When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
ZINO
Why ZINO is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ZINO offers an interesting intersection of services, primarily known for its Italian restaurant and also branching into moving services under Zino Movers. The restaurant side of ZINO is rated 4.0 stars based on 162 reviews, suggesting a generally positive reception among its patrons. It is depicted as a great place to meet up with friends, offering a cozy ambiance that can accommodate both casual and formal gatherings. Guests appreciate the lively environment and the opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, which makes it a popular spot for social dining. The restaurant reportedly has friendly and attentive management and staff, which adds to a welcoming atmosphere. On the other hand, Zino Movers offers a professional moving experience, highly praised for its attentive customer service, efficient and careful handling of belongings, and smooth overall moving process. This complementary service broadens ZINO’s appeal beyond just dining, providing a practical life service trusted by customers. Overall, ZINO’s dual presence in the restaurant and moving industries creates a unique business profile that meets diverse needs—from a pleasant meal with friends to hassle-free moving support.
Here's what people think of ZINO
As of recent, ZINO holds a 4-star rating based on 162 reviews.
User reviews for ZINO's Italian Restaurant display a mix of experiences, leading to its 4.0-star rating from 162 reviews. Positive feedback highlights a wonderful owner, great management, and an engaging environment where guests can enjoy attentive service. Employees share that the workplace had valuable learning opportunities and a supportive atmosphere, despite some operational challenges. However, the restaurant also faces criticism, including an alarming review describing problematic behavior related to workplace culture, which may affect perception. Customer reviews of Zino Movers are very positive, emphasizing excellent customer service, careful packing, professionalism, and a stress-free moving experience. Customers find the moving team thorough and efficient, making them feel well-supported throughout their relocation. The contrast in reviews shows that while the restaurant side has some inconsistencies, the moving service maintains a strong reputation. Overall, ZINO is seen as a business with varied feedback but with notable strengths worth considering, especially for those interested in either Italian dining or reliable moving assistance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anju Menon
Never in my life have I had a vegetable omelette like this! I’ve dined all over the country and internationally, but this experience was disappointing. First off, the waitress seemed stressed, incompetent and unhelpful. After waiting over 40 minutes for the food, I had to ask about the delay, only to be told there was a mix-up, and they were trying to make it as quickly as possible. Not once did the waitress apologize for the mistake. Instead, another woman, who appeared to be in charge, offered an apology. When the omelette finally arrived, I was shocked. It looked like a stinking mess, veggie omelette looked like vomit! The avocado toast was just cold toast with sliced avocado and some greens thrown on top – no effort at all. Additionally, there was no salt or pepper on the table, and no sauces were provided. We had to ask for hot sauce, and the ketchup arrived just as I was finishing my potatoes. I didn’t even touch the omelette, and the hostess was kind enough not to charge me for the inedible meal. Despite the issues, I left no tip because the service and food quality were far below expectations. It’s a shame, as this place has potential, but I won’t be returning anytime soon.AVOID! I dined at La Note near by for brunch and that is where you need to eat! Stay away from this one!
Jules C (popmonkey)
Creative riffs on cocktail classics. Tasty food dishes. Friendly and attentive staff. Keep in mind this is a large, kinda fancy, "safe choice" hotel restaurant. While the dishes have a Mediterranean angle, this is not the place that would come to mind if someone said "let's get some Mediterranean food".
Steve Uscio
The service is fantastic. The Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their foods. Coffee is the best and they are proud they serve San Francisco Peerless Brand Coffee. I am a huge fan now of this delicious and bold tasting coffee. The food is good. The breakfast menu is limited. They are fast with their service and the food is hot. I look forward to trying their dinners. Reasonably priced and a Mediterranean cuisine. I give the bar a Five Star hands down for their epic drinks 🍸 Marlon is the supervisor and he has many Specialty crafted Cocktails. Great service and friendly staff.
Taha Bahadori
The waitresses are the main problem at this place. They look like they deserve better than working here and treat you like you are bothering them. It took more than 1 hour to bring breakfast to the room. So, we did not tip them. Then, we found hair in the food and asked them to bring new one. The new check had service charge in it to force us to tip them.
Ry Dunn
Everything about this place is absurd. It took far too long to be seated, with three individuals waiting to dine alone and multiple employees briskly pacing by smiling and ignoring us. I’ve worked in many restaurants and this was hardly a busy one. I finally got a seat at the bar and it took another 10 min just to get a menu. Then I had to stop a server in her tracks to place my order and she seemed completely bemused. I ended up getting something I didn’t ask for (a salmon bagel instead of the salmon Benedict). I ate it without at first realizing. the thing had zero flavor. or rather, it tasted only of pickled onions. By the time i realized it was not what I ordered after going over to the host stand and reading the description, I had finished it. they said it’s a common mistake (so mistakes are common here??) , and she took my cappuccino (which was absolutely disgusting) off my bill. Forgot to mention that 2 eggs any style costs $21. Even in this economy with the price of eggs that is an absurd price, especially for how unremarkable the service is.
How to reach ZINO
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Website: None
Why ZINO may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ZINO with your friends? Whether you're looking for a casual spot to unwind or a lively venue to spark up fun and connection, ZINO offers a great balance that makes it an ideal meetup destination. With a solid reputation reflected by a 4.0-star rating from over 160 reviews, ZINO is recognized for delivering enjoyable experiences to its patrons. The place welcomes groups with its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, creating a comfortable backdrop to catch up, share laughs, and make memories. The staff’s attentiveness ensures your group feels well taken care of, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. If you want a locale where food, service, and social vibe come together harmoniously, ZINO stands out as a dependable choice. Rallying here means enjoying quality time in a place known both for its decent food and friendly service, putting everyone in the right mood for a good time.
