We absolutely loved the tapas and drinks at this restaurant! The service was great and all the dishes came out with good timing. Would definitely go back. read more

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We love this place! We lived in Europe for years and brought our friends that also lived there just bc we felt it was comparable to places we have been while living overseas. It's THAT good. We went yesterday and it was still that good. Our waitress was lovely. The hostess (older petite blonde/greyish hair) on the other hand, the vibes were just eh. We asked for a table outside as we had our dog with us and asked for heater to be turned on as it was like 40 out. She said it will be awhile as managers are in a meeting. Ok thats fine. We start off with flat iron steak and the croquette of the day. The steak we get every time. It just melts in your mouth, so good! The croquette was chicken and i think she said poblano peppers. It was rich in flavor, tiny bit of spice and breading was crunchy and cooked to perfection! After we finish our tapas the hostess asks if we are done, I say yes and ask for bread (I thought it was complimentary but maybe we were charged twice idk). I don't think she responded just gave me a look and took all our dishes. she brought out some cold stale bread and was like the waitress said you have more dishes coming and you ordered paella. I said that is correct. She was like you said you were done, I wouldn't have taken your silverware if you had more stuff coming, she was really catty in her response and it was all just unnecessary. I apologized and explained I thought she was referring to the tapas. A lot of places bring fresh silverware with entrees so I didn't think anything of her taking everything. I was just really put off by her whole demeanor every interaction. I am not sure if maybe she was an owner? She parked in the street with hazards on which gave that vibe. Either way i was pretty surprised as we have not encountered her/that attitude anytime we have been. After the interaction we received our paella (we always order the black paella) and it was great as usual! There were a couple of pretty small pieces of shell that i bit into that hurt but thats ok. We finished off the meal with chocolate custard that was also great! We still enjoyed our meal and will be back of course. Hopefully we won't encounter that same hostess next time or if we do she will be having a better day and won't be unnecessarily rude to people. read more

ZuZu - Black Paella - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

One of my favorite places in Napa! I've come here multiple times, and because the menu rotates a bit to reflect the season, so its hard to recommend specific items. BUT, if you see squash blossoms on the menu, you MUST PARTAKE. So good! I loved the creamy filling with the crisp, floral casing. The paellla is the signature dish here and absolutely worth sharing as well. Seafood is delicate and flavorful without being too pungent. There was honestly not a bad bite in the entire meal, and we definitely ordered a lot. In Napa, you can throw a rock and hit excellent wines in any direction, and Zuzu is no exception. Enjoy a glass of wine with your selection, even if it's not Napa-local (but they have plenty!) and be sure to sit outside and people-watch. Service is quick and attentive, and overall friendly. No pretentiousness here! The location is also super convenient to explore the rest of downtown. read more

Damien is THE MAN!! My girlfriend and I came to Zuzu for our first night out of her bday weekend in Napa and were seated with Damien. We love a waiter than can make suggestions and Damien DID NOT MISS. He basically chose ALL our food and drinks and it was all delicious! He clearly cares about his profession and his energy is infectious. We had a blast!! Thanks for setting our vacation off right, Zuzu! read more

Outstanding service with a staff that is knowledgeable about their cocktails and food. We had a few tapas and all were very good. We also shared a paella dish with black rice (a first for me) that was also very good. The price was on the high side but within the "normal" range for Napa. I'd recommend it but check the menu and pricing so you're not surprised. read more

This place is a local favorite, and now it's even better with an in-house mixologist and bar area! He was super friendly, informative, and knowledgeable - definitely a great add to this place! The one thing I wish they would do differently is change up their menu. They've had the same tapas on the menu for years.. if they could figure out how to make a rotational menu, they'd really blow it out of the park! read more

ZuZu - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

We had a recommendation to come and enjoy tapas. We didn't expect the a small bar restaurant to present genius dishes with a great selection of drinks. They have great flavor and we could not pick a favorite. We started with the Iberico ham and Catalan salad. Great combo. Then we had the ceviche and finished with the mussels. All were above expectations, and full of flavor. The flavors were thoughtful and paired well. The service was ok, seemed they only had two and the bartender. However they were attentive. The restaurant itself didn't standout as anything spectacular. It was clean but not memorable. However the food surpassed the environment and allowed you to overlook was ambience may be lacking. read more

