Ottawa Foodies

ZOLA's - The Restaurant

Zola's is a 20 year old westend Restaurant, Pasta Shop and Take-Out Spot (they also do Catering).

We had dinner here at the end of the long weekend. It’s been a year or so since I last ate in the restaurant (I usually buy from the Pasta Shop). They were somewhat busy (considering a lot of places were closed for the Holiday), we had to wait a few minutes to be seated, because they looked short-staffed (again the Holiday), and their staff was doing double-duty in the Dining Room and the Pasta Shop / Take-Out area.

Our server was very friendly, and immediately brought water and menus. She also seemed to know the menu quite well (it is much smaller now than I remember) and made food suggestions.

There are a few things that I’ve always loved at Zolas, and their homemade Semolina Dinner Rolls would be one, the other is their Artichoke Sesame Seed Salad. Both of these Zola Signature items have not changed (Thank Goodness), but on this recent visit it sure looked like a lot of other things had. The restaurant is looking a little on the tired side, everything from the menus to the décor a little worn.

We decided to order a bottle of Chianti, and while it was breathing, indulge in their Antipasto Plate. The generous portion included: Italian Ham, Slices of Feta Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Greek Salad, Artichoke Sesame Seed Salad, and some Olives. The food was tasty (except for the Italian Ham which was somewhat tough). The warm Dinner Rolls that arrived along side we dipped in a wonderful herbed olive oil (a bottle graces each table) and also used to sop up every last bit of their Artichoke Sesame Seed Salad. Yummy!

For our mains, we both selected the Daily Special – Angel Hair Pasta with BBQ Pork & Shrimps in Aioli Sauce. Shortly after taking our order the server returned to say they were out of BBQ Pork, and would we like to make another selection, or the kitchen could substitute the BBQ Pork with Mussels… we decided to go with that option.

The bowls of Pasta arrived with a fair amount of seafood on top of the perfectly cooked pasta, but unfortunately the sauce left something to be desired. I found the dish very oily and towards the end, just overpowering. Good thing there was Chianti to wash away my worries! I was disappointed because for me Zola’s has always had excellent sauces to offer.

Based on this visit, Zola’s Pasta Shop appears to be the cornerstone of the operation, after 20 years in business the Restaurant needs a makeover (and probably more than just a cosmetic one). Take-out is what they seem to do best. Everything from those famous Dinner Rolls, Pasta, Sauces, and Decadent Desserts (we couldn’t resist, we took a piece of the Pecan Torte to go).

Our eat-in experience was just OK (could have been an off day considering The Holiday). Dinner (including Wine and Dessert) before Taxes & Tip was $ 85 (they are in the Entertainment Book and offer coupons in various publications).

Semolina Dinner Rolls
A Zola's Signature Item

Mark is absolutely right their Semolina Dinner Rolls are OUTSTANDING, and ADDICTIVE! They are available in both White and Whole Wheat and can be purchased by the dozen or the half-dozen in the Pasta Shop (Go for it, buy a dozen, let me tell you one bite and you'll have no problem eating them all).

I can't really explain why I like the bread here so much, since it isn't the chewy crusty kind that I usually prefer. The rolls are kind of moist and very fresh.. so good with a little butter!

Artichoke Sesame Seed Salad
A Zola's Signature Item

I love artichokes, and this creamy salad is one of the best ways I've ever had them prepared. Totally ADDICTIVE! And the good news is you can also buy it as take-out from Zola's Pasta Shop.