Zest Cafe & Home Art — Restaurant in Raleigh

I contemplated sharing this review, but I hope that management will see this and address what happened. Today while dinning with our sweet elderly friend who has been a long time standing customer known by name in this restaurant asked us to join her at her favorite restaurant. We were addressed by the women seating the patrons of the restaurant to let us know people had left restaurant because our children were being too loud, and this restaurant was really not a restaurant for kids. I would have to say management based on their children's menu, highchairs, children's gift shop etc. this would be a restaurant friendly to children. The restaurant is next to many businesses geared specifically towards children, how could this not be a restaurant for children ?!?! We were dinning with a 3yr, 2yr, 6 month old. We specifically asked to be sat in back away from others so we didn't have to worry too much about the normal activity of toddlers. We were very disturbed by her rude, and off putting comments. I have been there many times with my children and shop there for every baby shower and holiday but now I will NOT be going back ! so sad and disappointed and frankly was so...

You know when you’re looking for a “lunch” place that looks like and feels like it specializes in lunches? This is that place. It’s light and airy inside, with a lovely shaded outdoor area, and the food is perfect for a light midday meal. I’ve only had the salads here, but for good reason. They are nicely done, high quality, and interesting. You’ll find way more variety than your standard house or Caesar. I’ve had the chicken salad with tarragon and the select salad, plus I tried the berry salad and they are all great. The chicken is severs hot and fresh on top and it’s well seasoned. The dressings are delicious and I like that they serve it with a small piece of focaccia bread. I also recommend the unsweetened raspberry iced tea. Perfect for a warm spring or (hot) summer day.

Took off one star for service because sometimes it’s a little slow. But overall this place is great for a light...

I went here for lunch, came early, around 10:35, was told the kitchen opened at 11 even though google failed to mention that. Fine. Fair point. Was impressed with the menu even though it wasn’t as simple as I expected. Took a glass of wine, gave my 5.year.old some orange juice, it was a cool morning. I tried to make the best of it. I had our dog with me, was planning to go fishing afterwards, but they failed to mention to me the food would take over 30 minutes, 2 minutes over to be exact, I am steaming because people that ordered before me were getting served before me! And I had ordered early; before 11. My dog was waiting for me, shoppers and employees alike were blaming me for abuse, and this establishment was consistently failing to mention how long this was taking. After 32 minutes I demanded a refund and left, and with a kitchen and staff that garbage, will...