Zest Ristorante & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Siena

We would like to provide some feedback after our visit to your restaurant. When placing our order, we informed the staff that one person in our party has celiac disease, and we ordered a sharing appetiser assuming it would be gluten-free. However, the dish was served with bread on top. This was quickly corrected when we pointed it out, and we appreciate that you addressed it.

What completely ruined our experience, however, was that one of us found a large larva/maggot in her main course (risotto with mushrooms and truffle). The three of us without celiac disease had already tasted the dish, which immediately caused us to lose our appetite and leave the food untouched. We were offered dessert on the house, but after such an incident that was not really what we wanted. The guest who discovered the larva/maggot was asked if she wanted something else, but only asked for some extra water – and we had to specifically request that this be taken off the bill.

Given the circumstances, we would also have expected that the two other main courses – of which most was left uneaten – should have been taken off the bill as well, since we had all lost our appetite. We therefore left both hungry and disappointed.

We understand that mistakes can happen at any restaurant, but this was highly unappetising – especially considering that you hold a Michelin star. Unfortunately, we are left with a very disappointing...

Wandered in around 3:30 for a glass of wine because it looked like a nice place and has “wine bar” in the name. Immediately we were greeted by very rude staff. I asked if we could sit, and they said yes. After sitting, we were made to feel bad that they were closing soon at 4. I apologized and offered to leave as I did not know they were closing soon and he insisted we stay! I told our server we just wanted drinks and he said ok. A few minutes later the gentleman who seemed like maybe the owner/ manager again came over with food menus and I again stated we just want drinks. He very sarcastically told me “this is a restaurant” and made me feel bad that he asked the kitchen staff to stay open for me. I apologized repeatedly and stated I would leave with no problems. He then insisted we stay for drinks (passive aggressively). Mind you, about 5 minutes later a couple walked up and I heard them tell him they just wanted drinks and they had a pleasant response. We had 1 glass of wine and left. We’ve been traveling around Italy for 2 weeks and we have never encountered this type of attitude. I believe maybe they just don’t like Americans. Meanwhile, I kept on apologizing as I could tell we offended him, and offered to leave as to not be an inconvenience. So many other wonderful places to take your...

We visited this ristorante whilst on holiday in Tuscany on the recommendation of a friend back in the UK and we were not disappointed. The whole dining experience was delightful and relaxed. We left after our meal feeling extremely satisfied indeed. It couldn't have been better. In summary: Restaurant location: Set in the old town on a steep street near to St Catherine's, this is an excellent traditional Italian restaurant with interesting menu choices. Well appointed and lovely decor. Ambience: Classy but relaxed. Very nice ristorante to enjoy a pleasant meal either as a couple or a group Staff: Very polite, professional and extremely helpful. Attentive but not overbearing. Food: Very fresh, good quality and extremely well presented. The food tasted superb. Good selection of wines to compliment your meal. Price: Competitively priced but this is a high end restaurant exuding quality throughout so if it is a little more expensive it is justified. In my book quality costs and you only get what you pay for. Overall opinion: Beautiful food, excellent wine, attentive staff, competively priced and of the highest quality. Very highly...