Zucca

Comments for Zucca (15–17 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh)

1. CarlyD, Edinburgh – 25 October 2008, 1:10amReport

We ate here for an early dinner as we were going to the cinema a couple of weeks ago. The menu isn't huge, but it is well thought out and there is something for everyone. The food was served quickly with out any fuss. I was delighted with my meal and it was served to us by pleasant staff in attractive surroundings. I will definately go back. Recommended.

2. redboxer, Southside – 20 February 2009, 9:28pmReport

If this place wasn't bolted onto the Lyceum it would go under in six months, especially if it persisted in serving the kind of slop it gave us this evening. In a country where people have more nouse about food but less money in their pockets, this is the kind of restaurant which will only survive on its location and the misplaced notion that good surface presentation is enough to guarantee continued business.

If it does survive, it won't be down to the SHOCKING food we received this evening. The starters were tiny and anyone with a cookbook and a bit of basic experience could have thrown them together. All four of us agreed our mains were terrible - my sea bream was so brutally treated it had gone out the wrong end of overcooked and into a new dimension. I've honestly had better in some of the city's dodgier chippies. My wife is currently feeling quite unwell at the hands of the lamb stew she had - although we're not sure if it's because she's heaving at the prospect of having spent around £11 on something so devoid of flavour, or because it was actually past its sell by date. My sister, who is an avid foodie like myself, was sorely disappointed at the mushroom risotto. And for some reason we were also sold a side of mash, despite the fact we most certainly didn't need it.

The wine list is unremarkable, but this is a moot point, as I wouldn't recommend spending £15 upwards on wine in this place...go to Tesco on your way home from work, pick up three decent £5 bottles and do your own cooking. I assure you you'll be less disappointed.

Two of us ventured towards the puddings, but I'm running out of patience just writing this so I'm sure you can figure out where I'm going on the deserts too.

How else can I put this - if I'd been hit over the head on the way in and had my wallet stolen I'd at least have had a better story to tell my friends. To say Zucca is a style-over-substance rip-off is a huge understatement.

3. Zucca, Zucca Restaurant – 25 February 2009, 7:14pmReport

Dear ‘Redboxer’, firstly I’d like to apologize for your disappointing experience at Zucca.
However, firstly I must admit that we are really baffled about your complaint as it is totally out of character for us and more importantly we were not aware of anybody having such a disappointing meal last Friday.
It is a real shame that on the night, nothing at all was said to either the service staff or my self, I was actually working that evening and would have been more than happy to deal with your complaints.
I can understand that at times someone does not enjoy a particular dish, if that is the case we are more than happy to deal with it in an appropriate manner, as long as we are told (i.e. replace it for something else or not charge for it if you haven’t eaten it!).
Again, apologies for your disappointing experience and should you wish to contact me directly at the restaurant I will be more than happy to discuss it further.

Giacomo at Zucca

4. Tom.Banks, Edinburgh – 8 May 2009, 3:02pmReport

I don't post often, but I got the List over the weekend and Zucca was on the hitlist and I was going to the filmhouse, so I decided to try this place before the film. My mate had been in a few weeks ago and said that he had a good meal, so I thought what is the worst that can happen? Well, I had a great meal! Service- no problems at all and the food was delicious! We had the 'theatre' menu as we were eating early evening. Apparently, they change the theatre menu with every new production, which makes a change from a typical italian, serving the same food 24 7. We had a really great meal and my partner was even more impressed that I had taken her to such a lovely place.
For info; we had a two course meal with starters of baked portabello mushroom and an antipasti, and for mains; I had the Pollock and my partner had the lamb stew (which she gobbled up and said was "devine"). The pollock was fresh and was very flaky...just lovely. Oh, and the wine was also great! Recommended.
Overall, the food was excellent, service friendly and attentive, and the bill was even more impressive!

5. DavidA2, Edinburgh – 19 May 2009, 8:31pmReport

Having read the reviews above, I thought I'd share our experience with you. This was a review given on another website.
Friday 13th (March), our (my wife, son, daughter and I) reservation was for 8, however traffic was light so got there for 7:30. Promptly taken to our table, no waiting needed. While we waited for our starters, we were provided with small warm bread rolls. These were really nice and melted in the mouth.
A variety of starters for us, one leek & potato soup, one Italian meats with cheeses, and two bruschetta with Mediterranean vegetables. All well prepared and were polished off smartly.
Mains were two Italian meatballs with spaghetti and two Fettuccine pastas with chicken and mushrooms. Initial thought was that the servings seemed quite small. Howver it's not the first time we've thought that when dining out. Actually finishing the bowls was something else... but we did, or at least I made sure nothing was left. Lovely.
I chose the Rich Chocolate and Amaretto torte with biscotti for dessert. Nice, sweet and rich! The rest of the family chose the Tiramisu`. Less sweet and rich than my choice, but all the dishes were cleared.
The white wine we were given was the Pinot Grigio, although we were offered a choice of two others. A thoughful touch. The wine was very pleasant and went well with our meal.
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening here, it's not often we get out as a family. The staff were friendly and the amount of attention from them was just right. Give Zucca's a try!