This came highly recommended during our trip to Napa and it did not disappoint! Everything was so flavorful and absolutely delicious. It's a very warm and cozy atmosphere. Our server was knowledgeable about the food and gave great recommendations. The asian pear salad was personally my favorite dish. read more

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After trying many restaurants in Napa, Zuzu turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly impressive spots of the trip. It specializes in Spanish tapas. I originally thought it would be a casual small-plate place, but every dish that came out showed clear attention to plating and detail. The presentation was much more refined than expected, yet the prices were still very reasonable by Napa standards. Overall, it was a very pleasant surprise. Everything we ordered was excellent--almost no misses, and in fact most dishes arrived looking so good that they immediately set a nice tone. The octopus was incredibly tender with a good bite, lightly charred on the surface, and paired well with the sides and sauce. The patatas bravas looked simple but were fried very evenly, crispy outside and soft inside, and the plating was neat rather than sloppy. The paella is also a must-order: rich aroma, not overly wet, with just the right amount of crisped rice at the bottom. The seafood was fresh, and the colors and presentation were beautiful. Portion size was moderate but satisfying. The cold dishes were impressive as well. The ceviche had a balanced acidity, refreshing but not bland, and the plating was clean and intentional. Other tapas--whether meat or vegetables--were consistently well seasoned. Nothing was overly salty or trying too hard to be "creative." Everything felt skillfully executed, and the overall presentation style was cohesive: relaxed enough to be tapas, yet refined enough to match the expectations of Napa's dining scene. As for price, it's very reasonable for Napa. It's not like some winery restaurants where a few dishes can quickly run up a huge tab, and you don't feel like the portions are tiny. Sharing several dishes between two people is just right, and the balance between quality and cost feels spot-on. Zuzu's biggest strength is that every dish tastes great and has its own highlight, without trying too hard. The whole meal flows naturally. If you're craving refined, beautifully plated, and consistently delicious Spanish food without paying high-end winery prices, this is a great choice. If you're in Napa and want something different from the usual winery tasting menus, Zuzu is definitely a place you'll want to go back to. Highly recommended. read more

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Zuzu is a lively bar and tapas place, right along the river. The bar inside was a fun with great bartenders. The tapas were fun. The ceviche was not as sour as we expected and I wish we had gotten the regular ceviche instead to try. That lamb tartare was rich and delicious. The potatoes and shrimp were just OK. read more

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After a lovely day wine tasting in Napa we were craving a Spanish Tapa's type restaurant that had Paella and we found ZuZu downtown nestled among other restaurants across from the river. They offer outdoor and indoor seating with well thought out cozy Spanish style decor that was impeccably clean. The service was extremely prompt and attentive. The food was absolutely on point! From the white anchovy salad to their house ZuZu Paella, the freshness and flavor really stood out. The overall experience was memorable. If you're craving Tapas and Paella in Downtown Napa then ZuZu is a definite try! read more

ZuZu - Paella Del Dia - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

Great late night spot for Spanish tapas and drinks. Perfect location by the riverfront with a relaxing lively atmosphere. Service was helpful walking us through the huge gin selection. read more

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We recently tried Zuzu and really enjoyed it! The food was good, with lots of options and variety. We particularly enjoyed the black paella, the cheese plate, the patatas bravas and the Serrano ham. The staff were very friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The restaurant is in downtown Napa with seating both indoor and outdoor and really close to the river walk. read more

TLDR- expensive, slow, bad service. A group of 5 of us visited ZuZu for dinner- even though we planned to spend $$$ for dinner since we were in Napa, we left without order another round of tapas. Each dish arrived to our tables every 15 minutes, so we got a small bite and waited for the next. They failed to even bring bread to the table, and never checked on us. As for the food, the seafood paella and steak tapa was good, everything else was just okay. read more

ZuZu - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

I'm rating Zuzu a 4 for the food, but a 3 for service. Came out to Napa for our anniversary. Wife likes tapas so this was a good find. We came earlier than our reservation but they accommodated us right away with seating on the front patio. We ordered the gambas, potato tortilla, salt cod, flat iron steak, and the Zuzu paella. Shrimp came out quickly with a nice spicy sauce, but wife didn't like the head on shrimp. Salt cod was nice and fluffy, and the steak had a nice chimichurri-style sauce. Paella had nice chunks of chorizo and chicken, and moist clams. There wasn't much of a crusty fond tho. Service was hit and miss. Second server was much more attentive. read more

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Terrific late night bite. We were a table of 4 and Loved all of the dishes. Pear Salad loved the flavors and dressing Paella for 2-we got the seafood with black rice and this dish will have me returning again & again, amazing and bountiful seafood, fish, shrimp, squid, scallop, mussels 4 lovely doused shrimp with a side of fresh bread , some sucked the juices out of the shells. Good service, could have water poured more often, had to ask. Nice wine pour for a dinner mate Kind wait staff. Down to earth, cozy atmosphere. read more

ZuZu - Seafood Paella with black rice for 2. Hearty portion. Absolutely delicious. - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

Came on a lovely warm evening and had a chance to snag a table outside while we people watched. No reservations but everyone after us did, so we got lucky with our seating. Highlights this time around were the squid ink paella and sangria. It was a perfect night to chill outside. Service was very attentive and quick read more

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We walked in on a rainy Monday around lunch hour, and the food immediately lifted our mood. The mussels were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the Zuzu Paella was so delicious I couldn't stop eating it--especially with my paired wine. An unexpectedly wonderful meal on a gloomy day. read more

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So so so good. Devil eggs were so good and so as the Lamb Tartare. The Paella, they can definitely do more better its good but not the best out there. OMG! The espresso Martini I saw them make fresh espresso which made it taste so good. Service by the bar was also great. They made us feel comfortable. Small space inside though. I will definitely go back! read more

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I had been here before 10, and then maybe 2 years ago. Last night will be the last time. I tried to make a reservation and learned that they only take a limited number of reservations, for 4 or more people. There were four of us, but there were no more reservations available. OK, it happens but then I read that if you DO make a Rez, there is a $10 deposit per person. Tacky. So we decide to take a chance and walk in, and that was not a problem. Our waitress was nice and service was good. The issue, sadly, is the food. We started with gin and tonics, which the place specializes in. Multiple tonics and gins. The drinks were really weak. I remember going with my husband and the G&T went right to my head. This one might as well have been a sprite. Then came the food. The patatas bravas were basically French fries and the special sauce tasted like ketchup with a dollop of mayo in the middle. The cheese tray, for twenty bucks, consisted of three cheese chunks the size of an old school match box. The fried eggplant with honey was delish. Shrimp were just OK. Mussels with polenta were tasty. Then came the paella, which we shared. That was the most disappointing thing. 4 clams and a sprinkling of dried out, overcooked mystery meat. Pricewise, I'd say it's fair for inflationary times, except for the paella which was basically a rip. Next time I want tapas, I'm going to Tapas Bravas in Healdsburg. They never disappoint. read more

Went to ZuZu for the first time for lunch and honestly, it was a bit underwhelming. We went on a weekday during lunch so basically no one was there but service was poor. It took over 35 minutes to get our drinks (even though it was not busy) when I brought it up to our server she asked which drinks I ordered..? Barely any table touching which was also upsetting because the other two tables there, were already sat and settled so I felt like more attention to detail could have been given. I saw the other tables checked on more and even though I did mention initially that I'd probably order a few rounds of food, we would just need to flag someone down to order rather than being checked on. I thought the steak was tender and I enjoy tapas in general so I can try a lot of things. The croquettes were okay. It was crispy but I felt that the chicken was rather dry. I loved how the shrimp was prepared and the sauce that the shrimp was sautéed with was good. I think it paired nicely with the bread. I am unsure if we got the service we received because we look young or something? But I just expected more. It's a casual restaurant and I was really excited to go here so left a bit disappointed. Hope for better experience next time if there is one read more

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Nice place for a lunch. They have an interesting Gin and Tonic menu, where you can mix and match, including local and seasonal options. Unfortuantely, the waitress couldn't be bothered to recommend any to me when I asked, so I suspect I made a wrong choice. The food menu has some lovely selections. I thought the boquerones were an amazing standout, loved the white anchovies with sliced eggs and remoulade sauce. The flatiron steak with jalapeno chimichuri was another amazing dish! The garlic shrimp were pretty good too and of course they have a nice wine by the glass menu. read more

We had a reservation and sat upstairs in the dimly lit area by the windows. The workers were very nice but I agree with others that the paella was bland. The charcuterie cheeses were the best part. read more

