Zabr'one — Restaurant in Howick

Have heard good things about this place and after reading the Google reviews decided to give it a try for Mother's Day. Booked a table on the 4th May (a week ahead of Mother's Day 11th May). 2 days prior received an email asking to confirm our booking which I did. On the night, we arrived on time, noticed the place was full and it looked promising. There was a waitress and a man by the entrance trying to find a seat for the couple that arrived just before us. When they were shown to their seats by the waitress... I walked up to the man (i assume he was the manager) I said hi and to which his response was to raise his pointing finger up and said "you wait one minute ok" and walked off. Wow ... RUDE. The waitress came back and I told her we had a booking for table of 6. She then started to try and usher us outside for outdoor seating. I told her I booked for indoor seating and even specified it on my booking (as we had 3 senior citizens with us that evening). She then said "yes I know but we are so full but you will still have full table service". So I asked what happened to our booking and explained that I can't have outdoor seating because it is not ideal for some of the people in our group for obvious reasons which is why I specified it on my booking. And she said "I understand that but we had people turn up just ahead of you that's why we are so full". I told her I can see it's busy however I booked for 6pm and I also booked a week in advance and even confirmed 2 days prior and reiterated to her I can't have outdoor seating for some of the people in my dinner group and asked again what happened to my booking. She then tells me to give her a minute then walks off. What was the purpose of a booking and booking in advance and even confirming our booking again via THEIR automated email system that THEY sent?!!! I also did not appreciate her tone especially since they messed up to begin with! Eventually she found us a table indoors and waved us over from across the restaurant. The service etiquette was shocking and rude within the first 5 minutes of arriving at this place. We ordered a round of drinks while we decided what meals to order. Drinks came out 15 minutes later. The martini cocktail I ordered was so potent and unbalanced it was hard to drink. Once everyone's drinks was at the table we ordered our meals at the same time and was told due to it being a very busy night, the meals will take a little bit longer. We asked how long and was told 10-15 minutes which we thought was fine and told her no problem. 55 MINUTES LATER !!!! .... our food finally started to trickle over to our table. They brought the first meal out along with another meal that wasn't ours. Then 2 minutes later, the waitress walked around the other 2 tables next to ours calling out "burgers? Burgers?" And we had to tell her I think those might be for us. All 6 meals arrived lukewarm even the pork ribs that were ironically on a hot plate was also lukewarm. We also had to ask for a side of mustard twice (even though it was asked at the time our orders were taken and she even repeated the order). 3 of the meals had some nice flavours and the other 3 were average. When my partner went to go pay the bill, the man at the register asked how our dinner was, and my partner told him it was ok, 55 minute wait was abit of a long wait for the food however and the man said yea sorry we were just very busy tonight. My partner then asked if they had been taking walk ins that evening. A waitress who was standing with them says yes and at the same time the man says no. Clearly the staff are not even on the same page which explains the poor service delivery from start to finish. Overall the dining experience was not definately not worth $286!!! Felt embarrassed for our 2 guests who were visiting from overseas and 3 out of the 6 were being celebrated for Mother's day to have such disappointing dining experience. The rudeness at the beginning was...

This place seems very over rated. Starting with drinks, $18 mocktail we'd expect a tasty drink with lots of fruits elsewhere but here it's just pale colored sugar water, couldn't finish the water melon mocktail, was like it was made with a supermarket brand cordial. Beer selection poor, didn't even bother. Pasta has a hefty price but lacking in flavor. Creamy cheese sauce in al fedo lacking in cheese. Marinara although a pleasant tomato flavor left lacking in other flavor and seafood contents esp for $37. Wagyu Burger was ok, think almost Burger fuel quality. Fries were dosed in salt like someone forgot to screw the salt lid on. Inedible and cold. Service friendly but inattentive with drink left empty for most of meal. I was able to witness the chef barking orders at the attendant with face over my food, since it had been sitting a while. Was hoping it wasn't my Burger... It was... Toilet stinks of stale urine and with the pleasure of people opening the door into the back of your head as you wash your hands. Would be nice just for a beer on a summer day on the outdoor seats. In winter it's cold, with doors open, bring your jacket. Overall, falls short of expectations. No one at the table...

Absolutely blown away by Zabr’one! This place is a hidden gem that completely exceeded our expectations. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by warm staff and an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between cozy and classy. The decor is modern with a rustic Italian twist, and if you manage to snag a table by the windows, the views are stunning—especially at sunset. It gives you that romantic, relaxed feel without being pretentious.

Every single dish we ordered felt like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. The chicken pizza was one of the best one I have ever had, that perfect char and the freshest toppings. My daughter had pasta and was still talking about it the next day. Even the bread served at the start was addictive, especially with their olive oil blend.

What really sealed the deal for us was the vibe—chilled music, the hum of happy diners, and a team that clearly loves what they do. You can tell a lot of locals come here regularly, and now we totally get why.

Zabr’one is the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer.

We are already planning...