Zouq Restaurant (Duluth) Pakistani & Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Lilburn

Title: Mixed Experience at Zouq: New Ownership and Atmosphere, but Some Disappointments

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I recently visited Zouq, the restaurant that has taken over the location previously occupied by Green Olive in Duluth. As we walked in, the alluring aroma of authentic Pakistani tandoori dishes immediately caught my attention, bringing back fond memories. The spacious dining hall offered a variety of seating options, including banquet tables and comfortable booths. While our hostess, Esha, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and provided attentive service throughout the evening, our overall experience at Zouq had its ups and downs.

Let's start with the positives. Esha, the hostess, was exceptional in every way. She warmly welcomed us, patiently answered our questions about the menu, and ensured our needs were taken care of. Her courteous and attentive service added a pleasant touch to our evening. She also informed us of their Sunday brunch from 12-3 for $14.99 per person, which offers many dishes including halwa puri.

Unfortunately, the food did not live up to our expectations. We ordered a cheeseburger with onion rings, beef nihari, beef seekh kabab, and naans. The cheeseburger was disappointing, scoring a 2/5, and the onion rings turned out to be nothing more than fried batter without any trace of onions. The beef seekh kabab was served dry and dark, indicating overcooking, which affected its taste and earned it a low score as well. The beef nihari fared slightly better with a 3/5 rating, but it lacked that certain je ne sais quoi that would have elevated the dish. On a positive note, the naan was decent, as it is usually hard to go wrong with this staple.

Moving on to the facilities, the cleanliness of the bathroom was commendable. However, we encountered some issues. The paper towel dispenser was empty, with the roll of paper towel haphazardly placed above it. Moreover, the soap dispenser on the wall was empty, and the one on the sink was not functioning correctly. These minor inconveniences were noticeable and detracted from an otherwise clean environment.

It is worth mentioning that this was not our first visit to this location. We had previously dined at Green Olive and were similarly unimpressed with the food. However, it was interesting to observe that as the evening progressed, the dining hall kept filling up, indicating that Zouq has managed to attract a customer base that enjoys their offerings more than we did.

In conclusion, our experience at Zouq had its highlights and disappointments. While the hostess, Esha, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the food fell short of our expectations. The cheeseburger, seekh kabab, and onion rings were not up to par, while the nihari was passable but lacked that special touch. The bathroom, though clean, had some issues with the paper towel and soap dispensers. We hope that Zouq will continue to improve and succeed in the future, catering to the preferences of its...

This would be my first time here and was curious to try after looking at previous reviews/pictures. My initial impression was a bit worried as visually the establishment feels like it could use a revamp in cleaning, design, color, and overall display. Cheap to put it simply, with the dining tables being one of the few things that doesn’t look cheap. There seemed to be only one person working there and he was a very nice gentleman. He was able to take my order and it took about 10-15 min to get my chicken tikka masala extra spicy and basmati rice. Will note that the food does not automatically come with rice or naan so those would have to be ordered separately if you want to include it. While waiting, the nice gentleman offered some chai while I waited so I had a bit. It was offered in a heated dispenser with some old table sugar shakers and a small styrofoam cup. It was nice to have but again will say it did give some cheap vibes. While I did not dine in for the buffet, it did look like the pictures from previous posts but less so. Meaning it wasn’t as full and had one or two less options offered. Now for a buffet being cheap as it is (at the time $10.99 Tues-Fri lunch only) and to have 8-10 different food options, it is not bad at all in my opinion (even with disposable serving plates/utensils). Now to the take out food I got. Visual speaking had I ordered only the chicken tikka masala, I may lean to disappointment as it didn’t look like some I have tried at other places. It was also not that spicy and pretty mild. It bit more soupy than saucy; and the color was more yellow/brown than red which doesn’t raise any alarms but was interesting. Taste was delicious and if I wanted something like this I would order it. However it was more citrus sour like taste than expected. I was definitely feeling more relieved as I did order the rice with it, then it felt much more filling and looked like it was a good quantity for how much you paid for it. Without the rice, it most likely would have felt a bit pricey for a soupy dish (At the time $9.99 chicken tikka masala and $3.99 rice). Would come again and look forward to trying other options. Tasty...

I had the most remarkable dining experience at this Indian and Pakistani cuisine restaurant, and I can't stop raving about it! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for the entire evening.

First and foremost, let's talk about the food. Wow! Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with authentic flavors and spices that transported my taste buds straight to the heart of India and Pakistan. The menu offered a delightful variety of options, and every dish I tried was a true revelation. Whether it was the tender Chicken Biryani with perfectly seasoned rice or the rich and creamy Butter Chicken that left me craving for more, each bite was a symphony of flavors. The naan bread was soft and freshly baked, and the Tandoori dishes were cooked to perfection. And don't get me started on the delectable desserts - the Gulab Jamun and Mango Lassi were the perfect sweet endings to an unforgettable meal.

What truly sets this place apart, though, is their exceptional customer service. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to make our dining experience exceptional. They patiently answered all our questions about the menu and made excellent recommendations. It was evident that they take pride in providing top-notch service, and it made our evening even more enjoyable.

The restaurant's location is also worth mentioning. It's conveniently situated in a vibrant and easily accessible area, making it a great choice for both locals and visitors. The ambiance inside was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. And I must commend their cleanliness – the restaurant was spotless, which is especially important in today's times.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable culinary journey through the flavors of India and Pakistan, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. The outstanding food, impeccable service, ideal location, and pristine cleanliness make it a gem in the culinary scene. I can't wait to return and savor more of their incredible dishes. Thank you to the entire team for a truly mind-blowing dining...