My husband & I wrote this place off years ago due to a combination of nasty owners and nothing-special food. Recently my friend had been telling me to go there. Not anymore, & she learned a very hard way. Her family was charged $368 for TWO steaks with no warning from the waitress about the price. They were specials. At a restaurant where nothing on the menu is over $40, who would expect a special to be that exorbitant?!? The restaurant basically told her too bad, so sad, we don't care about you, your past loyalty to us, or who you tell going forward. $184 for one steak with no warning!!! Robbery. Beware. read more

Stay away! Terrible experience at this establishment. Was charged an insane amount of money for steak. No price on the menu, no price offered by waiter, but when bill arrived I was charged $184 for the steak. I will not go back and you would be smart to stay away. read more

I've been here many times and every time I come here I'm more impressed. The food was amazing ( I had Chicken Parm) The service with a smile and Ambiance was fantastic. read more

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My best friend suggested to go here for dinner. My first time, her second. The restaurants decor is very eclectic. It's located in an office park so it's off the beaten path, not where one might expect a restaurant to be unless of course if you are a local, then you probably know or will want to know, but easily found with the Google or Waze driving app. They have a very nice outdoor patio for dining that overlooks a pond which I'm sure in warmer weather it's really nice. I plan on going back then and sitting outside. They take reservations, but we got there early without one on a Sunday evening and were able to get right in. Brian was our waiter and made some great suggestions. We started out with an appetizer which was Ma's homemade meatballs which I thought was very good. Then onto our entrees. My friend had the chicken parm which she enjoyed and I had the slow braised short rib in a delicious bacon jam recommend by our waiter. Great call Brian. It was delicious!!! Their portions are very generous, we both left with leftovers and looking forward to my lunch tomorrow. We did not try any of the desserts as we were both full. This is a BYOB, and I would recommend making the trip. read more

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Charge if I cancel early. No way. Didn't make reservation and won't go. No loss. Went somewhere else. read more

We absolutely LOVE this place!!! The atmosphere is amazing!!! The service is sensational...it's a family owned business & they take pride in everything they do! The food is FABULOUS!!! Everyone loved the chicken vodka parm...it was huge! I enjoyed my lemon ricotta pasta dish, it was so different & tasty!!! We all enjoyed the desserts too & it's BYOB so you cannot go wrong!!! A must visit...xoxo read more

I had lunch here with a friend a week ago as it was midpoint in our locations. We were seated in the tent (has AC). The food here was good and a bargain. My dining partner ordered The Godfather which was a chicken cutlet sandwich with prosciutto and cheese. I ordered a special-a Kobe beef burger. Both were served with a side of fries. We shared a dessert, and each had a cappuccino. With a 20% tip, this was $30. There are a couple of negatives here and I would give these folks three stars if it were not for the food. The tent is very dark inside and they have tried to spruce it up with some "antiques". It just looks like a junk yard. Since it was very cool outside, they could have opened the window flaps to let fresh air in. Think COVID issues. There were only a few tables filled. However they could have spread everyone out more And the waitress was WAY TOO CLOSE with NO MASK and came to the table no fewer than 5 times when we ate our entrees. Too intrusive even in "normal" times. An outdoor patio seat was not available due to impending rain. CASH only unless you want to pay a surcharge for paying by credit card. read more

Came here to spend my brothers birthday and found out about their new policy. No shared dishes are allowed unless each person sharing the dish is charged a fee of $10. This is ridiculous as we bought many appetizers and also have 3 young siblings who will definitely not be able to finish a large pasta dish. I have came here many times previously and have never had an issue sharing dishes. Better to spend your money elsewhere. read more

I visited this restaurant as it was recommended by the front desk attendant at the hotel where I stayed. It was nearby and I decided to check it out. The staff was friendly and the food was amazing! The restaurant is nice and has nice views. They do not have a bar and alcohol is not served but you can BYOB. The reason I didn't give it 5 is that they charge a 3.5% service fee. Not sure why. read more

One of the Best Italian Restaurants in the Monroe/ Cranbury area Been going for years . Never had a bad meal. Pretty place in and Out( in the Summer). Reasonable/ BYOB . Their Brunch on weekends, Excellent!! One of our 5 best in MonroeNJ!! Sal& Grace Patanio read more

They did it again. We went there last night for dinner and it was delicious. Zinna's out did themselves. I am yet to have a bad meal there and I've had many meals there. I had the ribeye and it was cooked perfectly and very tasty. My friend had the braised short rib (one of my favorites) and it did not disappoint. The wait staff was very attentive. If you have not been there what are you waiting for. It's the perfect place for a date night or family gathering. read more

Zinna's Bistro - Braised Short Rib - Italian Near Me - Cranbury, New Jersey

First thing, bring your own alcohol beverage, nice place, dress casual, atmosphere is great with great service and great selection of food. Smell of wood fireplace. Call ahead reservations they accommodate large parties. read more

