Zama — Restaurant in Cluj Metropolitan Area

Zama presents itself as being an upscale Transylvanian cuisine restaurant where legendary dishes are reimagined in a more contemporary form which makes everything seem exciting and worth a visit, so we instantly included it in our plans for the Christmas trip we took to Cluj-Napoca. However, it did not live up to our expectations, partly because of the unfriendly staff and seemingly disorganized kitchen and also because some of the dishes left a lot to be desired. Our main dishes were brought to our table one piping hot and the other stone cold, as if they came from different kitchens, miles apart. My partner's duck leg dish was not only cold, but tasteless. The veal goulash however was excellent and would recommend it. The île flottante (lapte de pasăre) dessert was unavailable, our server was unsure and went to check with the kitchen staff. When he returned, he snapped at us saying that we should've came in earlier for this dessert as if we were to blame for its absence. It was nowhere mentioned that this particular dessert was only available at certain hours of the day so the rude attitude was completely uncalled for. We chose the crème brûlée instead, as we overheard it being presented to the other two tables next to ours but we had no idea that we would end up getting cremă de zahăr ars (traditional Romanian caramel cream) which is indeed, more fitting with the theme of the restaurant and which was, as we found out later, thus presented in the menu. The problem here was that the server chose not to name it as such, but literally as crème brûlée which is a whole lot different dish. Besides that, it took a long time to make, even tough the restaurant was only half-full. Let's be honest, crema de zahăr ars can be done in minutes, we all know this from our childhood, my grandma, for instance, made it in a snap of her fingers. When we pointed this out to the server, he snapped at us again, saying that we were not the only ones in the restaurant who have ordered dessert. Briefly, while the location is very good-looking and in the heart of the city, my partner and I would never choose it again, especially not for a romantic couple's dinner. Each to its own taste, of course, but in our opinion, bad attitude, a cold dish and confusion as such ought not to...

Update August 2021: Since they reopened this summer, I’ve come here several times (so I gave Zama a couple of chances to prove me wrong) and I’m still disappointed to see how its management is trying so hard to make a profit out of everything - i guess they want to make up for lost time, as they’ve been closed for more than a year. I used to be a regular client in the past, so I will name a few of my inconveniences regarding the present state of things: higher prices (any soup used to be between 12-14 lei, now any of them it’s 19. Everything else is much more expensive - it used to be affordable before the pandemic and people appreciated that. It’s understandable they would raise prices, but it’s a bit exaggerated). ironically, the portions are now much smaller (as you can see in the pictures attached. 2018/ 2019 pic versus now) the quality of the ingredients used is lower than it used to be and the food doesn’t have that unique flavour anymore. “Zama de selate” is really meh and too sour. my husband ordered mamaliga in paturi and it arrived hot on the outside, cold on the inside.. after we asked the waiter, he told us it was not made on the spot (even though it’s an oven-baked polenta with cheese and sausages, it was reheated!?) This was really unpleasant for him, because this hot/cold thing usually happens when you reheat it in the microwave. :( I chose to write this review not to be a Karen and complain just for the sake of it, but because I’m really disappointed with their recent way of doing business. It used to be so cozy and welcoming, the food used to be so good - it’s such a pity. Would not recommend this restaurant unless they bring back the quality, the vibe and the taste that made Zama famous. The two stars are for the staff - they are nice and helpful.

Review from 2 years ago: My favorite place in town.

The location is very central and very easy to get. Even there is no private parking place, the is nearby a big community parking so only couple of minutes walk. Zama restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience that beautifully blends traditional Romanian and international flavors with a contemporary twist. Known for its emphasis on authenticity, the restaurant’s name itself is a nod to one of Romania’s most beloved soups – "zama," a rustic sour soup that captures the essence of Romanian comfort food.

From the moment you step into Zama, the warm ambiance and welcoming décor transport you into a dream setup, with tasteful elements of Romanian heritage subtly incorporated into the modern design. The menu is a celebration of local cuisine, featuring hearty soups, tender meats, and a variety of vegetarian dishes that cater to diverse palates. Signature dishes are prepared with remarkable attention to detail, preserving the authentic taste while elevating the presentation.

What sets Zama apart is its commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients, which is evident in the quality of each dish. The staff are knowledgeable and eager to share the stories behind the recipes, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

The drink selection, featuring regional wines and homemade brandy (țuică), perfectly complements the robust flavors of the food. Prices are reasonable, considering the quality and portion sizes, making Zama an excellent choice for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Transylvania.

Zama is not just a meal—it’s a journey into Romania’s rich culinary heritage, served with...