Zest Cafe

I had always known Zest to be the place to go and buy a good Pineapple or Coconut cake, but they also have a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and entrees for lunch and dinner. I decided to venture out there for lunch today. I really didn't expect it to be much different than any other little cafe in town. I expected some wraps, a grilled chicken salad or a turkey sandwich. Zest definitely surprised me. They have so many items on their menu that are unusual and have twist. I wanted to try them all. Items like a tortilla crusted catfish with pickled jalapeno tartar on homemade focaccia bread or a turkey burger with gouda or a balsamic roasted portabello with whipped ricotta and goat cheese spread, watercress and sundried tomato pesto. As you can see, lots of interesting choices.

They were really busy at lunchtime and I wasn't sure what to get to eat. I was impressed that the waitress took the time to help me pick something out from the menu. Especially, because she was swamped. I ended up with the pan seared salmon cake with roasted red pepper charred corn and mixed greens with rhubarb preserves. I think that I said "mmmm, this is good" about ten times during the course of lunch. Not only was it tasty, there was plenty of food to fill me up. I was stuffed. My friend got the spinach ravioli with crushed tomatoes and pine nuts. That dish got two thumbs up from him as well. Everyone's food who was sitting around me just looked delicious. I can't wait to go back and try out the soup and maybe a sandwich with the homemade focaccia. The only negative thing about them is that they don't have sweet tea on their menu. A little disappointing for me, but I guess water is healthier.

Zest also is a shop with some interesting home decorations. They had halloween decorations, plates, napkins, stationary, toys. Lots of things to look at while you wait for your table.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed Zest and I would recommend that you give it a try. It also wouldn't be a half bad place to take a lunch date.

Summing it all up....

Rating? RRRR

Cost? Tier 2

Sanitation Grade

Location and Contact Info:

8831 Six Forks Rd
Raleigh, NC 27615-2970
Phone: 919.848.4792