For my meal, I opted for the chicken marsala. Our server was able to adjust the side of potatoes for a side of fettuccine alfredo as I was craving some type of noodle. My husband ordered the same thing. The dish was HUGE! My chicken took over the entire plate and also came with a side of green beans. It was very tender and cut like butter. The flavor was on point. For the pasta side, I enjoyed the alfredo, you could tell it was homemade and the fresh parmesan on it complemented it well. If I would of known the size of the portion, my husband and I could have easily split the meal by ordering another side to share. For the value, the meal was great. Everyone else at our table seemed to also enjoy their meals. The winners of the night were the chicken marsala and seafood pasta and risotto. read more

Zia's - Chicken Marsala - Italian Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

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We drove 90 miles from Michigan to eat here, what a mistake. Sat outside on the river. Birds crapped on our table....(Maumee River in July and nothing happening-pathetic Toldeo). Service was poor, Food was fair. $12.25 for a vodka & tonic in Toledo are you kidding me.....In a super slow re-development neighborhood district. Pass this place up for your own good. read more

So, it was a nice waterfront restaurant but bring your VISA card. I am unclear on the dollar signs rule, but I feel like this place charges $$$ not $$ as other reviews indicate. read more

First time here and I can say me and my wife were both impressed phenomenal dinner service every thing we ordered was well beyond our expectations highly impressed definitely will come back! read more

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Stephanie was great food was even better. She was slammed at the bar and managed her time extremely well

Ciante bottles hanging from rafters as you walk in. Great Italian food. My first visit was a little turned around. I arrived by boat, from the back of the restaurant, I did not know this until we left. So, saying this, the restaurant is along the river with a beautiful view of the city. I recommend reservations around sunset, worth it. We started off with a long, thin crust pizza appetizer propped up on two sauce cans. I had the meat ravioli and was very happy with my decision. Fresh, flavorful, great sauce and great atmosphere. read more

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We were in the area for my birthday. When we arrived we were seated immediately. I had a lovely view of the river. Our waiter was very nice, attentive, and made us feel like we were his only customers. The food arrived in a timely manner and was mouth watering. If I am ever back I certainly will dine here again. read more

The food was really wonderful, and not nearly as expensive as I thought. Our waitress was wonderful, very responsive, and helpful. The atmosphere on the river was really cool, and the interior is really quite nice read more

Went for Valentine's Day wirh my husband, amazing service. Super clean atmosphere, and all the food was amazing. Yes, its worth the money you'll spend. Note: We reserved a table, the table was ready when we arrived, no waiting! read more

They have lovely waterfront views from this restaurant! I enjoyed the flavorful pesto chicken pasta and very rich chocolate cake.

Zias is bad... Michael Jackson bad... you know how he looked really bad at the end of his life. This one time I went there and got this chicken parm and it was good... on Opposite Day! Also it cost 20 bucks. Awful food. And the waitress cussed at me on the way out! What is this Dicks last resort? &#%* you too Debra! read more

Decent food. We went here for Valentines Day dinner. Food was okay for the most part. Nothing special. Mussels were good and minestrone soup was very good. I regret paying $11 for their champagne special though. They used Cook's champagne...blah. read more

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For Mother's Day, May 9, 2021, my husband and I, along with my parents, traveled from Lima, OH, for a long-awaited return trip to Zia's. Absolutely wonderful service, food, atmosphere... everything! Our server, Virginia, was so attentive, very knowledgeable about the dishes, and she has such a great personality that it made the visit to our favorite restaurant even more delightful. Toward the end of our meal, the manager, Drew, stopped by to chat with us for a few minutes. He is as charming as he is professional and there's no doubt that business will continue to flourish with this man at the helm. We always have the best food and service at Zia's, and it was marvelous to enjoy another dining experience there. So happy that they have reopened for business and are serving patrons. Sincere thanks to their entire staff for making a special day even more lovely for my mother. I honestly believe that if they could have stopped the rain for us so the meal could have been served outdoors, they wouldn't have hesitated to do just that! read more

Downright terrible. I don't know if people in Toledo have just never tasted decent Italian food or if they just don't care, but if you're visiting in the area, save yourself from this place. I was in town for a week in April 2018. Service was atrocious - it took 15 minutes just to get our drink order and they're were a total of 5 tables seated in the entire restaurant on a Thurs evening. The bruschetta was soggy as all get out and practically inedible. The pizza was a store bought crust and greasier than anything I'd had in recent memory including the corner pizza by the slice joint. When I asked to have prosciutto added to the margarita pizza - I got pancetta instead which is not the same especially when they listed both options as potential toppings. Oh and they use store bought pasta from a box but still charge you $20+ for an entree. M'osteria on the other side of the river is better with homemade pasta and much better service. read more

