Is there any Zing in Zingarella?

Late last year, Zingarella went into the space formerly occupied by Just Desserts, on Lehigh opposite the “new” Glenview Metra train station. It’s an interesting combination of restaurant, bakery and gift shop.

Last Saturday, it was filled to its 15 table capacity – we got there at 7:30 – the sign said they were only open until 8 on a Saturday night, but parties were still being seated more than an hour later.

Being a bakery, I suppose it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the freshly-made bread delivered warm to the table was excellent. I wish they’d upgrade from the foil-wrapped butter patties, though.

For me, the three pieces of baked Mahi-Mahi, served over a rich bed of vegetable risotto, were not bad. One of the three pieces was a bit overdone, but the rest were fine. And the risotto itself was very well done, slightly al dente, and amply flavored by the zucchini and other vegetables. I thought the risotto stole the show away from the fish.

My companion (okay, my Mom) had the pecan-crusted pork chops – an ample portion of three large chops served over a vegetable medley that she proclaimed very good. She took a lot home.

Service was efficient and friendly; prices were about average for what you'd expect (maybe a little less than you'd expect for the pasta dishes).

Zingarella doesn’t strive to be anything more than a very slightly upscale, Italian-influenced café, and they achieve their very modest goals well. Probably a B or B+ experience. But if you’re in the area, it’s worth a try.

Zingarella
2300 Lehigh Av
Glenview, IL 60026-1691
(847) 657-0707

I ate there today for lunch. Cute place. Good food! I had the Quiche special and my friend had the chicken crepes.

It's over in Glenview off of Lehigh Road near the Egg Harbor restaurant.

My husband and I finally (after many recommendations) got to dine at Zingarella last night and it was INCREDIBLE! It opened last August in the old Dessert Gourmet space, but it is not just a bakery. It is a full-service restaurant with a dining room and an attached bakery and gourmet food store. The food was outstanding. The menu is a mix of Italian dishes and French bistro fare. We started with sauteed shrimp served over polenta and it was great. The shrimp were cooked just right and the sauce was outstanding. We also had a roasted golden beet salad with goat cheese and a yummy vanilla vinaigrette. For dinner we shared a sauteed whitefish served over spinach and butternut squash with an almond butter on top. My husband said it was quite possibly the best fish he has ever had. We also shared a pasta dish with pesto, parmesan and fresh tomatoes. It was plentiful and tasty. The service was pleasant and informative, the dining room was nicely done and the whole experience was wonderful. Oh, I almost forgot, dessert was phenomenal. We had New York Cheesecake, which was light, creamy and delicious. We got a chance to meet the owner and she has an interesting background. She is originally from New York and was some sort of opera singer in Europe and her plan is to bring all her favorite dishes from her travels and Italian upbringing to the restaurant. I thought this was a cute idea and then understood the name. Apparently Zingarella means "little gypsy or traveler" in Italian. I would highly recommend this great, family-run restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

I ate lunch here again and it was VERY good!
I had the grilled tuna sandwich with homemade chips. Yum!

They are very busy for dinner on weekends too!

Apparently Zingarella has closed. Went by Sunday evening, it was dark and locked up, with signs saying "Coming soon - Tumeric Indian Restaurant."

Opening Soon - http://www.turmericindia.com/