Wow what a hidden gem! You will not be disappointed! My wife and I were thinking about dinner and place was filled on a Saturday night at 5:30. We took a chance and call. They had an opening. The food was better than the other restaurants that we were weren't thinking I'm not going to. read more

Zin Bistro is a quaint casual storefront restaurant that shouldn't be missed in Lodi. They serve good size portions of tasty American fare with European influences at a reasonable price. My attraction to Zin Bistro was the lamb shank on their menu, served while they last. It is probably the best lamb shank that I've ever had and the large portion was more than satisfying. Definitely glad I came hungry! I can certainly understand why the lamb shank is a very popular item at Zin Bistro and sells out often. Even if you don't care for lamb shank, Zin Bistro also serves equally deliciously prepared entrees on their menu with daily specials. They even offer a 3-course $20 prix fixe menu on Tuesdays. Adding their exceptional service, Zin Bistro offers a very enjoyable dining experience. read more

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This place has very high reviews, so I was excited to finally try it--especially when I saw their Tuesday night $20 three-course dinner special. With how expensive dining out is these days, it seemed like a great deal. The restaurant itself is very small, with just a few tables and booths, and it's located in a small strip of businesses with street parking nearby. We were served bread and butter while waiting, and the food came out quickly. The $20 special included a salad, chicken scallopini, and molten lava cake for dessert. The salad was actually the highlight--simple mixed greens with blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette, but fresh and flavorful. Unfortunately, the entrée was a big disappointment. The chicken scallopini was very bland. The lemon white wine sauce helped a little, but not enough to save it. The mashed potatoes tasted like runny boxed potatoes, and the peas and carrots seemed like they came straight from a can. Dessert didn't redeem the meal either. The "molten" lava cake was underwhelming and nothing special. There was also a moment during dinner when a waiter accidentally bumped into my back while walking by. Accidents happen--I completely understand that. What bothered me was that he didn't acknowledge it right away or apologize until I turned around to see who had just smacked my back, and only then did he give a quick "oops, sorry." Maybe their regular menu dishes are fantastic and they cut corners for the $20 special--I don't know. But based on this overall experience, I don't really understand the high reviews, and I won't be back to find out. read more

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This place is very popular, so popular that the first time we went on a weekend during Restaurant Week, we were turned away because we didn't have reservations. We returned a few weeks later, with reservations. The specials are pretty extensive and we tried the chicken marsala. We also ordered the lamb shank. The zucchini was cooked perfectly and my saffron rice, while there could have been more, went great with my chicken. The lamb was pretty decent as well. The wine list was also extensive and very affordable for the price. My only criticism is the space itself. It's pretty small and brightly lit so the ambience isn't the greatest for date night with intimate conversations. Come here for the food and drinks. Not the environment. read more

We have been many times and the food and service have always been great. It is small with a pleasant ambiance.

Tried them for the 20 dollar meal. Thought it was going to be Chicken but turned out to be a Pork chop. OK but a little dry not much sauce. They offered an upgrade that my wife order for $36 but no way was it steak Dianne more like a steak Marsala. Pretty disappointed for the money. read more

Great service and great food! Small cozy place just near downtown Lodi! Good times with fun people! read more

My first time here, my wife's second. It's one of those "hole-in-the-wall" places in a roadside strip of stores, with only 10 tables, that is a treasure to find. The service was very attentive, without being annoying ... the specials menu was long, and he had a great explanation for the prep of each one. There was a very decent selection of (mostly local?) wines, with a very generous pour! There were a lot of off-menu choices. My I had Shrimp Scampi with Scallops, which were both cooked to perfection! My wife had a boneless pork chop with a Pineapple Orange chutney. Both dishes were great, but the Pork Chop was 5 star quality in any restaurant! I can't wait to go back and give something else a try. read more

Arrived at opening at 5:00, and were seated at one of two available tables. After about 5 minutes we were asked to leave because two more reservations had come in, so they "needed our table." We were not impressed with this treatment. It would have been better if we had just been told that they didn't have anything available at the moment. We were offered the outside seating which is about 5 yards away from busy Lodi Avenue. Again...not impressed. read more

great local spot. friendly owner and staff. haven't had a meal here that we didn't enjoy. wish they had only reservations but thats just a suggestion and not really a criticism. read more

Another fantastic meal at Zin Bistro. Lamb shanks were amazing as was the prawn and scallops special. And the chocolate lava cake was AMAZING!!! Also, you cannot get a bad glass or bottle of wine in this place. Thanks so much!! read more

Wonderful service, food was excellent. Recommend anyone to stop and Don't get too full off the amazing bread! You won't have room for the main dish. read more

We had a wonderful Dining Experience. The Food was Exceptional. This is a Cozy and Relaxing setting. We will definitely revisit Zin Bistro and Tell A Friend! read more

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The best around - this is absolutely my go to restaurant. Tuesday night they have special. Every meal I've had is the best.