Zia's was once my favorite restaurant! It used to be amazing, but now is a different story. The food tasted terrible and the prices were outrageous! Definitely won't be coming back for a while. read more

Well, like most times we go out to eat, there's always a back story. This time, my Wife and I wanted to go out to eat after having a long day meeting with a landscape designer. We were very hungry but we couldn't agree on a restaurant. After driving around downtown Toledo and my wife searching the menus of many places we finally settled on Zia's Italian Restaurant down on the docks. We had not been there before so my Wife was a little reluctant to experiment when she is famished. The inside of Zia's is terrific. Once inside, you forget that you are in Toledo. Pleasant aromas of baked Mozzarella , Marinara, Alfredo, seared sausage and Garlic floats all throughout the restaurant. After being seated, our server, Brittney came to our booth with a nice bottle of wine to sample. We lived in Europe for two years and the wonderful foodie city of Louisville, however, this was the FIRST time a server brought out a bottle of wine to our booth for us to sample. Another first, Brittney introduced the chef as "Sonny." Plus, she explained that everything is prepared daily from scratch including desserts. My Wife ordered a bowl of minestrone soup which was presented piping hot. Brittney poured the soup into the bowl from a sterling silver container that looked like Aladdin's Lamp. The table bread was soft and delicious which I dipped in the olive garlic butter Brittney served. For an appetizer, I choose Italian sausage with lovely red, green and yellow peppers. I always get the Italian sausage at Mancy's Italian Restaurant so I wanted a comparison. Totally on par with Mancy's which is thought to be a top shelf spot. We split a chicken Parmesan entree that the chef equally divided on two plates. A crispy fried chicken breast gently covered in Marinara sauce paired with linguine noodles in creamy smooth Alfredo sauce. Highly impressive. Finally, we selected a slice of chocolate chip cheese cake and a chunk of tiramisu. Over 30 years of hanging out together we've been to many eateries. Many times when we go back to the same place it often is not good as the first time. Hopefully, Zia's will stay consistent. Total 5 Star Experience! read more

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A once delicious place, turned inconsistent and poor quality. As a native to Toledo, Zias has been a wonderful go to for Italian through the years. Up until recent times. After giving multiple "second chances" tonight was the last straw for my husband and I. We were seated at the bar and ordered three small plates and a pizza. The fried mozzarella was cold. The shrimp Gambini, fishy, and the bruschetta (my former FAVORITE) - was served on old dense bread, too tough to even eat. Once the pizza came, we were again... highly disappointed. The once wonderful thin crust, oven fired pizza was now a small hand tossed pizza that looked as if Dominos delivered it. Still ...looks aren't everything. The pizza was soggy and mushy falling apart at the touch. Needless to say. We took about two bites of everything and left. Really hoping this place can get back to what it use to be because the atmosphere and service is usually wonderful. read more

If I had written a review of Zia's a year ago or prior it would have been much different. What used to be attentive service with good food has become a supreme disappointment. My latest visit on a weeknight had my wife and I leave hungry, unsatisfied, and far less than pleased at the service. Issues of time. No wait for a seat at the bar. But, from seating to being greeted/drinks ordered was close to 10 minutes. If it had been busy I could understand, but there were two others at the bar and a single table of 4 in the bar area, so a crowd was not an issue. From drink order to drink in hand it was another 10 minutes. The bar tender was moving things around most of the time, and I watched the manager come back and mix my drink. Continuing on time, from drink arrival to food order was reasonable though not good for other reasons to be explained below. Food took an okay period to make it to the pass, but from there to our seats was bordering on stupid long. By the time the food arrived (it was an order of cheese bread only) we had been at the bar for a solid hour. When I went to pay set my card down with the check, bar tender walked by several times, talked to a worker for a bit, then went to clean the table that had just left. It was 17 minutes (yes I was irritated enough to track time at this point) between when I set the card down and when she finally took it. Overall we were in the restaurant for just over 90 minutes, had 2 drinks and an appetizer. No new customers sat in the bar area while we there, and the dining room had only a few tables. Service issues. Don't drop the check a solid five minutes before you drop the first round of drinks. She actually placed the tab in front of us before bringing us anything. Don't drop silverware and dishes, then ask what you would like before even offering a menu. Dipping oil for bread is great, I would have loved to have been offered some like you offered the others at the bar, but no I had to reach over the bar to grab some after you set it down when they declined it. Food and menu. The highlight was the bread basket, but the olive butter in it was melted down to a liquidy gloop that had ceased to resemble butter. The bread itself was tasty and the oil (once I got it) was nice with a little spice to it. The cheese bread was a disappointment. The mozzarella tasted old and fake. The best description I could give it was that it tasted like it was frozen cheese bought at a warehouse store then left to sit in a plastic bag until all but forgotten about. The tomato dipping sauce was less than remarkable, it had tbe color and texture of canned tomato soup, with about the equivalent flavor. The wonderful menu of years past has been replaced by a boring sheet of nothing notable. Bruschetta and Antipasti platters have been replaced with nothing. Sausage and peppers gone, muscles gone. I was so disappointed I never even asked about deserts (nor was any offered). Half price apps at bar the used to mean a good time of drinking and snacking, now there are better choices at the sports bars across the river. What was going to be a nice evening of snacking and drinking turned into a disappointing 90 minutes that left us unhappy and unsatisfied. read more