6. Lellrua, Edinburgh – 26 June 2009, 11:21amReport

I took my mum to Zucca for lunch on Wednesday (24 June) after reading about it in the List and hearing first-hand reports from friends that it is indeed a good place to eat.
The lunch menu is undeniably good value at £6.95 for two courses, but I can't help feeling that quality is sacrificed to bring meals at this price. While my starter salad of blue cheese, celeriac and apple was tasty, if lacking in dressing, my main course mussels were full of grit and had not been de-bearded thoroughly; the chef had clearly not had time to prepare them properly. I pointed this out to the waiter (who seemed at best a little dazed and at worst quite ineffectual) but I was not offered any meaningful apology or discount.
This disappointing experience was compounded when I went to pay using my trusty List Card. The deal with all participating restaurants should be 241 on *all* food, but I was told that in order to receive the discount I should have had three courses, and from the a la carte not the set lunch menu.
Altogether this was a rather unsatisfactory and disappointing experience that I won't be looking to repeat.

7. Zucca, Zucca – 30 June 2009, 3:59pmReport

Dear Lellrua,

I wish to clarify and answer your comments above (posted the 26 of june, 2009).

At Zucca we do not compromise quality for price, at least not in sense that you mean.

In reference to your experience:

1. You never booked a table or mentioned on arrival that you were a list card holder, as required.

2. You ordered from the luch menu (£6.95 for two courses) instead of the a la carte/regular menu!

I'm sure you would agree it would be financially suicidal to serve a total of four courses (or 2 two courses) for £6.95.

For your info you can check www.list.co.uk/card, on all list card rules/regulations.

8. Ron H, East Lothian – 19 July 2009, 10:58amReport

We have visited this restaurant on many occasions. We have often had the set lunch menu at £6.95 and have always found this to be excellent value and excellent quality. We have also visited in the evening with friends and again the quality of the food and service from the main menu has been very good. A smaller menu offer than many restaurants but all the better for that. On our recommendation many friends and colleagues have subsequently tried this restaurant and continue to visit it. Don't let the two negative comments put you off (especially the idiot who didn't read the conditions of the list card!). This is a really good restaurant that deserves to succeed, we will continue to visit it and so should you!!

9. Pete Taggart, Edinburgh – 23 July 2009, 12:25pmReport

Hi, I agree with Ron. My wife and I are frequent visitors to Zucca, both due to it's location and excellent quality of food. I have tried to think of a bad experience I've had here but can't, so I'm puzzled by the bad comments above. The food has always been excellent value, especially for the set menus, but even the a la carte is excellent value. Staff are friendly and well informed on the menu and on the couple of occasions that I have asked what something is, they have been able to answer. The problem is, times are hard at the moment so everyone is looking for a 'great deal', and there are plenty of cheap eats out there. The difference with Zucca though, is that whilst they have reduced their prices to compete, I don't feel that the quality is compromised, and this is why I would recommend them. Go to Zucca, you won't be disappointed.

10. bustylil, Edinburgh – 7 September 2009, 3:03pmReport

I am not sure which restaurant redboxer was eating at, but my experience of the restaurant is so different from theirs.

The restaurant was fantastic, very swift and professional service and the menu was really nice nd the desserts were to die for!!

It is my mothers birthday next month and we are coming back to Zucca and now it's bookable online - result!

I would recommend Zucca to anyone - you will not be disappointed!

11. Sasha1, Edinburgh – 20 September 2009, 1:55pmReport

We found the pre-theatre menu at Zucca SHOCKINGLY BAD last night. While the menu looked appealing, what was delivered on the plate fell far short of what was promised and seriously lacked in quality and size.

Our starters of antipasti and caprese salad were almost laughable. The former containing a tiny triangle of cheese weighing in at around 3 gramms I would estimate. There was one teeny weeny piece of parma ham which I'd reckon was about a quarter of a slice. 3 pitted black olives in brine clearly bought from Morrisons and a couple of bits of grilled veg. The salad was made up of two slices of tomato and two bits of cheese with one tiny old and black basil leaf shredded on top.

