This was excellent.. I had short stack (swedish pancakes) combo with ham and eggs (it comes with one but I ordered 2) daughter ordered chicken Alfredo this was the bomba yes I tried it and actually finished what was left over when my daughter was do ne the sauce is perfect pasta was perfectly sauced. Hubby ordered a burger and he loved it the the only reason not 5 stars is be cause it took a little while to get the staff attention to be seated but was good and our server was a nice lady and attemtive read more

We were passing through town and stopped for lunch. the food was fresh and delicious, the service was excellent, and Julia even brought water for our dogs! The next time we are anywhere near Cloverdale we will definitely come back for another meal. Everyone was so nice, and everything was neat and clean. We hada wonderful experience at Zini's! read more

Great menu. Accommodating staff. Always first class dining. Hamburgers are the best in Cloverdale. read more

One of the most underrated restaurants in Cloverdale! It's sooooo good! Great go to for lunch, go with the Cloverdale club!

Wonderful spot. The staff is more than friendly, they're genuine. The food is perfect. The cost is reasonable. If you're unsure of where to go, go here. I'm passing through, but I'll be back someday. read more

AWFUL. OVER-PRICED. TERRIBLE SERVICE. Stopped in for a quick diner-quality breakfast. The eggs were super expensive, took forever to come out and were greasy and had no seasoning. The "whole wheat" bread was brown white bread. And it was $15 for the worst omelette I've ever had. We sat outside and flies kept landing in our food. Our waitress kept resting things on our table when she served us and forgot our waters and condiments twice. Not to mention the outdoor seating is in a parking lot. I couldn't even finish my breakfast and I LOVE breakfast. Oh and when the server came out and saw I had barely eaten anything and we were asking for the check, she asked, "Oh, did you get enough?" Yikes. Overall, not worth the money or time. Keep driving. You're better off getting a muffin at Starbucks. Or better yet, go to Plank Coffee down the 101. read more

Absolutely love Zini's. The food is always fresh and consistently prepared. Portion sizes are generous. The service is always done with a smile and genuine appreciation! read more

Really great service and great food! We will be back for sure. We are only in town due to evacuation and everyone is so nice!!!! Thank you!

I came here to check it out and the service was great! Friendly, but when the food arrived, no condiments anywhere, my chicken fried steak wasn't so fried, my hash browns were undercooked. The Swedish pancakes were good! Price was $25 read more

Zini's Diner - American Near Me - Cloverdale, California

I was so looking forward to eating here but Unfortunately after watching 6 different customer get their order before us who came in after us and waiting 40 minutes for our order which was only the "short stack" 2 Swedish pancakes, 1 egg and 2 strips of bacon. We ask 2 different waitress to check on our orders, we were assured they were working in it. My husband who was starving as well as I finally had enough. As we decided to walk out, she was coming with the food she Never offered to comp, never apologized or acknowledged that the had made a mistake. Now I have NEVER accused any establishment of racism HOWEVER couldn't help but notice we were the ONLY Hispanic couple in the whole place. And everyone who got their food before us that came AFTER us was Caucasian. There was a Hispanic waitress there who when we told her we were leaving was shocked we had not got our food yet. Very disappointed in The customer service and treatment of our out of town experience. read more

Worst experience EVER!! I could tell as I walked in that it was going to be bad experience. While I was in line I was ignored while the customers behind me were being helped. I received no greeting whatsoever and my waitress dropped the menus on the table and walked away. read more

Just found this gem today. Everything was perfect. Our waitress was on it! Food came out fast, Atmosphere was pleasant. Our meal was excellent. Two thumbs up Thank you read more

Very nice place, people, food. We stopped by 15 minutes before closing on our way through this town. Although we were nicely warned that they were closing soon, they were glad to serve us. We had sandwiches and drinks. All were prepared nice and fresh. My club sandwich had real turkey and the bacon was hot and crispy. We all enjoyed our meal and the good service. read more

Cloverdale is such a cute little town I love it before heading back home I had came here for breakfast first time coming here crepes are thin not thick as a pancake our server cashier whatever she was Jen very rude we were right about to order when she walked away came back 20 min later I was not happy I'll give this place another chance when I visit again but this time I'll ask for a different server than Jen read more

My family and I went to this restaurant sometime ago. The cook fed us raw chicken and we all got sick. We've never been back.

