Zuzu

​A Standout Culinary Highlight in Downtown Napa! ​We visited ZuZu while in town for the Lighted Art Festival, and I honestly wasn’t prepared for how delicious the experience would be. While we were initially a bit concerned about being seated near the door—each opening brought a rush of cold air—the food quickly made us forget the chill. ​The menu is packed with tempting options, so we just kept ordering! While everything we tried was solid (7s and 8s across the board), three dishes were absolute showstoppers (9/10): ​Roasted Spaghetti Squash: A seasonal gem that was packed with flavor. ​The Pork Chop: This was a "special," and it truly lived up to be special. ​Arroz Negro Paella: Perfectly executed and a must-order. ​We finished with the Apple Empanada and two other desserts. The Apple Empanada is a dream for apple pie lovers. While the quality is excellent, the serving sizes are smaller than expected for the price. Logistics are a breeze since there’s plenty of street parking and a garage nearby, making everything in downtown walkable. If you’re in Napa and looking for incredible shareable plates, ZuZu is a must-visit. Just be sure to make a reservation!

Food was delicious and the service was good. We were also there during lunch and because they have 2 seating areas, it wasn’t crowded. I particularly enjoyed the mussels. The sauce was delicious. My husband loved the ceviche. The paella was pretty good too.

Garrett was AMAZING!!! The food, AMAZING. Service, AMAZING!! Gem salad, spaghetti squash, flatiron steak and the potato’s (I don’t remember the name) were so amazing!! Soo delcicious! Also ordered a Leon drop rum martini that was chefs kiss 😘

First time walking around Napa downtown and we wanted to try the restaurant for awhile and it is not just all hype, the ceviche was good! The Arroz Paella is really good it's a must have, and the zuzu paella too! Will go back again!

Lovely vibe for tapas and drinks. Outdoor patio is dog friendly with heaters for cold evening. Tried a number of dishes like Asian pear salad, Chicken croquettes, Flatiron steak and Apple empanada.

Last time I had lunch here zuzu, I like the foods. It tastes good. And the service was good. Then today I came again. The foods still taste good, but the service was very poor. We had four people sit down for 5mins, then ask us " are you ready for order?" No smile, no ask for drink. There is not busy. Only one table has customers. Ok, fine I am not expect full service. But….. when there are three white people came in, and my husband go to restroom before they come. The waiter just push the chair very rude and hit my leg. First my husband still came back. Second, if the chair is blocking the way, you can push it a little bit. Also, I don’t think the chair is blocked the way because we didn’t move the chair to the middle of the way. I so curious we got this service because we are Asia?

Tapas Adventure with Dear Friends at ZuZu, Napa, California Our day in Napa with Dr. T and his wife was truly one to remember. After visiting the legendary wineries—Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, both part of the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris—we ended our afternoon with something more casual yet equally special: a stop at ZuZu, a cozy little Spanish tapas restaurant tucked in downtown Napa. The moment we stepped inside, I felt as if we had wandered into a warm bodega somewhere in Spain. The rustic interior, soft lighting, and the cheerful Spanish hostess who greeted us with a smile instantly made us feel at home. It was one of those places where conversation flows easily and time slows down—perfect for catching up with good friends. We decided to share a few tapas, keeping it light before dinner. The Ceviche arrived first—a bright mix of flounder, avocado, citrus, and jicama. That crisp, watery sweetness from the jicama really surprised me; it reminded me a little of chestnut, and I couldn’t help but rave about it. The Pear Salad, with candied bacon and a PX sherry vinaigrette, was another delightful surprise—so well-balanced and refreshing. Then came the Gambas al Ajillo, sizzling shrimp in garlic, pequin chili, and smoky pimentón. The sauce was irresistible—we wiped the plate clean with toasted bread. Since our friends had never tried Jamón, I had to introduce them to this Spanish treasure. Its deep color, savory flavor and silky texture were unforgettable. I still laugh thinking about my mistake—I initially mistook the two brown bread for slices of Jamón on the black plate! That little mix-up became the running joke of the afternoon. We ended with the Seared Pork Cheeks and Braised Tongue served with fuyu persimmons—rich, tender, and beautifully presented. By then, the wine from earlier in the day and the easy laughter around the table made everything taste even better. It wasn’t just a meal—it was one of those simple, perfect moments shared with longtime friends, surrounded by good food, good stories, and that unmistakable Napa charm. I’ll always remember that afternoon at ZuZu not just for the delicious tapas, but for the warmth of friendship that made it truly special.