La Ziza Lebanese cuisine and hookah lounge — Restaurant in Clifton

This place was AWFUL, don't waste your money!

I've never had such terrible service at a hookah lounge before, and my friends and I have been pretty much everywhere in the NY/NJ area. The hookah was barely cleaned, and the smoke tasted like ash after only a couple minutes. The guy going around with new coals must have taken a break or something because he didn't show up for about half an hour after that.

Plus our waitress had a TERRIBLE attitude and kept trying to pressure us into buying more food and dessert even though we'd already eaten.

Even the guy sitting next to us asked the manager politely for a new head because the flavor was different from usual, but instead of doing that and then greeting customers he argued with the guy for 25 min!!! I guess the bad attitude here is trickle-down.

Also I've never seen a place with $20/person minimum on weekdays... we were a large party and assumed throwing down well over $100 plus a decent tip would be enough DESPITE the terrible service but they had to go and get petty with the pricing.

Such a disappointment because this had been suggested by friends in our group, and even they were surprised at how bad it's gotten, but tbh I was really getting the vibe that certain customers were preferred over others, can't be sure it was a race thing, but I'm not sure how else to account for it?

The decor was TACKY, like something you'd find in a bachelor pad of a guy who's got $20 and 20 min before bringing a date home. It's a good thing the lights were dim, because the curtains were old and faded, the booths were backed by these cheap looking pleather headboards, and no joke - there were rocks and flowers in the sink... not glass marbles or decorative polished rocks, just actual rocks from the back yard.

And finally- though certainly not least- this place is a tragedy waiting to happen. They've got hot coals on the hookahs just inches from the old tablecloths on every table. I'm not sure there would be any way to get people out in time if something were to catch fire, and I'm not...

As soon as we got upstairs for dinner on Father's Day, the music was very, very loud. Politely asked for the music to be lowered, waited said ok. Music didn't get turned down, politely asked again. Again, music was never lowered. Then, the music got turned up even higher, our chairs were vibrating, the drinks in our cups were shaking. My fiancee unplugged the speaker near us. A worker came out, enraged, and asked, 'what our problem was'. We explained that we politely asked for the music to be turned down, twice, that we have a baby, and a law enforcement officer with hearing damage. The worker didn't acknowledge any of our concerns, and just said, "don't touch the speakers". We asked for 4 glasses of water with lemon. The waiter came back with four bottles of water. I again said that we ordered 4 GLASSES of water with lemon. Waited said that there was water trouble with the town for the last few days and that they would serve us tap water but they don't reccomend it. If there was any sort of real issue with the water, they wouldn't be allowd to serve it or use it at all. Therefore, they were just trying to charge for bottled water. Service was very slow, was hard to get the waiter at all, but he made sure that he was takong care of his customers that were ordered hookah. When I asked for the check, I had to walk up to him by the kitchen because I couldn't get him on the floor. The check was wrong, we were charged for things we didn't order. He went back to redo the check, same items were on the check. He then had to get the manager to fix his mistake. Stood there for a total of 10 minutes while it was all fixed. The only thing good about this place was the food. It's a shame that the poor customer service, very loud environment, and rude workers ruin the place. They seemed to treat Arabic customers very well Our table was not Arabic so, it was quite obvious that we were recieving lesser service. We were very turned off with everything that happened and will...

La Ziza - Clifton, NJ: A Culinary Gem Worth Every Bite

La Ziza in Clifton, NJ, is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the Middle Eastern culinary experience you're about to enjoy. The décor strikes a perfect balance between elegance and authenticity, setting the stage for a truly memorable meal.

The menu at La Ziza is a masterful blend of traditional and modern Middle Eastern flavors. Every dish is crafted with care and precision, showcasing the freshest ingredients and vibrant spices. Their hummus is the creamiest I’ve ever tasted, and the freshly baked pita bread pairs with it beautifully. The mixed grill platter is a showstopper—juicy, tender meats grilled to perfection with a smoky, charred finish that bursts with flavor.

Vegetarians and vegans are also well-catered for, with a variety of dishes that highlight the natural flavors of vegetables and legumes. The falafel is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned impeccably.

What truly elevates the experience is the exceptional service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring you have the best dining experience possible. They are happy to guide you through the menu, recommend dishes, and accommodate dietary preferences.

La Ziza also excels in creating a family-friendly yet sophisticated vibe. Whether you're there for a casual meal, a special occasion, or even catering, they consistently deliver excellence.

Don’t forget to finish your meal with their kunafa or baklava—sweet, flaky, and utterly divine. Pair it with a cup of their traditional mint tea for the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal.

La Ziza is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine and hospitality. If you're in Clifton, NJ, or the surrounding area, this is a must-visit destination. Five stars...