THE MAIN COURSE WAS A JOKE. We both ordered the Italian Lamb Stew - descibed as being served with mash and vegetables. What arrived was an utterly tasteless plate of slop reminiscent of something from my school dinner days, containing three tiny pieces of lamb on top of a mountain of potato - I assume to fill the diner up so they don't complain about lack of food. When we asked the waiter where our vegetables were, he physically pointed with his finger at a couple of minascule bits of chopped carrots contained in the stew. I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry at this point. Surely carrots, onion, celery etc. are general compontents of any stew and shouldn't be described as some kind of bonus?! My husband, pretty infuriated by now, demanded they bring us some veg or salad. We were then presented with a small plate of salad leaves with more of the brine soaked olives. Gee, thanks.

I used to live in Italy and have eaten better food at the cheapest Italian Greasy Spoon cafe in Naples bus station than at Zucca. I would not recommend this place to anyone. The £13.95 does not represent the value it appears as the food is completely lacking in quality and flavour - I wouldn't serve it to my cat.

THESE PEOPLE ARE OUT TO FLEECE YOU as they know they'll get the pre-theatre crowd in the door. Don't be fooled. There are WAY BETTER RESTAURANTS OUT THERE.

12. Zucca, Zucca – 24 September 2009, 2:21pmReport

Dear Sasha1/Alexandra O-C

It is a real shame that you and your husband did not enjoy your meal on Saturday night, however we wish to clarify couple of points about your experience:
1. On the night, Matteo, the waiter, offered you an alternative main which you declined. He also did get you a complimentary salad and offered an extra side of vegetable which you also declined.
2. Although you did not enjoy your lamb stew, you did a pretty good job on clearing the plate and that is why you were charged for it. (Note: we served a total of 29 Lamb stews that evening but you must have been ‘the only gourmet in the house’ because all other guests seem to have enjoyed it).
In reference to your remarks in your last paragraph we wish to clarify that Zucca is a respectable business which employees 12 people, and is definitely ‘not out to fleece people’. The whole team take their job seriously and with pride. Yes, obviously you did not enjoyed your meal but that does not give you the right to portray us like a back street con artist.
In any other circumstances we would be more than happy to invite a disappointed guest back, however considering your track history with other restaurants reviews (the internet is a great tool!) we’d rather you stay clear.

13. Helen_Edwards, Southside – 24 September 2009, 6:08pmReport

I am only posting tihs because of the shockingly bad review from Sascha. I was one of the '29' who dined at Zucca on Saturday and had the lamb stew, which I must say is a favourite of mine, having had it a couple of times in the past. The stew never fails to deliver, and the meal I had on Saturday was as good as ever. It really annoys me that some spoilt little prats, who probably make a habit out of slagging a place off, think you can get away with it. I could understand if you had good grounds to say what you did, but having dined in the same restaurant on the same evening... I have to wonder. I would advise all readers of your review to proceed with caution, because you really do not know what you are talking about. Zucca is a great little place and both the food and the staff are excellent. excellent.

14. Daniel Wood, always consistent and very good food – 28 September 2009, 7:24pmReport

My wife and I eat at Zucca every time we go to the theatre, and we always have a fabulous time. The food is authentic italian, there is not one particular dish that stands out as they are all good. The waiters are always on the ball and helpful, they understand the dishes and can offer advice on which wine is appropriate with the food to be eaten. The enviroment is relaxed, and it suits any dress code and occasion. Whether popping in for coffee, breakfast or an evening meal, Zucca is always is accomodating, comfortable with consistantly good food.

15. CharlesH78, Linlithgow – 9 October 2009, 10:11pmReport

A few Saturday's ago my partner and I dined at Zucca ordering from the pre-theatre menu. The food seemed to be twisted away from it's Italian roots to a more simplified British menu but we weren't going to judge without tasting. My partner had a starter of antipasto, which left something to be desired with the portions small and the quality varied. I had a carpaccio which could have used a little more truffle oil and thicker meat.

For our main course we both followed with lamb stew. Which looked appetising and was filling enough but from the menu we expected vegetables other than the basic root vegetables in the actual stew itself.

My partner had an excellent tiramisu but my ice cream sorbet lacked any real flavour. Other than that the service was attentive but our server did seem a tad on edge due to an ugly confrontation with, who I can only assume, was the duty manager and as a result the atmosphere seemed very tense which did spoil things a little.

All in all the food was filling but just below average and the ambiance could have been more relaxed. Would recommend it for a quick bite before the theatre but nothing more.

