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Zola New World Bistro Reviews List
Zola New World Bistro
Zola New World Bistro offers contemporary cuisine, an award winning wine list & exceptional service.
See more Zola New World Bistro details
58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(28)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(39)
- special occasion(38)
- romantic(29)
- notable wine list(26)
- neighborhood gem(25)
- hot spot(11)
Zola New World Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the food in this restaurant. If you want something different and fantastic, this is the place to go!!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The best downtown.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The best in the downtown State College area. Very good food well presented by skilled servers. Extensive wine list fairly priced. Energetic noise level. The best tables are in the window area. RGinTally"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good for State College
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went into this expecting a bit more, but still felt that we had a good experience. Coming from DC, I guess I'm spoiled now. They're on the right track for a number of things, but just couldn't execute to make this place superb."
Dined on 4/26/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
the guide michelin at state college
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the guide uses a category of 'worth a detour' when talking of its best restaurants. my wife and i atet at zola's by happenstance once on driving between nyc and toronto. twice, now we have detoured: great cuisine, inventive, substantial, great sauces, the whole nine yards and a modest cellar with some real finds in it. if you're within driving distance and need to put your head down for the nite state college has all the charms of an old univesity town and it has zola."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I DID NOT EAT AT ZOLA ON 4/26/13.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I DID NOT EAT AT ZOLA ON 4/26/13. MY RESERVATION IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR 5/3/13. PLEASE STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT! I DID NOT MAKE A RESERVATION FOR 4/26 WHICH YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW BECAUSE IF I DIDN'T SHOW FOR A RESERVATION YOU WOULD HAVE EMAILED ME TO ASK ME WHY. MY RESERVATION NEEDS TO BE ON 5/3/13."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
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Review 6 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great experience every time!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I do not know of anyone who has not enjoyed eating at Zola! The food is fabulous, the ambiance great, but it is a bit pricey, unless you go for lunch during the week, during which it is very reasonable. I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food service was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food service was so so."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The tasting menu is delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We got the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. It was very delicious. The beef wellington (6th) might have been a little overcooked. But everything else was quite good and the lamb chops (3rd) and asparagus with a fried egg and asparagus soup (5th) were outstanding.
Each of the wine pairings were interesting went quite well with their meals and a delicious ice wine came with dessert."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't waste your money
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"With few great food options in State College, Zola in the past has been a bright spot for good food when visiting Penn State.
However, on our last trip on 4/19/2013, our dining experience was extremely disappointing because the food was poorly seasoned and extremely bland. All four diners had an issue with their meals, and two diners were fairly easy to please teenagers. At best, the food was mediocre, but with the hefty price tag and the lack of attention to the food's preparation, this restaurant is out of touch with what fine dining means. There is no way that anyone in the kitchen at Zola's could have tasted the food being server. It's disappointing. I will not be returning to Zola's again for dinner."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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Review 10 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ever since our daughter became
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ever since our daughter became a student at Penn State we have had dinner here at least twice a year. The food is delicious and the service is fine. The service tends to become less focused on you towards the end of your meal. But I recommend Zolas to everyone I know looking for a great restaurant in State College, we have never had anything but an acceptional meal!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dissappointed
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been to Zola' several times but were quite dissappointed with the quality of the food this time. The lamb was tasteless, the Calamari salad was frozen and deep fried and the chocolate croissant tasted as though it had been microwaved."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
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Review 12 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful dining in State College!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined at Zola's during a recent parent's weekend at Penn State. Wanted special occasion dining and Zola's certainly fit the bill. Service was prompt and friendly. The dining room and particularly the enclosed patio room are elegant and sufficiently roomy. Each dish we tried was outstanding, the only exception being the prosciutto wrapped shrimp appetizer that came with an strong tangy sauce that overwhelmed the dish a bit. We were too full for dessert so I can't comment. Perhaps a little overpriced but overall a fine choice among the somewhat limited State College high end dining options Would definitely return and would highly recommend Zola's to others if they are looking for a great meal in a lovely setting in Stats College!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Filet, melts in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious Filet, melts in your mouth."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We came on a Monday night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We came on a Monday night for our Anniversary (and got engaged later that evening). The service was above par and we really appreciated our waiters education and attention to detail. We will continue to go back for special occasions. This was our third time going, and you haven't failed us yet!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
food was excellent besides
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food was excellent besides they were out of oysters on the half shell which i was looking forward to. The service we friendly but our food took a long time to come out. I would have preferred less wait time between each course. other wise everything else was amazing."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was tasty and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was tasty and the place was clean. Our server was courteous. I would say that I was disappointed that a few of the entrees were already not available, as it was only 7pm."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place is by far the bes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is by far the bes restaurant in State College, great seletion on organic foods and fish options, outstanding!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is the best restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is the best restaurant in the PSU area. The food is very creative and very well prepared. The bar is very nice as well."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service. Zola's stands up to the test of time."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic dinner before the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic dinner before the theater. The food had a unique flare that was served at an enjoyable pace. Definitely would return and would recommend."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 21 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A very busy night but service
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A very busy night but service was unremarable and both our steaks were under done. Also wine prices are too high. Not sure this will continue to be our special place to go."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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Review 22 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful food and ambience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Zola's exceeded our expectations! The food was delicious and the daily specials unique. I ordered the braided beef with mushroom crepe with fried shallots and roasted Brussels sprouts and it was superb. Even the wine I ordered by the glass was outstanding. Best meal we've had in the area by far! Service was excellent as well."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, very nice wine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, very nice wine list, food is awesome. The french toast dessert is heaven. Best restaurant in State College."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excllent experience. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excllent experience. Good atmosphere for a private get together, though there was an art reception with lots of teens.
There is always too much food and since I was staying in a hotel, I could not take it with me."
There is always too much food and since I was staying in a hotel, I could not take it with me."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 25 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I went for my birthday dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and I. Its very romantic, and prices are great. Its the nicest restaurant in State College, and yummy. The creme brûlée is great!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Zola New World Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We asked for a quiet table
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We asked for a quiet table away from noise, and we were stuck right in the middle of the crowded room. There were several corner tables available when we were seated. Loud ambiance and difficult to talk to your date. We will return but not on a weekend evening, but when it is less busy."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zola New World Bistro
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic