Downhome Goes Uptown is our food concept that takes down home dishes made with loving hands and raises them to a fun and surprising sophistication level. It takes intensely flavored ingredients and combines them in creative ways using the imaginative techniques worthy of big-city chefs.
Downhome Goes Uptown is also a service concept that means everyone who comes to Zest! is treated with the welcoming friendliness rooted in the warm hospitality of Valerie’s southern family heritage.
"As a bit of a burger connoisseur, I was anxious to try the "Three-Napkin Burger." The burger received the highest rating from Indianapolis monthly and, yep!, it's a decadent burger. You can order it medium (standard) or medium well. I opted for medium well and settled in with the homemade chips and an iced tea. The burger was substantial, made as ordered and a delight. The homemade chips are awesome. The iced tea was also terrific and our server maintained refills. There's even a small wheelchair ramp to ensure complete access. Very good food, fantastic service, and decent ambience. "Zest" feels "trendy" and offers a small outdoor dining area. Drink selection is solid and both drinks/food offer some local choices."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This was a wonderful place - we had a wonderful dinner, great drinks and then shut the bar side of the restaurant down later that evening. In total we spent 6 hours at Zest and it was a wonderful evening. Highly recommend this place for any occasion - great date place! Reservation recommended. The bar side is very cool/hipster and a great compliment to the restaurant side. Will definitely go back!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"I feel that the reviews of Zest! that I have read were very generous. Everything; food, service, ambiance was all fair at best. I particularly did not like the area by the front door. I felt like I was in a garage at a cookout."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
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"While the menu is somewhat limited in choices, the choices are not what you would see in most restaurants. The food was very good and the portions were of a good size. The service was good and the wine list has enough choices to make anyone happy."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Loved the food, hated the cramped seating in the room we were in. Next time we will ask for a different table, but I can't wait to go back and sample more of this interesting menu."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Food never disappoints. Loved the appetizer and main course. The dessert was outstanding. Our server, while polite and knowledgable, was a bit slow. The evening was probably 30 minutes longer that normal."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We arrived on time for a 6:00 pm reservation and were promptly seated and given water. That was the last we saw of a waiter until we got up and left at 6:30. In a room of nine tables only three were occupied. It wasn't like they were busy or couldn't see us. I felt very sorry for my date but it was too late the evening was spoiled."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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"Fantastic !!! I have been telling friends about I t everysence I went there !!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Our service was slow and not very attentive. Our appetizers came out separately with a long wait in between. One of our friends only received part of her dinner until we asked. 3 of the 6 of us really liked their dinner and the other 3 were just ok with it. I will not rush back to this restaurant."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
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"My fiance and I wanted to check Zest! out because we had seen it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and were going to be in the area. The food was amazing; I had the award-winning 3-napkin burger and it was probably one of the best burgers I've had in a while. My fiance had the Baja Tacos and also said she enjoyed them. After jokingly asking if we could meet Guy Fieri, we were actually able to meet head chef Valare. Very nice lady and it was cool getting to talk with her for a few minutes. A little pricier than I normally do, but it was worth it. Great place!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Fun, eclectic vibe. Excellent wait staff. Ordered the 5 hour braised short rib which unfortunately was pretty fatty. Served with rather taste-less greens and polenta. My wife ordered the stuffed poblano pepper which was very good as were the tomato bon bons. Two for three. We will return."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This time around the experience was disappointing. I don't think they had enough staff. Lots of waiting between interaction with the staff. We were there probably 20 minutes before we got drinks (maybe longer). They absolutely vowed we would be out in 90 minutes to meet our showtime; we were not. Can't say after this trip I would recommend unless you had no other plans. Everyone at our table was impressed with their food choice, however."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
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"Visited Zest for lunch. Great atmosphere, service and food - pom frites, fish tacos and veggie burger. The margaritas were surprisingly tasty, however the Bloody Mary was rather bland and watery lacking the "punch" expected - it would have benefited by adding at least a celery stick and rimming the glass with some interesting spices. Don't want to dis the restaurant over one marginal cocktail, but given how well everything else was presented, it made an impression. And we'll be back."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"My sister and I decided to try Zest before a show at Clowes Memorial Hall. Neither of us had tried it before. We arrived and were seated promptly due to the reservation. Each room is very different in the restaurant which makes it neat. My sister ordered their burger and I ordered the shrimp BLT and we both got the mac and cheese. All of our food was delicious. The Mac and Cheese is outstanding! GET IT! We then got dessert and we ordered the S'Mores. This is also a very fun and enjoyable dessert that we highly recommend! We both would go back in a second! Thanks!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"We all ordered the grilled wedge salad, made with romaine instead of iceberg. It had a wonderful smoky flavor. I had the "fried" chicken entree with rosemary polenta. The chicken was very tender and flavorful, and I liked the subtle rosemary flavor of the polenta. It was our first trip to this restaurant, and we will definitely return."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"I have been there twice before and would recommend for brunch but the dinner menu was over complicated, trying too hard to be original--everything we ordered except the filet was flavor piled upon flavor. Frankly if what you want is steak there are other places. I ordered the short ribs and the bone on my plate was the size of my fore arm. I felt like Fred Flintstone! Food arrived lukewarm. The vanilla bean cake was dry and tasteless. The server was gracious."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
