Zest — Restaurant in Town of Islip

I really didn’t want to have to do this but I feel like after 7 times eating here it’s time to because it’s clearly going on deaf ears in the store. I have two things I can eat here since I’m gluten free and vegan- the cauli chips and dip and the beyond burger with no bun and an upcharge of $3 for switching the fries with cauli chips. Every single time , I ask not to put the guac with the burger- and EVERY single time the cook (who I believe is also the owner) does. Every single time. I thought the first time- no problem they’re new, second time… how hard is it not to? Then it happened every single time since. I’ve expressed it to every wait staff (whom are all great) that the cook always seems to not listen so please ask no avocado in any state. Yet again, last night- he put it completely under the burger and plate. I said it immediately when my waitress brought it over. In the last the owner gave a free drink - not comped my actual messed up meal and last night , he comped an app instead of yet again the messed up meal. I go there because it’s close to my boyfriends apartment and it isn’t that the food is bad but I can not comprehend why every time the customer isn’t listened to. If I were allergic to avocado , the owner clearly wouldn’t give a damn. I don’t even mind the $3 charge for the removal of fries or the fact that I can literally only eat one full thing there. I do mind that I’ve given so many chances for this to get right- something so unbelievably simple as please stop adding the avocado and it’s is never, ever...

An inviting restaurant with very tasty food and good service.

Food 5/5 - Tasty selection. The Cauliflower toasted chips were fantastic! I'm not a big fan of cauliflower but they taste nothing like it. The dip is great. The PB&J Pulled pork sandwich was messy to eat but delicious. Nice fries. Interesting selections on the menu. They had very interesting sangria selections.

Service 4/5 -- Service was good. One waiter. It wasn't busy when we arrived but it got busy while we were there. The waiter started off very attentive but had to spread himself a bit thin as the crowd grew.

Atmosphere: 5/5 - Inviting decor, comfortable seating. Nice music. Good HVAC system made atmosphere not cold or hot. Modern feel. Not a huge place but feels good. This used to be a Friendy's ice cream (so you get the sense of size),but it looks nothing like it.

Cleanliness 5/5 - Everything seems new and fresh. Restrooms were very clean. No dust in inconspicuous areas. A sure sign of a through cleaning.

Parking: 5/5 - Bay shore can be hard to park in. But this place has a very nice private lot. No issues.

Value - 5/5 - An appetizer, 2 meals and a soft drink was $49. The caliber of the meal was worth that.

Overall - 5/5 -- I've found a new place to add to my "routine." Good service and a bunch of tasty looking choices I've yet to try. The atmosphere makes you want to stay a bit longer I'll be back. No need...

I recently had the pleasure of ordering a large catering spread from Zest in Bay Shore, NY, for a group event, and I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and flavor of the food. The experience from start to finish was exceptional, making Zest a standout choice for catering in the area.

The menu selection was diverse and appealing, catering to a range of tastes. We opted for a tray of salmon with a delectable lemon caper sauce, which was cooked to perfection and a favorite among the guests. The chicken with broccoli and roasted tomatoes was flavorful and well-seasoned, proving to be a satisfying choice for everyone at the event.

A highlight of the order was the seafood jambalaya, which truly stole the show. It tasted as if it had been transported straight from New Orleans, packed with just the right amount of spice and a generous portion of seafood. It was a hit that added a special touch to our gathering.

The smashed garlic potatoes, although more mashed than smashed, were creamy, garlicky, and utterly delicious. They complemented the other dishes beautifully and were a comforting addition to the meal.

Overall, Zest's catering service was fantastic, and the food left us all wanting more. I would definitely recommend Zest to anyone in the Bay Shore area looking for top-quality catering. The delicious dishes and reliable service ensure that I'll be ordering from them again for...