All-American breakfast, on point!! Had breakfast here twice for a wedding weekend and this place was legit Came with a big group and we all shared a good chunk of the menu-- it was all good!! Give them your money!! read more

Zini's has reopened. Very similar menu for breakfast with a few additions including huevos rancheros. I tried them this morning and they were good! Haven't yet been for lunch or dinner. read more

This has always been out go for breakfast when driving down to Santa Rosa or the Bay Area. The food is always good. We have tried almost everything in the menu and we were never disappointed! read more

Great Diner... We had a great Family Breakfast here, they also have Excellent Covid and Sanitation practices..

Let me start out by saying this place has the best pancakes I've ever had, bar none. We were visiting friends there and they treated us to breakfast, bragging about their pancakes. I'm like great pancakes? I mean it's just a freaking pancake, a pancake is a pancake. So that's what I ordered (didn't want to hurt their feelings) and they served us in short order, staff was friendly and responsive, even with a full house. So here they come, a short stack that was actually almost the size of the plate, I could see this place wasn't playing around and took their pancakes seriously. They were thinner than a typical pancake but not quite a crepe, just the right amount of crisp and overall the tastiest pancake ever. I get what my friend was talking about now, I will NEVER mock pancakes again, I've learned my lesson. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. read more

Very rude looked at me up n down and made me feel so uncomfortable I'll never go back again it was my first time going and was not worth the way they made me feel unwelcomed. I would not recommend for anyone of clor or doesn't wear make up they looked at me disgusted.!!!!! read more

We were passing thru Cloverdale and hoping to find a good place for breakfast. Using Yelp search we found Zinis cafe and had a fine American breakfast. I give it 5 stars for portions, quality, and friendly service The place is plain and boxy but clean. The bacon was thin but ham steak was generous and delicious. Coffee a bit weak but hit the spot. The good local crowd evidenced their popularity. We'll stop again when we're nearby. read more

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Had a great breakfast here and yes it's a traditional diner. Service was quick and attentive.....food was perfect ..... this will be our go to for breakfast when in the area!!!! read more

Good Breakfast lunch and dinner. Good coffee ! Priced reasonably. The owner was very sweet I asked her if she ever has carrot cake because she makes everything at the restaurant. She answered I havent in a while but I'll make one next week for you. Of course I came in and had a piece the following week. It was very thoughtful this is the kind of service to expect at Zini's read more

My husband and I are living in the area temporarily due to job . We have been on the road for a little over a year and have become tired of restaurant food. However I had not made it to the grocery store , so we ended up going to breakfast. We have been back multiple times for breakfast and lunch ! Staff is friendly and very accommodating! I'm kind of a weirdo about the way my eggs are cooked ( our waitress made sure they were up to par) and I was definitely not disappointed! They were cooked to my standard ( literally happens very very rarely) . Prices are amazingly affordable, food delicious and large portions, friendly staff !! What else can you ask for !? read more

This place is awesome! We drove from NorCal to Oregon on Wednesday and had an amazing early dinner of chicken fried steak and roast beef. All made from scratch. Then finished with delicious homemade fruit pies and ice cream. We timed it right on our return today (Sunday) to grab a late lunch. Same entrees. Extra green beans for me and then homemade chocolate cake and ice cream. Thanks to Nancy for the great service. This is a fantastic diner/cafe. Friendly service. Great food. Worth every star and your patronage. read more

Zini's Diner - Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - Cloverdale, California

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A local person's GO TO. Swedish pancakes are a favorite, bacon crispy is truly crisp. Grilled cheese sandwich is comfort food and be sure to check out their soup. Waitresses make this a welcoming place. Sunday mornings can be non stop busy but worth the wait. read more

Ahhh Zini. Who ever you are let me tell you... your place kicks ass. As we should all know, service is the first moment where an establishment can make a real impression. I have always been treated like an old friend, including when I started going there. These folks make you feel right at home. The menu is great, with a wide variety of offerings. Not to be missed is there incredible Swedish (I think) ultra thin pancakes for breakfast. They are stratospheric! Dinner is fantastic too! In some ways, all reviews need to be taken within the limitations and jaded glasses effect that we all have to some degree. Ever been to Cyrus? Truly one of my most loved places to dine. The thing is Cyrus costa on average (wine paring, caviar, etc. Included) $950 / person out the door. Yes it is excellent, but that's why Zini's shines. I had the most delightful and delicious dinner at an incredible price. We had appetizers, wine, and three entrées for under $100.00. I rest my case... read more

great food! great service! lots of seating and outdoor tables. pet frendly. 5 stars!