16. timnjules, edinburgh – 16 October 2009, 7:27pmReport

Wow! A fantastic find. We judge our dining experience by food and service, and both were excellent at lunch today. Having read the negative reviews, I felt compelled to leave my first ever review. We chose from the main menu and used our List Card, although the surprisingly great choices on the set price menu made it a tough decision. Being allergic to wheat, I felt like crying when the little doughy rolls were bought out at the beginning of the meal-they looked divine, and according to my partner, were as yummy as they looked. My partner had the Portobello mushrooms followed by a seafood linguine with so many mussels they could have been a separate starter. My beetroot and artichoke salad starter was fresh and lovely, full of crunchy half walnuts. The butternut risotto had a delicate sage flavour to it. We both had the dark chocolate mousse dessert, which was indescribably heavenly. The service was friendly and prompt. The only suggestion I could make is to note on the menu that a gluten free pasta is available, something we found out after the meal. Well done and thanks Zucca.

17. Zucca, Zucca – 16 October 2009, 9:27pmReport

Dear CharlesH78,

We wish to apologize for your experience,

It is really disappointing to read that you have not enjoyed your evening at Zucca.

I don't exactly know when you visited or what went wrong, however should you decide to give us another chance, I would be more than happy to have you back and perhaps guide you through our menu and or/ specifically taylor some of our dishes to your taste.

Should you decide to do so, don't hesitate to contact me direct at the Restaurant, we would be delighted to be able to put things right!

Once again apologies,

Looking forward to your call,

Giacomo @ Zucca

18. Sasha1 – 19 October 2009, 11:50amReport

In response to Zucca's comments dated 24th September.

Firstly I'd like to clarify - I did not request an alternative main course as unfortunately I did not feel I had time to wait for this as it could have led to our being late for the theatre.

Secondly, your waiter did not offer a plate of vegetables as well as a salad.

Thirdly, yes you're right, I did eat the stew - because I was hungry!! Particularly given the minescule starter.

Had we not been in a rush to get to the theatre, I may have complained further requesting a discount. However, as it was intended as a special evening out for my husband and I, I didn't want to ruin it further by pursuing the matter - given the experience I had with the waiter earlier when we initially complained, I had no reason to believe our complaints would be heard anyway. And now, given your response and the lack of comment on the size or quality of ingredients I feel i was right.

Having spent many years working in the restaurant industry, I know the customer is not always right. However, I would expect a restaurant proprietor to take on board any feedback regardless of its negativity or tone.

My comments were harsh yes, but accurate. Some of your clientele may enjoy your menu - but then again, some people enjoy questionable burgers served out of greasy vans.

19. Betty49, Bruntsfield – 10 November 2009, 10:50pmReport

I have eaten at Zucca several times before going to the Traverse, or the Usher Hall. Last week, I decided to try the beetroot risotto, with walnuts and dolce latté, from the new risotto menu. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant at first, but it was absolutely delicious! Zucca is a first-rate little restaurant, and everybody I have recommended it to seems to agree, so I am surprised by the mixed comments on this site. I have never had a bad meal here.

20. sar+andy, edinburgh – 25 January 2010, 11:38amReport

we ate at zucca on 22 january. prompt service and very friendly staff. for starters, we had an order of scallops and an order of beef carpaccio - both lovely. my partner's main was sea bream and lentils, which he enjoyed. however the standout dish of the night was my main, at the recommendation of our waiter, of potato gnocchi with shredded duck and root vegetables - so delicious we considered ordering a second helping to split between us! very good value for money (made better with our list card). we are both looking forward to returning to try other dishes from the menu!

excellent restaurant, we highly recommend going!

21. Hails, Kirkcaldy – 21 February 2010, 10:41pmReport

My boyfriend treated me to a meal at Zucca as a Valentine's Day surprise (Sat 13th) and I certainly was not disappointed!

We were initially seated at a table which was very close to another couple, however, on request we were offered a move to another table which suited us better with no hassle at all. Being Valentine's weekend we were given the Valentine's menu. Although we could both easily have eaten from it, we asked if there was an alternative menu and were very surprised when we were offered the Theatre menu since most restaurants would have limited service on that particular weekend.

Our meal was fantastic. We both opted for the rib eye steak which was mouth watering and cooked to perfection. I asked for a peppercorn sauce (not on the menu anywhere) and the chef made it specially with no problems at all and at no extra charge!! The service was spectacular! Staff were bending over backwards for us.

All in all, we would both recommend Zucca to anyone and will definitely be back in the very near future!

To post a comment you'll first need to log in: Forgotten your password?

Log in

Email
Password
Remember

Not registered? Sign up – it only takes a minute.

RSS feed of these comments