10820 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604-3338
818.762.4225
On Thursday Nicole and I both arrived home late in the evening after a long day. We didn't have the energy to prepare ourselves a meal so we decided to go out and find something. Pesto was on Nicole's mind so we decided to try Zach's Italian Cafe just down the street.
Now, I initially judge most places by the price of their light beer. Yeah, lame I know, but it's a good indicator of overall menu price. It is this reason only that we haven't tried Henry's Hat which is even closer to us. I just can't stand paying $5 for a Miller Lite when I can get six of them for $5.50 at JONS.
Anyway, the Miller Lite at Zach's was $3. Good sign. The menu prices were average for what you'd expect to find at a sit-down place in the valley. Zach's must be a converted motel as the building and parking situation are a little weird. Even if you park yourself in their lot you have to pay $3 to the valet. Uh, ok. Whatever. I'd recommend parking at the meters on the street.
Nicole had the Rotelli Pesto Pasta with broccoli (no meat) and it cost $12.00. I had the Zach's Original Spinach Salad with chicken for $13.00. I was assuming that since our two meals mostly consisted of foods (pasta and spinach) that are extremely inexpensive we'd be getting massive portions with which we could take home. Not so. The portions were average as well as the food. The food was much like something you'd make yourself. Nothing flashy but still decent. The best part however was the free cheese stuffed bread and garlic butter they keep bringing to your table. If it wasn't for that I think I would have been upset.
The staff was amazing and the dining room was quiet and comfortable with plenty of space between tables. All in all, Zach's is a good place. Our only complaint outside of the smallish portions and weird parking that has nothing to do with Zach's itself was this old hag sitting behind us who had her remaining food boxed up and when it was brought back to the table she looked at the container and asked, "Do you have a different shaped container to put it in?". What?! Like that one won't fit in your refrigerator you dinosaur? She really bugged me but that isn't Zach's fault.
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