Absolutely the worst Italian food ive ever had. The alfredo sauce was way to runny and bland, the chicken marsala tasted more like beef stroganoff than a wine sauce. I also only saw the waitress 3 times in the 2 hours it took us to order and get food, so very poor service. Their ceasar salad needed way more dressing, i literally created yelp just to post this review because i have never been this dissapointed in a restaurant. read more

Got carryout curbside delivery. Two entrees came in completely different portion sizes. The eggplant parm was great. One of the best I've had. Everything else was unremarkable. Fried ravioli are very bland. Completely unseasoned. Curbside delivery link did not work and there are no actually carry out parking spaces. So you either can park in a fire lane to pick up or park in a lot and hope they find you. Overall the food is hit or miss but not worth the prices. read more

Good food, even better service. Great atmosphere and large wine list. Definitely recommend.

If you were born in Italy in this life or past life, this will reminiscent you of Italy. Thats how authentic it feels. You will see a lot of people taking out To-Go boxes and mostly its pizza. If you can gorge down oversized food then order their famous pizza. They claim their pizza is good for 4 people but I feel 6 is the number of people it can serve with reasonable appetite. I have been there only once and didnt try anything else but wont mind going there again. read more

Liked it, didn't love it. (I wanted to love it). When you walk into Zia's, the atmosphere makes you feel like it will be a good Italian dining experience. Then you look at the menu. I have to say I didn't care for the selections. It was so difficult for me to find something I would enjoy. Not a traditional Italian menu. Sometimes being different isn't good when people expect traditional Italian fare that would compliment the decor. The appetizer selections are simple and just a few to select from. I did like the Calamari Fritti, very tender perfectly fried. The bread and butter whipped with oil and kalamata olives was good. The dipping oil tasted like spicy vegetable oil and was a bit better with cracked pepper and a lot of fresh Parmigiano Reggiano added. My Caesar salad was not good. It had a strong taste of mayonnaise. Again, added grated cheese and cracked pepper helped. I ordered the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Con Pollo, spaghetti tossed with grilled chicken, basil, olives, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese was very good. The perfect amount of Garlic. I also added a side of Sausage and peppers which should be and isn't on the menu. The server was a bit rushing until we told him we were not in a hurry. So he backed off and began to take care of us right. Nothing good about feeling rushed when you are dining with friends. The Finale was Canollis and double espresso. The Cannoli was very good, the espresso taste like strong/old coffee. Espresso is my favorite finish to an Italian meal and it wasn't this time. A good Italian restaurant like Zia's needs more personable service, and a manager that goes to table to table talking to guest. read more

