Zealous: User Reviews

It's not my neighborhood...
By Guido from Humboldt Park, November 18, 2007

Overall rating:

The room is sparse and sleek, the service is attentive and well informed and Michael, the owner, is always around to put that "owner's touch" on things. Those are the things that I see people write about in reviews; and they're all there at Zealous--but that's not why I go back. It's the food. Zealous is a Chicago high-end dining experience--no put on airs or pretension--just attention to the food. My recent favorite, their ribeye is a real piece of meat--not some speck in the center of a reduction-drizzled but otherwise empty plate. My family's Italian and Zealous has a lot of things that are borrowed from meals I remember growing up--my grandma's kitchen--but I 'm sure someone who's Korean, or French, or Thai, or Eastern European could say the same thing. However they do it, their menu is a jigsaw puzzle of different culinary traditions. This, my fellow Chicagoans, is why we go to high end restaurants: to reap the benefits of the mixing together of tastes we couldn't possibly do on our own. Go, get a bottle of wine, relax and order something you've never heard of before.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

Very Disappointed
By patina from Glenview, November 10, 2007

Overall rating:

Zealous came very recommended to us and we were really looking forward to it . We were so disappointed. The restaurant was completely empty except for about four or five tables . The bar was empty except for our party of six. It was boring and had absolutely no atmosphere. The food and service at best was mediocre and the wine list is outrageous.
I would not recommend it.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

Our recent dining experience at...
By Paula Merle from Chicago, IL, August 9, 2007

Overall rating:

Our recent dining experience at Zealous was

awesome. The food was excellent with flavors and textures right on the mark. Staff was professional and friendly. Had a great time and look forward to returning.

i can agree with the...
By karenk from london, uk, July 14, 2007

Overall rating:

i can agree with the reviewer below regarding the fact that there are not enough customers, and there seems to be a buzz lacking. BUT, i cannot understand why it is not packed. the venue itself is stylish and cool, the service was perfectly fine, and the food is really really good-beautifully presented and cooked. we all enjoyed our meals. i will recommend this restaurant, and i think they should hire a new pr agency to get things moving, it is a very good restaurant, and deserves a bigger clientele.

I don't know if we...
By Disappointed from Glenview, IL, July 10, 2007

Overall rating:

I don't know if we were there on a bad night but the restaurant was deserted! We chose the restaurant based on the good reviews that we had read and could not have been more disappointed. My chicken dish was dry, the music was dull and because it was empty the restaurant totally lacked atmosphere. We will not return to Zealous and will not recommend it to our friends.

Had the best dining experience...
By Allison from Chicago, Il, February 19, 2007

Overall rating:

Had the best dining experience we've ever had this past weekend at ZEALOUS Restaurant. The shrimp pizza with ricotta & the veal cheeks with gnocchi & paprika sauce were out of this world. The chef spent so much time with us we felt we were having dinner in his
own home. It's great to
see someone so passionate
about what they do. Can't
wait to bring friends to
share this awesome experience.

Clearly different people have had...
By Sunil from Chicago, IL, February 2, 2007

Overall rating:

Clearly different people have had different experiences. I dined at this restaurant this evening on the recommendation of a friend. Not only did she have a great meal the last time she was here, but we all had a great meal this time as well. Although the food is great, this place is also about a complete dining experience and one that I enjoyed thoroughly.

I started with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, White Sturgeon Caviar, Avocado Mousse & Cauliflower Blinis followed by the New Zealand Venison Loin, Confit Potatoes, Sauerkraut Purée, Caramelized Apple and Juniper Emulsion - both were outstanding.

This was a great meal regardless of price but when you factor price into the equation, very few restaurants can equal,let alone better, its value for money.

I'm going to be a regular at this place.

Enjoyed a week-end in the city,...
By Jordan M. from St. Charles, IL, January 9, 2007

Overall rating:

Enjoyed a week-end in the
city, and our hotel concierge suggested Zealous for dinner.Thank you very much. Delectable, creative and tasty would aptly describe one of the finest meals we have had,along with a diverse wine list, where we
discovered the perfect bottle of wine to celebrate our anniversary. The staff was gracious and attentive. We loved the
whole experience.

Tried this restaurant after reading...
By Linda & Bill from Chicago, IL, January 8, 2007

Overall rating:

Tried this restaurant after reading about it in Chic Mag 50 Best Chefs and CS. Delicous! Started with the soup which was tasty. Had the sea bass on curry noodles which was so delicious and my boyfriend had the ribeye which was also exceptional. Thanks to Chef Taus for the surprise dessert and a great night!