Zozo's Ristorante — Restaurant in Reno

My wife and I have been eating at Zozo's for over 20 years. We had even gotten to know the previous owners and some of the staff. To me, one of the indications of a really good and well run restaurant is staff turnover. Restaurant work is hard work and staff turnover is an issue for almost every restaurant. When you see many of the same people working at the same place for many years, that place is doing it right. Taking care of their customers and good care of their staff. So when the previous owners told us they were selling the business, we were sad to see them leaving and worried about what would happen to one of our favorite restaurants. I am pleased to say that the quality of the food is still excellent and the prices on the menu do not appear to have been changed. My wife had her usual mushroom ravioli and chicken. I had the ribsteak special with horseradish mashed potatoes. My wife said that her ravioli was as good as ever, maybe even a bit better. My steak came out more on the medium side of medium rare. It was still tender and had a good flavor. I would have liked a bit more horseradish in the potatoes. The tiramisu is still the best in town. I don't know if the back of the house has changed, but it's still doing a good job with the food. It is the front of the house that seems to have had the most change. We called and made reservations. I know that even a weeknight can still be busy. The hostess could not find our reservation. She asked if we knew who we talked to. We did not. She left for a few minutes, came back and took us to a table. I think the young man that was our waiter has minimal dinner house experience. We had to ask about the dinner specials and for the bottle of wine we ordered to be brought out. Overall, I rate the service as adequate were it previously was excellent. We did not recognize anyone up front. Maybe it was a night off for the experienced staff? I hope so. They have opened up a room that was previously only used for large groups for more regular seating. Nice to have more tables available. On the downside, there was a lot of background noise making it difficult to have a quiet conversation. I admit that we had become more than a little spoiled. Knowing the owners and some of the staff. But one of the previous owners was always there greeting every guest as they came in. Was the hostess that greeted us an owner? I don't know. I guess if we see her again the next time we go there, maybe we will ask. In my humble opinion, from having worked in restaurants in my youth, the difference between a successful fine dinner house and just another restaurant that changes hands every few years before it goes away, is how involved the owners are. For an owner that stays in the office, it's just a business. For an owner that is out front and/or working in the back every night, it is a passion. I am old enough that I am starting to not like change. I also understand that, as wiser people than I have said, change is the only constant in the universe. We will keep going to Zozo's, watching for changes (hopefully for the better) and still recommend then. Maybe not for an intimate quiet night out, but certainly...

Won't be coming back for a third time. The first time my husband and I got take away and the spaghetti and meatballs was mediocre at best, the garlic bread was soggy and the salads were laughable. I figured it was probably due to the take out getting too soggy on the way home, so I decided to give them another chance since a coworker said they go there all the time for dinner and I should try dining in. Big mistake! The first problem was our waiter, Lupe, could not answer a simple question from my friend of what he would suggest between the two entrees she was considering, his response was a bored, they're both good. (The chicken marsala was in fact bland.) Then we asked about the rigatoni and sausage entree that lists mild or hot, but didn't indicate if that was referring to the sausage or something else (possibly the sauce) and instead of answering the question he said so you want the rigatoni and sausage, I asked the question again slightly louder in a different way and his response was we only have the one kind of sausage. (If that's the case it shouldn't be listed on your menu as an option.) I decided to order the rigatoni with sausage despite this since rigatoni is one of my favorite pastas. What I received however was penne with sausage. I called the waiter over and asked if they mixed up my order and I was informed that no that was the rigatoni and sausage. I told him that it wasn't and this is penne, to which he responded oh well we don't have the large ones. I looked around to make sure I was in fact in an Italian restaurant and indeed I was, so I said well then this isn't rigatoni and sausage. (Again if you don't have rigatoni and sausage change the menu, or at least inform the customer upon ordering. I would not have ordered it had it listed penne.) He then got pissy and thrust a menu at me and said I'm not arguing with you that's why I'm allowing you to substitute something else. Allowing me! I don't think so! I told him to take the food away and I wouldn't be ordering anything else from them. For the love of god you are an Italian restaurant know the difference between pastas! Had the owner, manager, etc. come over I might have considered giving them another chance, but at no point did anyone come over to apologize for the mix up, nor did they bring the extra garlic bread that my friend asked for. They then charged me for the soup I ate, which I would have paid for without any annoyance again had someone come over and apologized. This is unacceptable! You are a restaurant and you should treat your customers with respect. I would suggest perhaps some training for your waiter on proper serving etiquette, although not sure that his attitude can...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Italian Restaurant Zozo in Reno, and it was an extraordinary culinary experience that I can't wait to share!

First and foremost, the Lobster Ravioli was an absolute delight. The ravioli were perfectly cooked, generously filled with succulent lobster, and complemented by a rich and creamy sauce that elevated every bite to a new level of deliciousness.

The Sautéed Shrimp Scampi was another standout dish. The shrimp were plump and juicy, cooked to perfection, and bathed in a garlic-butter sauce that was simply heavenly. The balance of flavors was impeccable, making this dish a true highlight of the evening.

For seafood lovers, the Cioppino is a must-try. This hearty seafood stew was brimming with fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish in a savory tomato broth. Each spoonful was a delightful burst of oceanic flavors, and it was clear that only the freshest ingredients were used.

We started our meal with the Bruschetta with Toasted Focaccia, which set the tone for the evening. The crisp focaccia was topped with ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction that tied all the flavors together beautifully.

To cap off an amazing meal, we indulged in the Spumoni for dessert. This traditional Italian ice cream was the perfect blend of cherry, pistachio, and chocolate, creating a refreshing and sweet finale to our dinner.

In addition to the outstanding food, the ambiance at Zozo is warm and inviting, and the service is top-notch. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve.

Moreover, Zozo boasts an impressive wine list that perfectly complements their menu. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for the perfect pairing, you'll find a selection of exquisite wines that enhance the dining experience.

Italian Restaurant Zozo is a gem in Reno, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining...