ZaZa's, an Italian restaurant located in Clarendon Hills, IL, has quickly become a beloved dining destination for both locals and visitors. Patrons rave about the expertly crafted cocktails, with highlights including the "Paper Plane," Old Fashioned, and Manhattan, all noted for their balance and robust flavors. The culinary offerings are nothing short of exceptional. Dishes like the "Sea Bass Capesante," paired perfectly with jumbo shrimp and scallops, leave diners savoring every bite. The lobster ravioli and homemade pasta are also highly praised, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian flavors.
The portions are generous, providing great value, especially considering the quality. Reviews emphasize not just the food but also the attentive service and inviting atmosphere. While the ambiance is elegant, some find it a touch too dim, potentially detracting from family-friendly dining experiences. Dessert is another highlight, particularly the rich tiramisu and decadent chocolate truffles, rounding off meals that are both memorable and satisfying. With a reputation for culinary excellence and an engaging dining experience, ZaZa’s unquestionably earns its status as a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For ZaZa’s
Matt Wagnitz
Jun 30,2025
Zaza’s Clarendon Hills is a 10 out of 10. I started with the “Paper Plane” cocktail, which was expertly crafted and perfectly balanced—an ideal way to begin the evening. For my main course, the “Sea Bass Capesante” was a standout. The sea bass was beautifully cooked, tender, and flavorful, paired with jumbo shrimp, scallops, and a vibrant mix of peppers and spinach. The light white wine sauce brought everything together, and the side of linguine was a perfect complement. Every bite felt thoughtful and authentic. The prices are more than reasonable especially considering the large portion sizes and high-quality of the dishes they serve. The service was attentive and welcoming, and the ambiance struck the perfect balance—elegant enough for a date night but still relaxed and approachable for a casual group gathering. Zaza’s delivers an exceptional dining experience worth savoring.
Nuhn ya Biz
Jun 19,2025
My wife and I were on the hunt for the perfect spot for a romantic date night, and Zaza came highly recommended. We made sure to reserve our seats in advance, and upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised by the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant. Though the noise level was slightly higher than expected, it added to the lively ambiance and didn't detract from our overall experience. To kick off our evening, we indulged in some expertly crafted cocktails. I opted for the Old Fashioned, while my wife enjoyed the Manhattan. Both drinks were impeccably mixed, boasting robust flavors that set the tone for the culinary delights to come. For our appetizers, we decided to sample the baked oysters and scallops. While the oysters were decent, it was the scallops that truly stole the show. Cooked to perfection, they were tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. In fact, I'd go as far as to rate them a solid 10 out of 10 – a rare accolade from someone who's typically reserved in their praise. Moving on to the main course, my wife opted for the lobster ravioli, while I selected the seabass. Both dishes were nothing short of exceptional, showcasing the skillful execution and authentic flavors that Zaza is renowned for. We found ourselves savoring every bite, ultimately cleaning our plates – a testament to the quality and taste of the cuisine. To round off our meal on a sweet note, we followed our server's recommendation and indulged in the tiramisu and chocolate truffle desserts. The tiramisu was rich and creamy, while the chocolate truffle was a decadent delight. Though tempted by the souffle, we decided to save it for our next visit – a testament to our certainty that we'll be returning to Zaza in the near future. our experience at Zaza surpassed all expectations, making it the quintessential Italian dining destination for any occasion. From the impeccable service to the exquisite cuisine, every aspect of our evening was truly unforgettable. Zaza has undoubtedly earned its place as our go-to spot for Italian cuisine, and we can't wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Grazie mille, Zaza, for an evening we won't soon forget!
Julie H
Jun 10,2025
I eat here at least 5 times a year and it never disappoints. The pasta dishes and any chicken or fish dish always completely delight! Generous dinner portions. Most recently ate lunch here on Xmas eve, as always chefs kiss to the whole shebang!
Kathleen Donnelly
Jun 3,2025
Great pasta,drinks,and amazing desserts! Service was very attentive for our birthday dinner!
Courtney Manesh
May 27,2025
Literally the best ever !! I'm obsessed with the artichoke heart appetizer!! The pasta is home made and it's GOOD. Their bruschetta is so unique and delicious I'm drooling just thinking about it again. The only thing is the atmosphere inside... I'd love to sit down and eat here but, It's very dark and dreary, almost like they're trying to create a romantic vibe but what about a single mom with 3 toddlers? I feel uncomfortable sitting alone there with the kids and wish it was just a little more bright and welcoming for everyone and kind of smells like an old moldy carpet or something inside.
John White
May 18,2025
This place is a bit on the pricey side but so worth it. The menu is expansive. Not just your basics here. This was my first visit but I’m already planning my next. When I walked in I knew what I was going to order based on their accurate online menu. But was swayed by their special menu.
natalie muellner
Apr 10,2025
Zaza’s Italian Trattoria is a true gem in Clarendon Hills. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the service is outstanding, and the food is exceptional. The Chicken Milanese was perfectly cooked and delicious, and the chocolate martinis were the perfect indulgent finish. Whether it’s a date night or a casual dinner, Zaza’s delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!
Diane Flood
Apr 2,2025
I had the cheese ravioli and it was fantastic! Every one else in my group loved their food. The service was very friendly. The restaurant is intimate with an inviting atmosphere. It was easy to have conversation and we enjoyed our visit!
Reviews For ZaZa’s