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"Zest menu is very creative. It is typical of the type of dishes you see at many restaurants in Chicago. The menu is very large so everyone can find something. I like the small/medium plate type menus so everyone can share. The waiter told me they are known for their breakfast so I will come back soon."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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"Fantastic, original,unique and beautiful cocktails.There were three of us and the most outstanding choice was the short ribs with the tacos a delicious second. We were surprised that with the "Best Burger in Indy" as a choice, that they won't prepare it to medium-rare."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable for evening dining. Service was friendly and efficient. Would definitely return to try other dishes. Meals were reasonably priced.Extensive "spirits" and wine list!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I have read a lot about this restaurant in magazines and the newspaper, but I didn't enjoy the food as I thought I would. Good flavor and the portions were great, but it just wasn't up to it's reviews."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Dined on a Thursday night, service was friendly and attentive. Food was fresh and timely served. Highly recommend the braised goat cheese appetizer and the sea salt caramel brownies."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We have dined here before and were thoroughly impressed with both the food and service. Not one thing was bad. This time however was a totally different experience. The food was so-so. I ordered the Pork Oso Buco and it was dry and not very flavorful. There was no marrow either. My wife had the Shrimp and Grits and it was not fantastic either. For desert we ordered the vanilla cake with strawberries and chocolate ganache. Was again not spectacular and very dense. There were two large pieces of the cake but only one had topping. Not even sure why the second one was there. Overall I'm glad this was not my first experience here our I would probably never go back. Service was the saving factor here tonight."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"Our whole party was VERY pleased with this find! I have (and will continue to) shared with everyone, and we are already making plans to come back again! Very unique menu items that were all delicious, this was a one-of-a-kind dining experience!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Zest is "On the list". We eat there on 3/9 and the food was Outstanding.... Tim had the Best burger in Indy, and he believed it was. Tammy had another burger with the smoked goose something and really enjoyed it. I had the pot roast and loved it. The menu is diverse and covers a wide range of prices, burgers to filets, $8 to $32. Excellent value. The Cherry Pie was to die for. Make sure you order it when place your initial order."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"I'm a vegan so it's really hard for me to go out to restraunts and find things that i can actually eat. I loved this place bc it had more vegetarian/vegan items than anywhere that i have ever been. The food wads reasonably priced. The portions were huge and it was absolutely delicious!!! The drink menu is also huge for liquor drinkers :) it's a great place for any occasion or with anyone."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Excellent food. Most gourmet restaurants give tiny portions but Zests makes sure their food is filling.
I wish they would fill the rear tables first because they have better ambiance (dimmer romantic lighting- it was valentines day). We were placed right by the door with no one else seated in the room- so it was a little weird."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"I had tomato bon bons as an appetizer: heaven in your mouth, amazing combo of divine flavors. Then I had the V Spot for dinner, which was even more mind-blowing--quite an aria of flavors. I highly recommend that. The fries with the truffle aoili were fantastic. I really loved this place. Great food!"
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Our server didn't offer any suggestions about the menu, even though she knew we had never been there. Our food arrived cold. She took it back to heat it, but did not apologize. The food had good flavor and presentation.
We were given a special drink to taste, "on the house", but never was asked our opinion of the "test" drink.
All in all, the service was a problem."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We weren't sure about coming here for a special dinner, given that the descriptions for this restaurant usually center around brunch and lunch. However, the dinner entrees were delicious, fresh, and unique! We took home leftovers to enjoy for lunch the following day. I wasn't sure which wine I wanted, and obtaining a couple of samples was no problem at all. We will definitely come back to Zest. Perhaps we will try brunch or lunch next time, but dinner will be hard to top."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This was our second visit, and I was again amazed at how incredible the food was. I highly recommend the Chicken and Waffles, as well as the Pot Roast Sundae. AMAZING."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"Zest is our favorite "gal pal" place. The food is amazing, the service is always good and we never feel like we're rushed....and not too noisy so good place for catching up."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Always one of my favorites, but they really need to work on service in the front... Hostess staff is typically less than friendly when they get busy (even for those of us with reservations)"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This charming Broadripple restaurant has delicious food and friendly service. On the walls, there are large, colorful pieces of art that really brighten the space. Two of us had a vegetarian chile rellenos which was delightful, and I think, one of their signature dishes. The short ribs (actually one long rib) were scrumptious, too. Next time we'll try to make room for desert."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Zest was amazing and the staff was great. I ordered a drink and did not like it so the waitress brought me out something else without question. The food is fun and delicious. The local artist paintings are great to look at too."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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