Zuzu Farmingdale — Restaurant in Town of Oyster Bay

I wanted to share some constructive criticism because I truly want this place to survive and I think it has the potential to be the most popular spot in farmingdale. I’m aware this week was their “soft opening” but would like to share my experience:

Kudos: The restaurant and bar area are beautiful. Very well put together. The lighting is perfect and it gives off a very soft and warm welcoming vibe.

The pizza was amazing. It came out very quickly and was delicious. We ordered the spicy pepperoni with burrata. Would definitely order it again.

The staff was very nice and attentive.

Didn’t try the ice cream window but it looked very cool from the outside. Checked out the menu and it looks like your standard ice cream spot. Has potential to really be popular if they made it like a Kith Treats window with cereal mix-ins etc.

Areas needing improvement (in my opinion):

The bar area although very beautiful is very unorganized. Although it’s primarily a pizza spot, the oven is tucked away in the far corner not very visible from the street. The beautiful bar is first thing you see from the street level looking in. It is beautiful by design, but the top shelf is only 1/2 way filled with bottles and the bottles just don’t make sense for a top self. Bacardi Limon, generic aperitifs etc. The selection of liquors are pretty standard nothing really jumps out at you.

They could benefit from bringing in an experienced mixologist. They offer pre made cocktails which are in my opinion, a huge turn off. That works for dive bars. Not beautiful spaces like this. The bar is intimate, watching a cocktail being built is part of the experience (they do offer mixed and shaken drinks as well— I’ll get to that).

Our drinks were very unbalanced. The margarita was overloaded with what tasted like a pre made sour mix. Very acidic and almost unbearable to get through. I also found it interesting observing the bartender add the garnish first to the glass rather than when it was complete. Just seemed totally backwards. The other drink was only about 3/4 of the way full in the glass. Measurements were definitely way off. Again, I think they could benefit from an experienced mixologist and turn this place into THE cocktail spot of farmingdale. Besides 317, there really isn’t anywhere to get a good cocktail on the strip.

I am aware it was a soft launch but it appeared to have about 12 employees per patron in the restaurant. You felt like you were constantly being observed and had eyes on you at all times. It was a a little strange.

I really hope this place makes it. Farmingdale has a ton of pizza already but I think this place could really fill the void of an incredible cocktail forward spot on the strip. The bones are there, it just needs some tweaking with its liquor selection and bartending staff.

I will certainly return, try additional pizzas and hope maybe the bar situation improves. I would recommend giving them a shot. I wouldn’t take anything I said above as a deterrent from trying it yourself. I just know in early stages like this for Zuzu, candid feedback could go a long way. I look forward to seeing them grow and wish them the...

Be forewarned if planning an event here

In late June our organization (Italian Cultural Society of Farmingdale) hosted a 50th Anniversary Celebration at Zuzu. We were a group of 60+ attendees. First let me say that the girls who worked the function were wonderful, but that was about it.

We had contracted for the buffet menu and repeatedly questioned the 2 party planners we dealt with about replenishment of the buffet table. We were assured all would be replenished throughout the party. NOT! They did not serve crackers,veggies or anything with the hummus. This had been discussed during our planning sessions and we were assured they would do so. I had been to another function there..and the hummus sat bc there was nothing to go with it. During the function, we had to insist they bring out an accompaniment after the girl said it wasn’t in the contract (which had been as previously noted discussed numerous times). Anyway, by the time it came out..people were done with the appetizers.

Management also refused to replenish the fruit or the deli tray (meats & cheeses) as needed. Also of note is that the pieces of deli foods and the fruits were cut so ridiculously tiny, many people commented on it. The party was a success despite this, but the venue was an epic fail.

The Executive Board was not pleased at all. FYI…be forewarned, the function must be paid in FULL 5 days prior to the event. That should have been a huge red flag, but that’s on us. This was a large group of Dalers who I am most certain will not be returning. Zuzu is clearly more interested in profit than community and with all the wonderful establishments in town that treat their customers and community organizations well, there are many better choices for dining options. Who knows maybe if we were a young, drinking crowd simply running up a booze tab, things would be different, because it surely isn’t the food or service that will...

Yesterday was my Bridal Shower at the Crossbarn at Zuzu.... to say it was perfect was an understatement. The venue was stunning, the food was delicious and the staff went above and beyond to make my special day amazing and make sure all the guests were teneded to! All of my family & friends raved about the beautiful space...someone ecen referred the stunning space to a friend and she booked it on the spot after seeing photos. I can't thank the team at Zuzu enough for helping my mom and sister throw me the most spectacular shower and make memories that will last me a lifetime. Can't wait to be back and dine and host many more events to come!!! Run and book this beautiful gem in the heart of farmingdale..you will not be disappointed. Thank you from the Bride to Be...