Za Restaurant - A Pennington, NJ Restaurant Review

Za Restaurant
147 West Delaware Avenue
Pennington, NJ
609 737 4400

Restaurant Review

This Central Jersey BYOB serves up creative, well prepared, eclectic food that has found a following of repeat diners that consider it a destination restaurant.

Located in a small strip mall, the appearance from the outside resembles little more than a shack. However, as you enter you will soon find that you are about to enjoy an unusual fine dining experience. The 32 seat dining area occupies a long narrow room, with light yellow colored walls adorned with framed prints, bright patterned chairs, and slightly smaller, closely spaced tables set with white linen and china.

If you dine in the warmer summer months, ask to be seated outside under the trellis and wisteria covered patio.

Brothers Mark and Chazz Valenza have teamed up to create a non-traditional menu that offers a variety of imaginative, tasty servings, prepared with fresh ingredients including herbs from their on-premises garden.

Za Restaurants offers a seasonal menu, However, if available, for dinner starters try the: Clams Palermo with fresh breadcrumbs, herbs, shaved baked ham and padano cheese, served with lemon and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil; or the Korean Beef Kebob with grilled beef marinated in garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and green onion.

If available, for dinner entrees try the: Chateaubriand, center cut beef filet, char grilled to medium rare served with haricots verts, garlic roasted red bliss potatoes and caramelized onion sauce; or the Porducken, sauteed duck and chicken breast wrapped in sauteed and roasted center cut pork with brandy cherry stuffing, served with haricots verts and sherry pomegranate sauce; or the Pink Padano Goat Cheese Ravioli, home made montrachet goat cheese ravioli served with sauteed cremini mushrooms and pink padano sauce.

Save room for desserts, they are sumptuous. Try the Toasted Almond Creme Brulee, French vanilla custard finished with caramelized toasted almonds; or the Chocolate Souffle, fresh baked with a side of whipped cream.

The service is professional and knowledgeable. Not recommended for children.

Note: For reservations of five or more people on Friday and Saturday evenings, there is a $50 non-refundable deposit.

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