Date of Visit: 2/1/2025 We love to visit Napa downtown and Sonoma Plaza during rainy days, since it was very comfortable sitting in a restaurant or wine bar, enjoying wine and foods and listening to the dripping sounds of the rain. We went to Napa downtown last Saturday when it was raining, and we decided to visit Zuzu located near Napa River for late lunch/early dinner. We didn't make reservation but just walk in. There were plenty of seats around 4pm, and was quite packed by the time we left. We were first sat on the first floor below the stairs, and decided to ask the server and moved upstairs by the window. Although it was a rainy day, but the view was quite amazing. We could see the Napa River clearly and the street below. 2022 B. Kosuge "The Shop" Pinot Noir $18 Husband got the Pinot Noir from Carneros, with the taste of wild cherries, lilacs, and cranberry sauce. A nice Pinot to pair with tapas and seafoods. London No 1 $16 And after looking at the cocktail menu, I decided to get the Gin and Tonic. We get to select our Gin flavors and pair with the Tonic recommended by Zuzu. There are a few categories of Gin to select from, which are Juniper, Citrus, Earth & Sea, and Botanical. I got the London No 1 from the Juniper section, with the taste of Croatian juniper, almond, bergamot, and angelica root. I paired it with the Tonic of the month, Tonic Zuzu, with the taste of sour seville orange, tangerine, kumquat, pink peppercorn, lemon, and thyme. The combination was very unique, citrusy with the smell of juniper and spices. Gambas al Ajillo $20 For the food, we got the fresh gulf shrimp with garlic, pequin chili & smoky pimeton. The sauce was slightly spicy which was a great pair with the bread. There were four shrimps with heads on, which was a nice portion. Patatas Bravas $12 We also got the grilled potatoes, which was a popular selection from Spanish tapas restaurants. On the side there was a tomato-Calabrian chili puree & Aioli, which was a little too pungent with the potatoes. 2022 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee $20 The second wine by the glass we got is the Mountain Cuvee from Chappellet. This aromatic wine has a concentrated aroma of dark cherry, blackberry and plum, and the hint of oak and cardamon was obvious too. It was a mix of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Zuzu Paella $46 We got the paella to share. The Zuzu paella was made with bomba rice, chorizo, shellfish, sofrito and chicken. Idiazabal Flan $9 For dessert, we got the flan which taste more like a moist cheesecake, which was actually a decent sweet ending. read more

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We stopped by here for dinner on our weekend trip to Napa, and it wasn't bad but also didn't blow me away. We got the flat iron steak, ceviche, spaghetti squash, queso frito, and shrimp dish. Our favorite was definitely the ceviche followed by the steak. The ceviche was very good, very fresh and tasty! The steak was also very flavorful and tender. In my opinion the other dishes were pretty forgettable unfortunately. The staff was friendly but the restaurant itself is pretty cramped and tight. read more

ZuZu - Ceviche - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

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A hush falls over the bustling Tuesday evening crowd as I approach on a quest for culinary exhilaration. My last visit, a fleeting memory of flavors, left me yearning for a proper review--a full-throated declaration of deliciousness. Tonight, I will not fail. I am seated immediately outside, a gentle breeze kissing my cheeks as the golden hour light bathes the patio. The stage is set. My heart sinks as I learn my desired "The Punch Up" cocktail has been banished from the menu. A tragedy! I pivot, ordering the "Tree Hugger." I'm assured it's not Old Fashioned adjacent. I am lied to. It is very similar to an Old Fashioned, a smoky, complex concoction that, despite the deception, is surprisingly delicious. But my thirst is a desert, and water, like some mythical beast, must be summoned not once, not twice, but three times. It arrives, tasting of grass and earth, a strange terroir I am determined to conquer. I wash it down with the tropical, vibrant "Flyin' Mango." Then, the main event. 1. Heirloom Tomatoes: A plate of perfect, triangular-shaped tomatoes with some kind of white cream (?) arrives, perfectly dressed, glistening in the light. This is not a dish; it is a revelation. I tear into the rustic bread, using it to scoop up every last drop of the tomatoes' sweet, acidic essence. This is what I came for. This is what I needed. 2. Flat Iron Steak: My steak arrives, a masterpiece of a medium-rare. The chef, a silent guardian of the grill, has walked a razor's edge with the temperature. One second more, one second less, and this would have been a catastrophe. But it is perfect--succulent, juicy, and kissed with just the right amount of garlic and oil. * Patatas Bravas: The bravas are a triumph of texture. The potatoes, a golden fortress of crispiness, crackle under my fork. The accompanying sauce arrives in a separate dish, a wise and merciful choice. It's a fine sauce, mind you, but it's not for me. My commitment to the pure, unadulterated crunch of the potato is unshakeable. I leave, a warrior victorious in my quest. This review is complete, my palate satisfied, and the ghost of the "The Punch Up" finally laid to rest. I came, I saw, I ate. And I will be back--will try the paella with black rice; it looks amazing read more