Great comfort food! Love the Swedish Pancakes! Great fried chicken and grilled cheese! The only negative comment would be is they need to get plastic covered tablecloths or something for the few tables that have them that doesn't absorb the food! Cloth doesn't work... not very sanitary but still will be coming here read more

Being a resent divorced 62 year old, I thought that a good turkey sandwich was gone...Wrong Zini's diner is great and ca,t wait til we can go back in side and have more! Tom read more

Delicious Swedish pancakes, great fruit, fast cooking and service. Would mosdef go back!

Not great. I had egg shells in my scrambled eggs unfortunately. Overall not very tasty in my opinion.

Best pancakes ever. I've always been a fan of thin pancakes. It is next to impossible to find them. When I do they are really eggie tasting. These pancakes are soooo good! read more

Me and my family lovee Zini's! We go every weekend! The food is delicious, great price, awesome servers, they do good with big groups!! This is our place for life!! read more

Zini's has reopened and is under a new owner with the previous owner helping out to get things going. I thought this was such a nice gesture, helping the new owner and his family out by introducing them to the community of Cloverdale. Some new items on the menu but still your all American diner just now even more American. Gotta love that. read more

We were in Cloverdale for the weekend because one of my closest friends was getting married, and this little gem was close to where we were staying. (Side note: Railroad Grill is also just down the street and it was amazing) Love their Swedish style pancakes. My boyfriend's omelette was delicious as well; it had spinach, mushroom, and cheese in it with the usual breakfast acroutremazt to go with it. Our server, Nancy, was also very nice - probably one of the best servers I've ever had wait on me at a restaurant, and I've been to a lot of restaurants. She was the right amount of attentive without hovering. Nancy also paid real attention to what I liked, including the fact that I put jam on my pancakes instead of syrup, so she offered to bring me some of their homemade lingonberry jam - very fresh, unique (tart and not every place serves lingonberry jam) and a perfect topping on my pancakes. The breakfast combo I had included 2 swedish style pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Under $8 and the right amount of food because I still felt delightfully stuffed, but not bursting at the seams. I highly recommend you go here! Love Cloverdale. read more

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Okay, I've never had Swedish pancakes until I tried them at Zini's Diner in Cloverdale this past weekend. Now that I've said that, I will say "I LOVE SWEDISH PANCAKES!" Zini's Diner is the way a diner should be. The service was fast and prompt, and everyone was courteous and friendly. The price is perfect and the overall atmosphere didn't feel like a restaurant, it felt as if I were at home with my family. Now that's well worth a trip up to this nice little northern California town. But I have to rant about these Swedish pancakes... Not to sound crude, but this experience was like a sexy date for my mouth! I always thought that pancakes should be fluffy and huge, so that they could soak in the butter and syrup like a sponge. Well, I was so wrong. I've had crepes before, but this was not a crepe. This was heaven! These large cakes were thin, well browned on both sides, with a slightly crispy edge that gave the butter and syrup a nice place for the lingonberries to swim in. I slowly enjoyed each bite as if it were my last. If you're ever in Cloverdale, or you need a place to eat for breakfast before you head up to Mendocino or Fort Bragg, stop by and grab a plate of Swedish pancakes so your tongue can give you a 'high five' after the first bite! read more

The Swedish Pancakes were the winner, so much so that I went back for dinner and was let down. The fried chicken, was pan fried in butter/oil and finished in the oven, it was the tiniest chicken I had ever seen, and it was so over cooked that the meat was dry and pulled away from the bone. As for the french fries I keep hearing about, apparently there are many people who are basing their home made french fry experience on Micky D's..because these are not in the Willie Bird or Five Guys bracket at all. When I asked a waitress if I could speak with the owner, she said "do you really want to he is in a bad mood". I really debated this review, and have in fact gone back for the Swedish Pancakes again, sausage was good, but bacon...ho-hum. But in the long run, I use Yelp often, and value others experiences when choosing a resturant. read more

Go there with average expectations because it's an average sort of place to eat. Their "swedish" pancakes are just thin buttermilk pancakes, which is the best way to make pancakes anyway. We had breakfast in this pleasant but sparsely furnished little place and found it to be clean, the service attentive, and the food handled well. Probably the best place in Cloverdale for a good breakfast. read more