I have lived in the Princeton area for many many years and Zinna's is the best restaurant in a 10 mile radius of Princeton. I had a meeting at Zinnas with some guests and I came to the restaurant at 4pm when they were closed. Chris the owner greeted me and my guests and welcomed us to his wonderful restaurant. The food and service was AMAZING! The lobster ravioli is off the chart and I have had almost everything on the menu at one point or another. The braised beef is world class. They do a wonderful job with service and the decor is super cute with a fantastic outdoor seating area. This is my #1 place locally that I consider a hidden gem. Its BYOB and the specials are always amazing. My father is a foodie and he let me know about this place many years ago and he still travels and hour one way to eat here. Hands down Zinna's is tops and a place you should definitely visit. read more

This place was decorated very nice. I liked the décor a lot and how everything was set up. The food came out quick and the service was very pleasant. This place was also a BYOB. The bread was alright. It was a little too fluffy for my liking. There was a lot of air inside the bread. The dipping oil was decent at best. For an entrée, I ordered the chicken risotto ($19). There were roasted tomatoes and asparagus as part of this dish. The dish was too small for the price. I had about 7 small strips of chicken and only 3 spears of asparagus. The dish tasted solid, but I was just disappointed with the size. For dessert, tartufo ($7) was ordered. I did not taste any cinnamon which was mentioned on the menu. I was also not a fan of the dark chocolate shell. The presentation was nice as well as the flavor of ice cream. Will I go back? I might, tough. read more

Zinna's Bistro - Chicken Risotto - Italian Near Me - Cranbury, New Jersey

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First time ever getting a food truck, and Zinna's food truck did not disappoint! The food was delicious, everyone loved it!! Chris and Sergio were awesome!! Can't wait to host another event and not cook!! read more

Great food lovely setting felt rushed so next table could be seated. Would definitely return.

Went last night with my brother and sister-in-law and enjoyed our meals. We started of with an order of the Polenta Fries ( wanted the Mac & Cheese) and they were awesome! Came with three dipping sauces which were quite tasty. Both the wives ordered Risotto dishes which, while very tasty, were too dry. Not creamy at all. Dennis and I went with the Pasta Bolognese and the meat sauce was very good. My pasta was fine but Dennis thought his could have been cooked a little longer. The restaurant is BYOB and also offers wines from a local winery (Working Dog). The restaurant itself is decorated nicely, with outdoor seating. Definitely worth a return visit. read more

AMAZING! The food, the staff, the atmosphere-- everything was so good. They have unique dishes with such good flavor and use really fresh tasting ingredients. It's a BYOB and there's not great parking, but it's such a great vibe and experience. Will definitely be back! read more

My friend and I met at Zinna's this past week for lunch. I must say, I was quite impressed with the setting and the ambiance inside. We were supposed to eat outside but there was no outdoor dining due to the wind. We saw all the proper covid signs walking into the restaurant ~ so I assumed everything would be safe. However, at this point, the hostess was not wearing her mask. This should have been an indication to leave. When we sat down, we quickly ordered the zucchini fries which were delicious! Before the server brought the appetizer, I was able to see into the kitchen ~ and that's when I saw 3 people NOT wearing masks. We called the server. He went into the kitchen to say something and only one of the employees put his mask on. The other 2 were cooking without any face covering! At this point, I was no longer comfortable and we left before ordering anymore food. It was truly disappointing because there were many unique items on the menu. However, the protocol for covid safety was not met. Also, the tables next to the window were less than six feet apart. Adhering to the guidelines that the governor set are extremely important to restaurant and customer safety. Unfortunately, I won't be back until state mandates are met. Phyllis M. read more

I have been to this place a few times but was excited to sit outside on the patio. Food is consistently good and there are always new specials to try. It you download their app they have coupons for free appetizers or a percentage off. They are byob but also sell wine from a local winery. My favorites are their eggplant parm and the arugula pizza! read more

Tried to make a reservation for dinner for 6pp. Was put on hold 4 times then finally put through to the hostess (I was told she was busy and would need to hold). The hostess informed me that I would be sent a link to confirm the reservation with a credit card. I asked about that because I've dined in much nicer places without having to leave a card. The hostess said (with an attitude) " that's our policy "sweetheart" which is very disrespectful considering I'll much older than she. Zinna's Bistro is okay but not special enough to put up with the poor customer service. read more

Zinna's is one of the best spots I've ever dined at! The decor is unique and so beautiful. I absolutely love the food here and everything is created with thought. I am thrilled to live only a few minutes from here. The prices are so reasonable and you get plenty for your buck. I recommend visiting! The owners are so friendly and the waitstaff are attentive and very kind. It's next to a lake so the views are A1! read more

