Zest: User Reviews

Not worth your tea time
By colandergirl from Lincoln Square, December 14, 2007

Overall rating:

Most of the teas Zest serves for afternoon tea are of the Tazo variety. They do have a few loose-leaf teas, and our party ordered earl grey, orange pekoe (pronounced pecan by the friendly, yet clueless staff) and one of the Tazo herbal teas. All teas arrived loose in the pots (do they cut open the Tazo bags?) which meant that after the first cup, my orange pekoe was so strong, that it was impossible to drink. The cups were intended for coffee, not tea, which further ruffled my feathers. The food was good, but wrongly counted out, and I missed out on my smoked salmon finger sandwich. The strawberries at the end of our tea were delicious, though I was horrified that they were served with something whose consistency and chemical sweetness was suspiciously reminiscent of cool whip. You can't get the tea right, and you cheated me on the cream, Zest! I'm not coming back.

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I was very disappointed with...
By Sara from Chicago, IL, November 6, 2006

Overall rating:

I was very disappointed with my first visit to Zest. The food was mediocre (Vegetables were tastless), and portion was very small. The place was empty and while our server was attentive, he didn't always have answers to our questions.

I've dined at Zest three...
By Jennifer from Chicago, IL, October 18, 2006

Overall rating:

I've dined at Zest three times in the past two years. The food has always been amazing. Except for one occasion the service has been fantastic as well. I've recommended the restaurant to several friends who have reported stellar experiences as well. Its unfortuante that Zest is a bit under the publicity radar. I feel that Zest has in many cases better food than some of its fellow "big-name" downtown hotel restaurants.

I've dined at Zest three...
By Jennifer from Chicago, IL, October 18, 2006

Overall rating:

I've dined at Zest three times in the past two years. The food has always been amazing. Except for one occasion the service has been fantastic as well. I've recommended the restaurant to several friends who have reported stellar experiences as well. Its unfortuante that Zest is a bit under the publicity radar. I feel that Zest has in many cases better food than some of its fellow "big-name" downtown hotel restaurants.

I've dined at Zest three...
By Jennifer from Chicago, IL, October 18, 2006

Overall rating:

I've dined at Zest three times in the past two years. The food has always been amazing. Except for one occasion the service has been fantastic as well. I've recommended the restaurant to several friends who have reported stellar experiences as well. Its unfortuante that Zest is a bit under the publicity radar. I feel that Zest has in many cases better food than some of its fellow "big-name" downtown hotel restaurants.

We stopped by this place...
By John from chicago, IL, March 12, 2006

Overall rating:

We stopped by this place on a whim. Delighted by the impeccably crisp service. I'm critical, perhaps too critical, but this place makes the grade. Food was solid and the view on Michigan Avenue great. I'll be back.

Wow!! Great service, our waitress...
By Ken from chicago, il, March 1, 2006

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Wow!! Great service, our waitress Agnes took the time to explain the menu and made my daughter's birthday treat just that. The food was excellent and I really appreciated the fact that they could accomodate our party in a private room. The room was complimentary which surprised me since the restaurant is located on Michigan Avenue. THANK YOU Zest!

Ave. Dinner Entree is NOT...
By Janet from Chicago, IL, February 24, 2006

Overall rating:

Ave. Dinner Entree is NOT $8-15. I have a menu in front of me & it's, on average, $23.70 (the least expensive item is $16.50 in fact). For two of us, 1 appetizer, 1 soup, 2 entrees, 2 bottles of wine, it was about $200 (including tip). My entree was bland, hers was too salty, the blue cheese was a little skunky, the lobster bisque smelled fishy but didn't taste it. Our waiter, though, was wonderful. He was the saving grace. Overall, though, I would not go back.

The worst food I've ever...
By B. Handelman from Highland Park, IL, February 9, 2006

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The worst food I've ever eaten!!!! Don't waste your money on this place.

Hmmm. No salt or pepper...
By EB from Chicago, IL, January 15, 2006

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Hmmm. No salt or pepper needed - HA! My food was quite bland. The salad I ordered was fantastic, but man cannot live on salad alone. To top it off, our waiter was unforgivably rude. The only things that can keep this place in business is: the atmosphere is fantastic; they happen to be located in a hotel which will provide a steady stream of new customers (because I doubt they have much repeat business).