Zinnia — Restaurant in Silver Spring

I loved Mrs. K’s — I used to go there for Sunday brunch with friends and held my sister’s bridal shower there. Like other locals, I was sad when it closed and was excited to hear they were getting a second life under new management. I followed Zinnia’s journey on Instagram and made plans to visit soon after their opening with my sister.

Unfortunately, our visit was very underwhelming. First off, I made a reservation almost 10 days in advance and asked for an umbrella table. Yet when I got there, despite there being a couple of umbrella tables open, they told me they were under reservation only, without any further explanation.

The staff is very young and inexperienced, and unfortunately it shows. Our first server largely ignored us; he never came to check on us after we got our drinks and I had to flag him down to order some food (after he would literally walk past our table multiple times and not even glance in our direction). Our second waitress was almost as inattentive at first, but she improved as time went on and was admittedly confused as she was new and there was not much direction given. During our visit we had to flag down servers, were brought the wrong food, brought the correct food that was quickly taken away claiming it wasn’t for us, and waited around A LOT to get someone’s attention to order. It was confusing that service was so inattentive when they seemed to have several servers floating around, and an annoying amount of bus boys hovering around, constantly asking if we needed anything cleared while we were still eating. I understand this is a new restaurant, but I feel it unfair that we had such poor service and a mandatory and automatic 20% service fee. That was never mentioned on my reservation and I feel it did not provide any incentive for anyone to actually provide good service. There were multiple managers floating around but they seemed to stop at the same tables, never once coming over to ask us if we were okay or if we needed anything (one walked right past my table after spending 10+ minutes at another one, and all I wanted was to be able to ask my server for some more water).

Overall, I was very underwhelmed and disappointed with my visit. As we were nearing the end of our visit a manager finally came to our table…to tell us the next reservation was here so we needed to leave. He wasn’t very polite about it, and he didn’t even ask us how our visit was. We were completely shocked, and didn’t feel very valued after spending almost $250 at their establishment. At the beginning of my visit I had texted a friend photos of the gardens, and told her I wanted to check Zinnia out with her sometime…by the end I had messaged her to forget it; I didn’t want to come back for a long time. I feel like basic things like training your servers and being respectful of guests would be something they made sure to take care of prior to opening (especially when they are implementing a 20% service fee and posted multiple social media stories about their soft opening a week in advance) which is why I don’t really give them a pass due to their “newness”.

Update: No one in my party thought the food was that great but my brother in law had a stomach virus and felt sick for the rest of the weekend after we ate here, so be careful about what food you order. In particular, the deviled eggs, which came out a long time after he ordered, were kind of weird, with a pink liquid inside them inside...

We had high hopes for this restaurant after it re-opened under this name post-pandemic, but we couldn’t have been more disappointed at last night’s dinner, for our daughter’s 25th birthday. To say the service was deplorable would be an understatement. We sat in the much-heralded “gardens,” which in late April, were still a construction zone. By dusk, only one string of the extensive outdoor lights had been switched on. We had eaten indoors at the restaurant a couple of weeks earlier and had noticed heat lamps In the garden, so when the weather yesterday turned unseasonably chilly, we assumed we’d be warmed by them, but they were gone yesterday. It was breezy and in the low 50s, and there weren’t enough tables indoors to accommodate the half-dozen outdoor tables braving the chill.

We waited close to 20 minutes for our drink order, and my husband’s soda was flat. I was the only person in the party to order a starter, which arrived 20 minutes later with my family’s entrees. We reminded our server at that time that I should still have an entree coming. It was clear then that she had forgotten to place the order for it. We inquired twice more over the next 20 minutes, including at one point when she said, “Its not out yet?” (It’s her job to know when her tables are served.) After another wait, I finally told her to cancel the entree order. A few minutes later, she said her manager told her to take it off our bill, but give it to us to take home. As she was bringing the packaged food, we spotted her and her manager talking intently, and they were clearly talking about us. (The manager made eye contact with me.) However, he didn’t approach our table. And I never received the second glass of wine I ordered. We had planned to have dessert for our daughter’s birthday, but that was now out of the question. We waited so long for our receipt and my husband’s credit card that we headed inside to retrieve them when our server finally appeared. And of course, the gratuity was included.

I was so bothered that I went in to tell the staff how disappointing the entire evening had been. The manager walked by as I was talking to the hostesses, and I remarked that he should’ve attempted to salvage the evening by coming over to our table, especially after his and the server’s furtive conversation. He then walked us practically to our car apologizing for being short-staffed and having a new server, but the damage was done. We’re sympathetic to the challenges of running a service business post-pandemic, but it was his job to address the shortcomings and he failed until he was called out on it. We’re locals and wanted to patronize an independent restaurant, but we’re unlikely to return...

Nestled in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland, Zinnia stands out as an extraordinary dining destination that transcends the ordinary. This enchanting restaurant offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and impeccable service, creating an experience that lingers in your memory long after your visit.

Upon arrival, you're immediately struck by the restaurant's stunning outdoor space. Zinnia has masterfully crafted an oasis of serenity amidst the urban landscape. Lush greenery, thoughtfully arranged seating, and ambient lighting come together to create a magical atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a peaceful solo meal, or a charming spot for a gathering with friends, the outdoor area provides the ideal backdrop.

The menu at Zinnia is a testament to culinary creativity and quality. Each dish is carefully conceived and expertly executed, showcasing a harmony of flavors and textures. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, every item reflects the kitchen's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest can find something to savor.

What truly sets Zinnia apart is its dedication to providing a holistic dining experience. The transition between the bustling world outside and the tranquil haven within is palpable, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the moment. It's not just a meal; it's an opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect with both nature and your companions.

The service at Zinnia deserves special commendation. The staff exhibit a perfect balance of attentiveness and discretion. They are knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful recommendations, and are always ready to go the extra mile to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

The beverage program complements the food beautifully, featuring a well-curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Each drink is crafted with the same attention to detail as the cuisine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, Zinnia is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination that offers a complete escape from the everyday. Its combination of breathtaking ambiance, exceptional food, outstanding service, and the ability to connect with nature makes it a standout in Silver Spring's dining scene. Whether you're a local or visitor, treating yourself to an experience at Zinnia is an absolute must. It's a place where memories are made, and to which you'll find yourself eager to return...