Terrible service. My wife and I came to celebrate on 3rd wedding anniversary. Showed up at 7:42, we were immediately turned away as we were told that they stop seating at 7:45. clearly not the point as we made the waiter aware that I it wasn't yet 7:45. Terrible terrible terrible service read more

We ordered the Salmon & Lamb shank dinners. Make sure you make a reservation cause it can get quite busy & NOISY . I've been here a few times but my dinner partner's 1st time. As always, my lamb shank was delicious. My dinner partner had the salmon & was very disappointed because it was way undercooked, they took a portion of it back to heat that part up. The coffee was wonderful & my friend had the lemon custard that was the only highlight of my partner's dinner. I enjoyed my dinner & will finish the rest of it for tonight's dinner! The service was good & much appreciated. read more

Zin Bistro - Lamb shank & Salmon ... - Bars Near Me - Lodi, California

Very good restaurant find in Lodi. Looking for a new place for us in Lodi and came upon Zin Bistro. We both loved the food. I had the Wagu steak and my wife had the scallops. Both were excellent. Our waiter was very attentive and we thoroughly our dining experience. read more

Food was excellent and atmosphere is even better. Server was OK. He could've been a little bit more personable, but could've been an off day. read more

We always love to support a small local restaurant and never want Lodi to lose these gems. The food and atmosphere were enjoyable, and it's easy to see why this place has a loyal following. Unfortunately, exactly an hour into our reservation, while I was still finishing my glass of wine, we were asked to move tables so another group could be seated. This made us feel rushed and a bit undervalued as guests with a reservation. We understand busy nights can be challenging, but honoring reservation times would really improve the experience. Hoping this was a one-off, but unfortunately we won't be back. Another table the same size who received their food ahead of us were not asked to leave, assuming they come more frequent. read more

Small little gem, be sure to get reservations. Everything is great on the menu, but some favorites are pork scalipeni, lamb shank, and chicken piccata. read more

This is a very small, casual restaurant on the main street in town, so we were surprised by the great food, wine and friendly, attentive service. read more

Top notch food and service altho' the ambiance is lacking and conversation is nearly impossible.

Zen Bistro is my go to restaurant in Lodi! Menu is solid with some great specials as well. Wine list is great as well. Service is excellent too.. I travel 30-40 minutes to get there from home. Staff is very personable too. read more

We had our anniversary dinner there tonight. The Bistro Fillet was so tender that my husband could cut it with a fork. The fish of the night was salmon with a mango ginger sauce. It was creamy on the inside and was crispy on the outside. The service was wonderful too. We will be back next for the $20 Tuesday night special. read more

What an amazing restaurant. I found this place on yelp and came all the way from Tracy with my niece and nephew. We felt special when we arrived that they had our name on a table for the reservation. My wife couldn't make it and I hope she doesn't read this review as she will feel terrible for missing out. I don't want to overstate but it was a perfect meal. The service was impeccable and the food was outstanding. Watching the kitchen staff prepare the food through the window into the kitchen helped build the anticipation for our upcoming dish. My niece had the Caesar salad and I had the wedge. Both were perfect. For dinner my niece had the scallops and scampi special. She is a small person but she ate it all. I had the best salmon piccata I have had since I was in Italy. It was a tie with Florence. My nephew had the roast chicken. Also delicious. I am not a desserts person but so thankful I had the strawberry cobbler. Amazing. The chocolate mousse was delicious as well. The value for what you get is an incredible value. I am going to check my client list for clients who live in Lodi just so I have a reason to come here again. The sooner the better. read more

Hands down one of the BEST places to eat in Lodi. The menu has staples but they also incorporate seasonal options. The food is fresh and delicious and the staff are wonderful. Many compliments to the chef for our happy tummies! Can't wait to go back! read more

Best kept secret in Lodi is what were used to say, but not anymore as more know about it than not. The food is always fresh and delicious and the service is always friendly. Prices are reasonable too and that what has it as our go to! Keep it up ZB read more

By far the best meal you will have in Lodi! My favorite place to go in Lodi for a cozy atmosphere and the most delicious food!! read more

