Zavala Mexican Bistro — Restaurant in East Lyme

This was by far the worst experience ever. Decided to go on Cinco de Mayo so we expected them to be busy . The wait for the table wasn’t so bad about 15 minutes. The problem started as soon as we were seated. We waited at least 20 minutes ,not one person came over to say hello offer us water. nothing. I finally had to go up to the entrance and ask for a server. She comes right over we order a picture of margaritas and an appetizer. Thank god for the appetizer, we would have been sloshed without it. At the same time we also put in our entrée order. We got our margarita pretty quickly the appetizer came out rather quickly as well, and then we waited and we waited, and we waited all the tables around us were getting served. People are coming, people are going Then people were seated right next to us. They ordered their food and within minutes they received their order and my son looks at me and he says they just got our food. We didn’t say anything at least 30 more minutes goes by and now I’m getting really pissed. I asked for the owner. The guy working says he’s busy. I said I don’t care if he’s busy I want him over here now! Well he never came over But the original lady who was acting as a hostess came back over. We told her what happened and then the waitress walks over with the order that was supposed to be for the table next to us with a dumbfounded look on her face that she couldn’t believe the people already had their food. She tried to give us the food and we were like we don’t even want it now And we’re not paying for any of this and we got up and we left. I have never experienced anything like this in my life 90 minutes we were there never received our food we had to go to Burger King, in and out. Got better service there than we did at a sitdown restaurant. Pathetic. I only gave the food three stars because the nachos actually were pretty good if I could’ve gave zero stars for the service, I definitely would have. Definitely do not recommend this restaurant. 👎🏻👎🏻

I’m sorry, but your rebuttal to my review does not make up for the lack of attention and service that we did not receive last night. when I asked to see you, they told me you were too busy to come out. I’m sorry I was there 90 minutes yes 90 and all I got out of the 90 minutes was margaritas And nachos. Not one person came over to check on us. Ask if we needed anything, wonder how come we weren’t eating. So please…. I go out to a lot of restaurants. I love good service and I’m a great tipper when I get it. But last night, using Cinco de Mayo as an excuse, that was very first part of my review. Yes I know That it’s Cinco de Mayo and I expected a wait. I did not expect to be ignored when I was finally sat....

We visited Zavala for the first time last night; the owner runs several other restaurants in southeast CT including Milagro’s in Stonington, which we love.

The ambience was good, Mexican music playing in the background and, unlike so many restaurants, the noise level was low and manageable - we could talk without lip-reading or shouting. Tables were set a reasonable distance apart from one another.

The service was excellent - we had made a reservation and were seated right away upon our arrival, having the choice of the dining room or the bar, we chose the dining room. The waiter was polite, efficient, and attentive. We both had margaritas which were delicious - fresh and not over-sweet like many ‘house’ margaritas can be. The salsa and chips - of course a basic staple at Mexican restaurants - were a notch above: the salsa was fresh and not over-spiced, and the chips were both fresh and hot. They really were the best we’ve ever had.

For our mains, we had the veggie enchilada casserole and the beef burrito. They were both outstanding; there is a high-end restaurant in the area that serves a similar casserole and this was far better.

Zavala is now a go-to place for us even though it’s a 20-minute drive. Highly recommended, we’ll...

Our many dining experiences at Zavala Mexican Bistro in East Lyme have been nothing short of exceptional. Having lived on the west coast and traveled extensively in the southwest, we have tried nearly every Mexican/southwest restaurant in central and southern CT and Zavala checks off every box....wonderfully attentive staff, happy to explain the well presented menu, with fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and to-die--for chunky guac and house made chips....400+ crafted tequilas that can be added to a freshly made citrus mix for a perfect marguerta....just the beginning to a traditional, yet signature offering of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas (all freshly made to order with incredible and original sauces)...my favorite entree is the spinach/mushroom enchilada, presented casserole style in a cast iron skillet, bubbling right out of the oven....just the right balance of heat (mild) and flavor . And you must save room for dessert.... chocolate stuffed churros are simply exquisite. I'm telling you ..no one does it better... Tucked away in the corner of a small plaza...I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by this gem of...