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This is the cutest little spot with a great ambiance when you enter in. I was pleasantly surprised because this is "connected" to a run of the mill hotel and is off the beaten path in a real commercial area. Nonetheless, our group and I requested to be seated outside (a lovely spring day).. with a sprinkle of rain, which just gave the evening some character. Robert, our waiter, was very attentive and friendly. I love that this spot in BYOB, because we are some drinkers and our bill was very modest because of this great option. I ordered the Gemelli (mushrooms, sweet fennel sausage, cream, pecorino romano, truffle balsamic glaze, arugula). DELICIOUS! When I tell you this is a wonderful entree... yes! Oh and I tasted some of a friend's app.. Cherry Pepper Calamari.... perfectly fried and the sweet glaze is really set off when you add some salt (tip.. a bit more seasoning would have made this perfect). They were gracious enough to allow us to close the restaurant.. lol. Would definitely return!! read more

This place has become such a disappointment over years. While everything is in place for a wonderful dining experience, gardens, parking, and all... that's not what you get. And then they're so proud that they charge 3.5% to use a credit card, when they're probably paying less than that to the cc company. Processing credit cards is a cost of doing business. Customers shouldn't have to pay YOU to do business with them. All restaurants should stop insulting their patrons by constantly nickel and diming them. The venue should be more appreciative of getting their business. A couple years ago we brought a birthday cake and were gouged on plating fees. But the last time I was there, and this was the clincher for me... they PRECOOK their pasta in the afternoon to serve it to you at night. It NEVER tastes bright and fresh, it tastes leftover and tired and dingy... every single time. Would the 6 or 8 minutes to cook fresh pasta in an Italian restaurant really be so inconvenient? If so, my family, friends, groups and I need to be elsewhere. I know you don't think it makes a difference, but that's what sets you apart from the GOOD Italain restaurants. read more

Both food and service were top shelf. Nice atmosphere. Only drawback is they need more parking.

This place was a very nice surprise to find. Loved everything we had. Our server recommended it all, and she was right. Service was on point. The atmosphere was perfect! read more

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Absolutely fantastic. A real bistro. My Father always used to say that a successful restaurant without a liquor license really has to have great food. This saying really applies to Zinna's bistro. The food is great. They have sandwiches, risotto dishes, hamburgers. BYOB. Desert menu is terrific. Staff is very pleasant. I got a 10% discount for checking in. read more

Zinna's Bistro - Has own building and parking lot. - Italian Near Me - Cranbury, New Jersey

Great outdoor dining option with amazing food! They are handling pandemic precautions very well - the host took my temperature before entry and the staff kept masks on the whole time. Tables were well spaced apart. Very enjoyable ambiance with lots of greenery, wine bottle and cork decor, and light music. Fans were blowing throughout tent to keep a nice air flow which was appreciated on a humid evening! I've eaten here many times and the food just gets better and better! The garlic bread was a great start, and then we followed up with a couple of appetizers. Loved the caprese stack with tomatoes and basil fresh from their garden. The arancini and calamari were group favorites. We also had a few salads which added great variety and had a good mix of flavors. My friend got the pretzel crusted chicken special and loved it, but the short rib mac and cheese with homemade gemelli pasta stole the show! Can't wait to come back again! read more

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This restaurant self-tips so just beware. For their appetizers, the lobster Mac and cheese was alright but was overall slightly undercooked and a little dry. Their calamari is good. Nice and light. unfortunately, they have a "share fee" which is new and they haven't done this before. It only started 2 months ago. I went here for a birthday celebration and for every person at the table who didn't eat, they charge a fee of $10. If you come to this place, they will take advantage of you and charge you for more than you paid for. We ended up leaving and will not come again read more

I went here for my brother's birthday and learned about their new policy. The mac and cheese had sand in it and the lobster was dry. We also needed to pay a 10$ fee if we wanted to share food. I didn't like the new policy which meant we needed to pay a 10$ fee in order to share dishes. I don't recommend this place for Italian dishes. read more