What activities can you enjoy at ZINO for a group meetup? ZINO’s setting provides more than just a meal; it offers a comprehensive experience suited for groups seeking varied activities. Dining is naturally the centerpiece, with a menu featuring pasta dishes, sandwiches, pizza, and more, allowing everyone in your group to find something appealing. Their portions are generous, and many find the food satisfying, making it easy to share and try different items across the table. Besides eating, the casual atmosphere encourages mingling and conversations without the pressure of formal settings. The staff is prompt with refills and attentive to cleanup, helping keep your gathering smooth and nonstop. For celebratory occasions or just casual roasts with friends, the place accommodates a lively ambiance that allows for socializing beyond merely eating.
Why is ZINO particularly perfect for group meetups? One standout feature of ZINO is its ability to host groups with ease. The space is designed to accommodate gatherings either large or small, providing an accessible and welcoming environment. Guests have praised the restaurant for good value and generous servings, which is key when feeding a crowd and keeping things budget-friendly while not sacrificing quality. The diverse menu helps ease the challenge of catering to different dietary preferences within a group, ensuring everyone feels included. Moreover, the place maintains a pace that balances activity and relaxation—you can engage in hearty conversations, enjoy your food, and feel comfortable over a long sit-down without rush. This hospitable vibe makes ZINO a natural choice whenever you want to rally a crew or host a friendly get-together.
What is the food and service quality like at ZINO? Food reviews for ZINO lean generally positive, with many diners enjoying the variety offered and portions large enough to satisfy different appetites. Frequent menu highlights include well-made pasta dishes and sandwiches, praised for taste and freshness. The service typically earns good marks too, with staff known for being prompt in refilling drinks and attentive in clearing dishes, which allows groups to focus on socializing rather than waiting on service. While some reviews mention inconsistency, the majority reflect a solid experience overall, with many customers returning for lunch or dinner. The balance of decent food with good service creates a dependable setting for groups who want to enjoy a meal without fuss.
How does the atmosphere at ZINO support group socializing? The ambiance at ZINO is described as lively but comfortable, fostering easy conversation among friends and family. There’s enough background buzz to energize your gathering without overwhelming it, making it easier to stay connected with your group. The restaurant’s layout encourages flexibility, with tables arranged to suit different group sizes and private gatherings. Attentive staff and timely service contribute to uninterrupted interaction time, which is especially important for groups. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple catch-up, ZINO’s atmosphere supports a relaxed yet upbeat mood that enhances social experiences.
What makes ZINO stand out compared to other meetup spots? ZINO’s consistent rating affirms a reliable customer experience, which is key when planning group outings. The combination of a varied menu, reasonable prices, and considerate service offers great value. Unlike more formal dining spots, ZINO’s casual environment reduces pressure on the group to conform to strict dining norms, allowing for spontaneity and more natural interactions. Its reputation for promptness and accommodating food preferences makes it less stressful to organize larger gatherings. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a casual weekend outing, ZINO’s balance of food quality, service, and ambiance sets it apart as a solid choice for anyone wanting to meet friends or family in a welcoming setting.
How can ZINO accommodate special group needs or occasions? ZINO’s staff are known to be fairly attentive, which benefits groups with specific requests or requirements. While the venue balances casual dining with decent service, it’s adaptable enough to cater to food preferences across various tastes and dietary restrictions. This flexibility supports occasions ranging from casual meetups to small celebrations like birthdays or reunions. Although it may not offer private event spaces or elaborate party services typical of larger banquet halls, ZINO provides a friendly and informal setting suited for meaningful group connections. The ability to customize orders and receive prompt service ensures groups can enjoy their time without concern for logistical hiccups.
In what ways is ZINO convenient for group meetings? Location convenience and ease of access often make or break the choice of where to meet. ZINO is situated in a spot accessible enough to draw local friends and family alike, reducing travel hassle and encouraging attendance. The restaurant’s openness to accommodating walk-ins and reservations benefits groups planning meetups on varying schedules. Promptness in service further enhances convenience by keeping the event flowing smoothly without long waits. For those looking to combine socializing with satisfying, reasonably-priced meals, ZINO’s blend of factors makes it an easy pick.
What are the overall customer impressions of ZINO? While every establishment will receive a range of reviews, ZINO’s 4.0-star rating from 162 reviews suggests a generally positive consensus. Many guests appreciate the portion sizes and variety, along with service staff who are helpful and attentive. Some reviews point out inconsistencies in food or service, but these are outweighed by frequent compliments about good food and a pleasant atmosphere. The balance between positive feedback and constructive criticism indicates a place that is dependable for casual group meetups though perhaps less suited for those seeking fine dining or absolute perfection. This realistic and favorable impression makes it a dependable choice for friends or family gatherings.
Why choose ZINO over other dining options for meetups? Choosing ZINO means opting for a straightforward and satisfying experience that doesn’t complicate socializing. For groups, this can be refreshing—good food that caters to diverse preferences, accommodating service which facilitates comfort, and an inviting atmosphere all come together without fuss. Unlike places that might be too formal or too chaotic, ZINO strikes a middle ground appropriate for any age group or occasion. When the goal is simply to spend enjoyable quality time with friends and family over a nice meal, ZINO is a dependable place to rally and create good memories. Its solid rating and customer loyalty demonstrate a track record of making group gatherings both pleasant and stress-free.