Zinqué - Westlake — Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

*Update: I've visited two more times and both were much better experiences! I've upgraded my stars accordingly.

I've been a fan of Zinque Malibu since they opened. I was very excited to see they were opening nearby. However, I'm supremely disappointed with the outcome. This space is a completely different design. Whereas Malibu is upscale, inviting, and comfortable - this location looks like a 20 year old gastropub in the Valley. Less Crawford's, more rustic Finney's. For instance, the stools (about 1/2 the seating) are basic, backless, and uncomfortable compared to the plush stools/chairs at Malibu (or Crawford's/Finney's, for that matter). Looking around, I noticed the average age skewed past 45. How could this be comfortable, especially if a guest wishes to linger in a coffeehouse way? The rest of the decor is drab and cold. The patio doesn't look inviting, either. I didn't see the last iteration of this space, but it pales in comparison to the original P6 patio and dining room. Service didn't help. I sat at the bar, where one receives service at lunch (as opposed to ordering at the designated counter). Despite nobody in line or ordering, the counter staff refused to acknowledge me. Once I flagged someone down, I was told the bartender would be back in a few minutes. Okay, but what are YOU doing? I said, "No problem. I'll have a water and menu." The guy directed me to the self-serve water station, rather than grab a glass of water that was within arm's reach. He then suggested I get up from my seat at the counter and walk 8 feet over to the ordering line (maybe two people deep). When I pointed out that I thought I could get bar service, he now said the bartender was on break. Fine, but who is covering? Not that guy, I guess! I waited and the bartender eventually appeared. To her credit, she did provide water and service to subsequent bar arrivals. I get it, everyone is new, so service hiccups are expected. However, I honestly thought I'd be there twice a week, but now I can't imagine going often (or for a nice dinner). Not sure that Zinque knows their demographic here very well. I couldn't help but notice the over 65 crowd looking utterly befuddled and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, it continues to be...

This is a fun place. It’s a bar, not a “French restaurant.” We went on the fourth day they were open, so we’ll let the problems slide. We ordered drinks. Then we ordered two appetizers. We got the first app: fried artichokes. They rocked. We asked the waiter who delivered them to check on our cocktails. He didn’t come back. Then we got our second app: egg rolls. Very tasty as long as you like fish sauce. After asking about our cocktails again, they finally arrived. My husband’s Coq Au Vin was good, not great. Our friend’s steak was tough. My pork belly taco was delicious. To describe this place as a French restaurant is ridiculous. The waiters were dressed like they worked at Home Depot. It was a fun atmosphere, and we will go back, but don’t pretend it’s something it’s not. They’re trying to compete with Finney’s,...

My wife and I split the leak quiche with salad and we had a couple of glasses of wine. The quiche was very unimpressive and I probably would not get it again the salad was quite tasty and the wine was good.

The service was good the bartenders were good friendly and knowledgeable.

We really want this place to work out and the atmosphere was pretty good although the sound level was not great it was a little bit noisy and there were some children running around. To their parents credit they got them under control pretty quickly. As mentioned I felt that the noise level was a little high and the music that was playing was just industrial noise, nothing interesting at all.

All in all we will be back and look forward to sitting outside under the stars when...