Used to frequent this eatery at it's original location and then to its present location. My friend did too; she did more often than I did. She made a reservation so that she could take us to lunch for my husband's birthday today. She was told that they were using tent which was air conditioned. We parked behind tent and had to walk a small distance to venue. There wasn't any signage so we entered eatery itself. It appeared that there was a large group there. we walked back out to tent. It was hot and we couldn't feel any kind of cooling. It was suggested that we sit near a vent. It wouldn't have mattered if we sat on vent. There wasn't any relief from heat. We asked to speak to a manager or owner. She came in and said that the a/c was on and that she couldn't help it if it was 100 degrees outside (what temp would have been acceptable to her?) and that we could leave if we didn't like it. Leaving was our decision and I commented to my husband and my friend that this eatery person was a real piece of work and what a way to treat customers regardless of their patronage. She happened to pass by us on our return walk to our car and overheard my comment. She got in our faces screaming that we didn't have to come back to "her" restaurant. I said that I was going to post our experience via social media and she said that I should. My husband said, jokingly, to my friend and me as we got to our car that they should have seated this group in the "air conditioned " tent if it was so comfortable. It was for my husband's birthday and, BTW, he's blind so it was an even greater inconvenience walking in the heat to and from the car as well as going in and out of main eatery and through the tent trying to find a place to sit where we'd feel the a/c. We have never been treated so shabbily and we will follow the recommendation of the management (or owner...she didn't identify herself) not to return! I'm keeping my word to post a review of today's experience and hope that it helps you when looking for an eatery. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY HONEY! read more

Wow wow wow! Everything was divine. The arancini risotto balls are amaaaaazing! One of the best lobster ravioli I have had in a long time. I would rate this meal up there with like Manhattan top chef restaurants. Really top notch and not too crazy expensive. Just in the area for work but would be back many times over if I lived closer! Ask for Kathy I think her name was she was awesome server:) read more

Vastly underwhelming dining experience. We met some friends for dinner Saturday night at Zinna's. Our friends raved about the place and after checking the menu, we thought we'd found a great place for a Saturday night couples' date. The results were far less than anything acceptable. We arrived early for a 7:30 reservation, on time, but were not seated as there appeared to be no tables available. They tried to have us sit outside in their tent but we declined due to the cold and wind. When a table did finally open up, they said they needed it for a party of 8 at 8:00, and sat that party ahead of us and continued to make us wait. We asked to speak to the manager, and she not only did not help the situation, she made it clear that she wasn't particularly interested in our problem. The front desk staff then asked how we made the reservation and upon learning it was done via OpenTable, claimed "Oh OpenTable is often not accurate." We were finally seated at 8:10, read the specials and then they ignored us for a while. We ordered and the food took a long time, it arrived at almost 9:30. In the interim we had to ask for more water, as the wait staff was friendly but very inattentive. The food was decent but not what I expected for either the price, decor or reputation of the place. The Caesar salad was a mayonnaise-y mess, with no indication of anchovies or Parmesan, but soggy tomato pieces, hard boiled eggs and soggy lettuce -- not anything that would be like any decent Caesar salad. The entree was so-so, but very small; and weakly seasoned. The first batch of garlic knots was decent but the 2nd round was stale and cold, as if it had just out of the freezer. The final insult was the note on the bill. Adding 3.5% if we had the nerve to use a credit card. Verdict: don't waste your time and money on mediocre food, small potions, and a staff that doesn't care. At least the company was excellent. read more

I've been here a few times! Im never disappointed, great service, vibe, and food! I try something new each time and honestly I have nothing negative to say! read more

Zinna's Bistro - Black Garlic Shrimp - Italian Near Me - Cranbury, New Jersey

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Ive eaten there probably half a dozen times. Both inside precovid and pick up during and their food is consistently good. Service is good, price is slightly high but theyre rare gem in the area so they can charge more. Id def suggest them. Menu online isn't always current call to confirm changes before ordering read more

Food is pretty good, service about average and ambience has gotten better since their last location

What an amazing find! Service was great. Idina (sp?) was very nice and helpful! The food was nothing short of spectacular. Their take on a Caesar salad was creative and tasty. The avocado toast was as well. The burger got rave reviews as well. Lastly, the decor is fascinating. Great, great all around read more

I really do love this restaurant. The food is creative and full of flavor. The decor is fun and eclectic. The service is always attentive. My only complaint is the 3.5% charge for credit cards. Visa and Mastercard do NOT charge 3.5% to businesses. I acknowledge that American Express charges a bit more. So why not just exclude AMEX, like many establishments do for this reason? Most of the restaurant in the Greater Princeton Area do NOT charge customers for using a credit card. We are a credit card driven society, why penalize customers for this? It just seems petty to me. The prices are on the high side for a BYOP in Cranbury NJ, so the extra charge for credit seems excessive. Otherwise every this about Zinna's Bistro is excellent! I would give 5 stars if not for the 3.5 credit card charge. read more

Great menu... lots of good choices. Nice location and outdoor seating... however confusing that a restaurant decorated with wine bottles does not serve wine. It is a BYOB place but I did not know read more

Ok first let me start off with I've been to Zinna's many times, but at the old location. This was my first time in the new location and while that has changed, the service and food did not. Absolutely great every time! I had the stuffed flounder with baked potato for my entree.. Delicious. All the apps were great too. Our server was Kathy and she was fantastic! Great service And Great food makes for a great experience I highly recommend Zinna's Bistro! We definitely will be returning. read more

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