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Very nice meal. Enjoyed the ceviche, boquerónes, roasted beet salad. Sitting outside on a warm evening with a musician playing across the street was great ambiance. Staff was very pleasant and kind. read more

We had a great dinner here.The sardines are possibly the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. The Service was excellent. The restaurant beautiful. read more

We stopped by here without a reservation while on vacation and luckily, they were able to squeeze us in. The food and service were great. There were a couple of yummy specials, which we tried. It's a tapas style place so lots of interesting dishes to explore. The place was packed on a Saturday night. read more

ZuZu - Crab in filo puff pastry - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

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This is a cute little place, the food was delicious, you have to try the steak! The cocktails were unique and very tasty. This is a lively place and probably great for some drinks and a quick bite with friends. Service could've been better, main reason for the three stars. read more

ZuZu - Steak - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

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my favorite restaurant in Napa. Everything is fabulous. Food and drinks 10/10. My favorite part was the martini I ordered. Some sort of spicy martini, best I've ever had. read more

ZuZu - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

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Walking downtown today and decided to give this wonderful spot a try. I often walk by and see a lovely sidewalk patio.. reminds me of those seen often in Europe. The food was tasty and the service was amazing! I will definitely put it on our list! read more

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Absolutely everything we ordered, from the drinks to the salad and main entrees this was one of my favorite places we tried in downtown Napa! Our server was super attentive and gave us all the best recommendations. He even allowed us to have tastings of the wine so we were happy with what we chose! We had a great Girls Night Out in their patio. Well Definitely will we back! read more

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This place is on point. Damian as a waiter guided us towards a wonderful experience. Not expensive, but the meal (shared plates) are very well done. Very friendly service, very interested in ensuring our meal and experience was top notch. It was. I would recommend it for sure. I doubt we will be in NAPA ever again without attending ZUZU. The filo dough brick - stuffed with crab - amazing. Followed by the lamb chops, flank steak - The Flan was the BEST my wife has every tasted. Brilliant overall evening. We WILL be back. read more

Came here with a group of 5 on NYE. Service was decent given it was a holiday, food was okay. Best thing we had was the bread and brussel sprouts. Didn't hate it but not excited to go back. read more

ZuZu - Flat Iron Steak From Niman Ranch - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

First time. A fantastic spot for wonderful Spanish food. Easy to miss as it is sandwiched between other restaurants. We were fortunate to get a table w/o a reservation but this place is busy. Ambiance is a casual with great service. Every dish was delicious and full of vibrant and distinct flavors. An absolute must try spot. read more

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Zuzu in Napa was absolutely incredible -- 10/10 experience. Tapas are my favorite food, and this place delivered on every level. The Manchego cheese was amazing -- rich, nutty, and perfectly paired. The shrimp and skirt steak were both outstanding, cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. And the paella? Absolutely perfect. Beautifully prepared, full of depth, and easily one of the best I've had. To top it off, the bartender actually came to our table and crafted cocktails for us right there. Such a fun, personal touch that made the whole experience even more memorable. If you love tapas like I do, Zuzu is a must when you're in Napa. Incredible food, great atmosphere, and an overall amazing dining experience. read more

Visited Zuzu for lunch shortly after they opened, and it was the perfect timing--short line and we were able to order fairly quickly. The food absolutely delivered. The Zuzu paella was awesome and packed with flavor, and the prawn and mussel dish was also amazing. Everything tasted fresh and well-seasoned. Great experience overall and definitely a spot I'd come back to when in Napa! read more

ZuZu - Zuzu Paella - Tapas Bars Near Me - Napa, California

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Had a lovely evening at Zuzu tonight... 1) WREN seated us & she went out-of-her-way to be so kind & accommodating 2) TONY was our server... pleasant & helpful 3) Our Food was delicious, little gem salad & Arroz Negro Thank you for a wonderful night read more

Oh my gosh this place is amazing my husband loves paella and we ordered the seafood paella for two, you have to order it as soon as you arrive because it takes 30 minutes to cook and it is worth it!!! All the appetizers were delightful. Small bites, shareable, super fresh food. Friendly staff. Great outdoor seating read more