Zin Bistro - Filet mignon special with grilled onions - Bars Near Me - Lodi, California

Every time we go to Zin Bistro the food is just amazing! Small quant restaurant that fills up fast so make sure to book a reservation. Nice local wine choices that go well with the meals. Again, we've been many times and always amazed at the delicious creations coming from the kitchen. read more

Zin Bistro - Don't forget dessert!!! - Bars Near Me - Lodi, California

We drove 40 mins literally just to eat here after coming across it on Yelp one day. We made a reservation by phone and was seated right away. The location is on a semi-busy street but we were able to park right in front with no issue. The restaurant is small but quaint and you have a view into the kitchen while the chefs cook which was very cool. The menu is small but they had 3-4 specials on the menu that day. We started with the wedge salad and chose the with the pork scaloppini and the shrimp/scallop special as entrees. Everything came out quick and was cooked perfectly. The servers were all very friendly and you can tell this is a spot for regulars in the area. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Zin Bistro - Shrimp/ scallop special - Bars Near Me - Lodi, California

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Decided to try a new place for our anniversary and it did not disappoint! Food: Caesar Salad, Lamb Shank, Dover Sole special, Lemon Posset All were amazing. I prefer a little sauce on the fish it was amazing! Service: Server was attentive and was able to share all the various specials with precision Ambiance: very small inside and can get loud. I'm glad I made reservations. We will definitely be back! read more

Me and my family went there for my birthday and I got a filet mignon it was cooked just as I wanted it and the mash potatoes were nice and creamy I give a five star review and highly recommend that you try this place. The servers were super nice and funny and they did not keep us waiting. read more

Zin Bistro is one of our absolute favorites. The various steak offerings, seafood specials, and the pork loin are all fantastic... this place is a hidden gem, for sure. read more

I wish they allowed more stars to give. The whole experience at Zin Bistro was extraordinary. We can't thank them enough for making our 1-year anniversary dinner so unforgettable. The food left me speechless, from the appetizers all the way through the chocolate mousse we had to cap it off. read more

I realize we were not at Black Bear Diner but why are the portions so small?? Had to get taco bell like 3 hours later because we were hungry. read more

Zin Bistro never disappoints! I love taking out-of-towers to this cozy, quality place. Wait staff is consistently knowledgeable and attentive. Menu selections are seasonal, fresh, creative and prepared to perfection. Bistro filet and wedge salad are my go-to choices. read more

excellent food and value. Walter is the chef and owner and oversses every dish coming out of the kitchen

What a wonderful find. I found this place in Lodi based on the reviews. First impression was what a cute little environment. Place was packed on a Tuesday night, a good sign. I was greater and sat shortly after arriving. The service was great, Brien was very personable and man I felt he wanted to be friends. He took the time to explain, in detail, all the specials for the day. An appetizer, wines not on the menu and 2 dinner specials, plus the 3 course special for Tuesday, which included a pineapple cake that sounded awesome. I wasn't too into the wines on the menu, but that was ok, Brien brought out a couple that weren't on the menu and i loved the Fellows Petite Syrah. But Brien wanted to make sure I was happy. I went with the eggplant appetizer and the lamb shank. I enjoyed the eggplant, thought it was cooked perfectly good flavor. The star of the show was the lamb shank. The bone was there for decoration only. The braised lamb was completely off the bone after the first 2 cuts. It was so tender and full of flavor. What I enjoyed also about my experience was the friendliness of the crowd. You could tell everyone was a local, it was nice to see the interaction between tables as a non-local. Food was great, service was great. A can't miss in Lodi. I already told a few of my friends about this place. I will be back during my next visit. read more

Everything is wonderful at Zin Bistro, from the welcome upon arrival to departure. The food is delicious, the service fabulous. Give it a try, or return for another great meal! read more

I agree that this place is welcoming but I feel the need to provide a review for our experience tonight, since this place's rating led us astray. I agree with a recent reviewer that the quality just isn't there. We ordered a salad, a burger and the chicken dish and were disappointed in everything but the pieces of chicken. The rice tasted like it came from a box or a buffet line, the fries were a similar quality to what and were saturated with some box store seasoning salt. The cheese on the burger tasted like craft American and there was a thick slice of a smaller tomato that sat awkwardly in between the bun. We ordered it medium rare but it was almost completely rare. I'm not sure if ownership changed since the last reviews or someone reviewing quality has left but I hope that they can do a little better for the price point! It sounds like they have the support of a good local following. The server was wonderful. read more