Zia Restaurant — Restaurant in Rome

Zia was one of the most memorable meals I've ever had. The interior was extremely chic and servers were professional with wonderful touches of humor and charm. Even the glassware and cutlery were top notch.

I can't recall the number of courses in the tasting menu, but all-in-all, there ended up being 13 unique plates and amuse bouches as well as fantastic bread to accompany your meal. Reviewing my tasting notes, I am extremely hard-pressed to pick a favorite dish. Here were some stand-outs that I still think back on:

The pork belly in the beginning bites was absolutely to die for. No other pork fat I ate in Italy compared to the bite that melted on my tongue here.

Goat mozzarella, cherry tomato tart, and marinated kiwi. Cheese was like a water balloon that exploded with flavour. 💥 Reminded me of a cheese yolk. The tart underneath was very very crunchy + super tomato-y. Kiwi was fairly straight, didn't taste super alcoholic, but textures were very refreshing.

Chicken offal (sweetbread, kidney, glands) ravioli, dressed with juniper oil and butter. Ravioli pasta had same great bite to it. Filling was not overly gamey, but was very meaty and uncious. Juniper and butter made for very moist and seasoned outer. The seasoning was so good. 😭👍

Guinea fowl, grape leaf, and celeriac/white beet sauce. Fowl jus served in middle + caramelized fois gras on side. Fowl was unbelievably tender + moist. Delightfully crispy skin. Great flavour. Sauce was flavourful - it reminded me of cardamom. The fois gras was mixed up like pate had quince underneath it. Grape leaf added a really nice bitterness to the dish. Loved this plate. 💕

Dining at Zia was honestly such a pleasure to dine at. Plates were not overly complicated, but had a strong opinion to them. The emphasis on bitter flavours was especially interesting, since I don't encounter that often at home. Even if I didn't find a plate perfectly balanced, every bite was extremely interesting to explore and play around with. The staff were also extremely gracious and willing to answer all of my questions, even surprising me with an alternate dessert for my birthday (which was delicious like everything else).

I would revisit Zia in a...

Wow, just wow! Our trip to Rome was shaping up to be memorable, but this Michelin-star restaurant took it to another stratosphere. We’ve dined in some upscale spots before, but this experience? Unparalleled.

From the moment we walked through their doors, the warmth of their welcome was palpable. And the attention to detail? Every time a dish was presented, the staff painstakingly walked us through each element – which we both deeply appreciated. We chose the 8-course tasting menu, and while each dish was a culinary masterpiece, there were a few that left an indelible mark.

That Pork Belly Starter. When we placed it in our mouths, it was like culinary magic – melting seamlessly. The smoky aftertaste? Lingering and unforgettable.

Mozzarella Pearls! It felt as though we were tasting mozzarella for the very first time. Rich, salty, and smooth as silk.

The Eel. A symphony of flavors. Smoked to perfection with a hint of tarragon and a dash of we think date puree. Exquisite.

The pigeon was a showstopper, especially paired with that caramelized foie gras reduction.

The bread, reminiscent of autumn with its apricot and date stuffing, was a delightful surprise. And the lemon risotto? Its zesty lemon powder was the perfect palate cleanser.

Dessert Time. We thought we’d seen it all, but then came the rum baba with vanilla Chantilly cream. Divine is an understatement.

We rounded off our evening with a rich espresso, accompanied by vanilla ice cream and a cherry compote that was out of this world.

If there’s a culinary heaven, it’s probably in Rome, and this restaurant is its crown jewel. We’re both so grateful for this magical experience and will cherish these memories for years. Until next...

Creative presentation, but the flavors didn’t land – 3/5

I always appreciate the artistry and creativity that comes with Michelin-style dining, and Zia certainly delivers on that front visually. However, the actual flavors fell short for me and most of our larger group.

The dessert was overwhelmingly sweet, the seasoning on several dishes felt overpowering, and the mackerel had hard bones that got stuck — not ideal. While a few courses were okay, others were divisive, like the goat cheese ball at the start, which really split opinions at the table.

If you're looking for a "show for the show," this could be enjoyable. But if you're coming for a balanced, consistently enjoyable flavor experience, it might not be for everyone.

ZIA Restaurant was, unfortunately, one of the most disappointing dining experiences we had in Rome. It’s a clear example of how Michelin recognition doesn’t always reflect warmth, hospitality, or flavor. The multi-hour fine dining format felt forced — visually elaborate but lacking in taste from the very first dish.

The ambiance tried to be upscale, but we were seated in a dark, dungeon-like space that felt disconnected from any sense of comfort. The staff was cold and impersonal, and the overall experience lacked the genuine hospitality you expect from a memorable meal. To make things worse, the main fish entrée had inedible bones, and I had to leave mid-meal for work — something I’ve never done before — because it was that underwhelming.

ZIA has potential, but the team needs to refocus on actual flavor, warmth in service, and creating a truly welcoming...