Food was awesome! The management (the only reason I think he was the manager was because he was not wearing the same outfit as the waiters, he was wearing skinny jeans though...SMH) guy that looked like Edward from Twilight was a total DICK! The reservation process could go a little better. We put our names down and they told us it would be about an hour-hour and a half, we said ok we'll be at the bar. During this time there were MULTIPLE tables open that would accommodate 5, and were still open by the time we sat down 1.25 hours later. I don't know if they just hold tables open for the heck of it or were understaffed or someone called ahead and reserved them. But the process could be better. While at the bar waiting for our table, the hostess would walk by just saying out a random last name, "Smith" or "Jones". After building a rapport with the hostess I began to jokingly say my last name a few times, "Oh did you say R*%#*, You sure you didnt say R*%#*?" both parties had a good laugh. "Edward" on the other hand is not a jokster. He came up to me and said "Hey Pal (in a stern tone), when she calls your name you will know it! So go back to enjoying your drink and shut up." I am not sure of a patron said something (I can be loud at times) or what but i don't think that was the best way to talk to someone. Now on to the reason it got 4 stars the food and service! I ordered the pizza and let me tell you it was awesome! I highly recommend getting extra sauce. It fed 3 of us and we even had left overs. The food came out pretty quickly too. My cousins got the pasta and they both said it was very good and filling and not bland at all! Our waitress was awesome. We were drinking Italian beers, can't remember the name, and we ordered the last ones and we wanted 1 more round with dinner and she went to the back and found some more us. It would have been so much easier to just make us order a different kind of beer. So I appreciate the extra effort. She had a little conversation with us, about life and her favorite beer they had and gave plenty of suggestions on what food we should order. Overall I enjoyed my night after the discussion with "Edward". If I am in the Toledo area again I would hit up Zia's again for sure! read more

I ate here last night with people from the lab I'm visiting. Based solely on the appetizers and drinks, I would definitely go back. They had great happy hour specials - $3.25 for a glass of wine, and free pizza for a group of 4 or more, as Steve S mentioned. Unfortunately, the bar was packed - every seat and extras full - and the deals are only applicable at the bar. Interestingly enough, the guy who came to take our drink orders said that there was happy hour at the bar, but that it was full... thanks for pointing out that we can't get those deals, even though we're just a few feet away and the same bartenders are preparing our drinks... Anyway, they did have a good selection of wine and interestingly drinks. I had the raspberry belini - delicious - and the lady next to me had the Italian margarita, which she raved about. We split appetizers - fresh Italian bread with olive butter, bruschetta, calamari, fried ravioli, and melted asiago cheese with crostini. They were all delicious. I was particularly impressed with the texture of the calamari - fried just enough to not be chewy. The ravioli was delicious, not only fried, but also stuffed very full with tasty ricotta. The asiago was good, but we let it cool, and it congealed before I could really get to it. The bruschetta portions were huge - I liked the addition of the capers, but I felt that it needed a little more olive oil. Some folks at the table got the chopped salad which looked good, as did the minestrone. The portions are extremely generous. The staff was mostly friendly, other than the aforementioned comment. I like the location, how it's a complex with several restaurants, so that you could try a different one if the wait was too much. read more

View is the only thing that is good about this restaurant. Food is waaay over-salted and does not have any remarkable flavor. Chocolate bread pudding is dry, even with ample amount of sauce... Waste of money read more

I came to Zia's by the advice of a friend of mine and it was a good place to be. My guest and I had a wonderful time talking and laughing, and the wait staff was very accomodating of that. We were 'those people' that didn't know what they wanted by the third time she came back as we were talking, but the waitress laughed about it and was polite despite the evening getting late. We went on a Monday night and like any restaurant on a Monday, it was pretty empty. A few folks at the bar, a couple of tables had larger groups from work probably, then there were a couple with some folks that were just having dinner for two. Everyone seemed happy and were well taken care of. From the moment I walked in it seemed as though there was a lot going on. When I think of Italian, I usually go for the simple and clean look, but with Zia's there were a lot of decorations on the wall and on the ceiling. This is by no means a bad thing as it all went together and in my opinion, brought the restaurant to a more vibrant level. We ordered the bruschetta and two dishes (I had the Veal Parmagean) - and we had a lot of left overs. The portions are big and the meal as a whole is pretty good. The presentation of the food was wonderful and well crafted, but I wouldn't say it was the pinnacle of Italian food (you have to go to Atlanta, GA for that - or at least in the USA). I would pick this place over Olive Garden every single time, and I could see myself going back for sure. If you're looking for a nice night out, with a solid meal that will give you good leftovers - Zia's is your place! read more

I always take guests from out-of town to Zia's. A beautiful riverfront view of Toledo, delicious food, reasonable prices, excellent service and incredible ambiance. It has been my favorite Italian restaurant for years! read more

I have eaten here several times and had an enjoyable dining experience. The menu changes frequently adding new items. The service has always been very good, and knowledgeable. Also a good location to stop for some munchies and a few drinks at the bar. Parties of four or more entitle you to free pizza at the bar. read more

This place has grown on me. We've been several times now with our friends when we come to visit. My first review was a little more critical. I do have to say that I'd rate the food like Olive Garden quality, but I do really like the atmosphere. It's warm and cozy. The bar area is usually busy. Personally I think happy hour is the best deal. You can get some good dishes for a decent price. It's a great place to go with a group and if you have a group of 6 or more and sit at the bar, you get a free pizza. read more

Ate outside overlooking downtown Toledo and the Maumee river. The restaurant inside has a great ambiance and decorations and a beautiful view outside. Service was excellent. The food however was very average. The Caesar salad is NOT worth the $3 upgrade charge. The meal was a bit pricey for 3 people eating for average tasting food. I would go back again to try something else but not with high expectations. read more

Service is good. Food was ok. It wasn't amazing. I had the root-beer glazed porkchops. It was a bit overcooked and dry. I had the cannolis for dessert. It was a bit stale and tasted like it came from Costco. read more

The Italian food is good, not amazing, but there are definitely things that stand out to give it more than just three competent stars. First, the olive butter. I usually hate butter, but this stuff is addicting. I am not sure if they sell it to take home, but if not, they should. Try not to eat too much of it with the bread or you'll be too full for your entree. But then again, you can take it home anyway, so go for it! Second, the ambience. The lighting is fantastic. The booths are comfy. The whole feel of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming. Plus, it is right on the Maumee river with a beautiful view of the city. Great location. Third, the service is great. Your drink will be continually magically refilled. Fourth, the pastas are good. I recommend pesto related ones, though I am sure the others are fine too. I have had better Italian, but was on the West Coast, so I don't judge this too harshly. The ones here are good enough. Fifth, the carrot cake. Homemade- family recipe. Really yummy. Overall, a nice experience. Definitely worth repeating. read more

Very nice meal, and mostly good experience. There only reasaon I did not give 5 stars, was due to our experience while waiting. We sat at the pizza bar, and had a drink while waiting, as main bar was full. Bartender was great, but the pizza chef was nothiing but rude, to both us, other customers, and fellow employees. Quite honestly, we almost left after listening to him. Turns out, glad we stayed. The restaurant really has nice atmosphere, the food was great, and for the money, I would say even better. Our server was attentive, and very friendly. read more

My family has dined here at Zia's for my mom's and sister's birthday for a long time. The service and food has always been very good until our most recent visit. We were a party of 12. Our waitress was ill-prepared to handle our group. Her 'care' of us was spotty at best. Our food, when it arrived was not up to Zia's standards. There was almost no flavor in the shrimp dishes. Two of our party had no food at all until we managed to flag down our inattentive waitress and make her aware of the fact. Then came the bill with the MANDATORY 18% tip added on. Our waitress didn't deserve 5% much less 18%. I've worked in and managed restaurants so I'm aware of how things work. Our waitress needs supervision and the chef needs to go back to school. read more

I tried Zia's for the first time with a group of people who were already fans and frequent diners of the place. It was a nice day so we sat outside. I love sitting outside so that was fantastic. The waitress was slow to greet us and the slowness continued throughout dinner. I know it was just our particular waitress because I was watching the other waiter outside and he was much quicker and attentive. She was friendly, though, it wasn't horrible. As someone else said: the oliver butter is addictive. The house salad was on the larger side and tasty. I wouldn't rate the food as "Olive Garden" quality (as another Yelper suggested) but, sure, I've had better Italian food. In other cities. For now, this will fill my Italian food fix. read more

Was here for a wedding. The semi-private room was rented. Probably about 40 people there with 2 servers. Food was excellent. Service was excellent. They were very attentive and timely. Always willing to go the extra mile to make your meal or drink the way you want it. Everyone seemed to be very happy with their experience there. read more

I've dined here four or five times and have always been very pleased. But my first time here was less than a year ago. I have no idea why I didn't try it before. I guess because I didn't realize it is a Mainstreet Ventures restaurant. I've had nothing but positive dining experiences at their restaurants. One of the best pizzas in town in my opinion - much better than Pizza Popolis. The tortellini with the gorgonzola and walnut cream sauce is out of this world. As for appetizers: try the fried ravioli or the calamari. Both are top shelf. My dining partner has had several of the pasta dishes and just raved about them. I don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. **01-11-13 Update** Ordered a pizza to go - their "Carne Amore" pizza. It was nothing short of amazing. The thin crust was perfectly baked and very tasty. The chunky tomatoes blended with the pizza sauce made you look forward to every bite. Definitely one of if not the best pizza in Toledo IMHO. read more