Restaurants with Unique Ambiance
Experience a vibrant '70s-inspired dining escape with exceptional Italian-American cuisine and a celebrated dessert menu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Restaurants with Unique Ambiance
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a vibrant '70s-inspired dining escape with exceptional Italian-American cuisine and a celebrated dessert menu.
"Probably one of the best restaurants we've eaten at in a long time. "
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for street parking across Lumpkin; it's much easier than the immediate vicinity. :car:
📅 Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended as this place gets packed quickly. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Retro '70s Ambiance
Step into a bright, retro-inspired space with a distinct '70s vibe. Offers a unique dining atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, including a charming upstairs balcony.
Exceptional Desserts
Don't skip the dessert menu! From vanilla gelato with olive oil to diverse and delicious options, it's considered one of Athens' best dessert spreads.
Window Bar Seating
Perfect for solo diners, the window bar offers a great view and a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal and people-watch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Reservation Wisdom
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for street parking across Lumpkin; it's much easier than the immediate vicinity. :car:
📅 Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended as this place gets packed quickly. :calendar:
🍝 Gluten-Free Noodle Option
Bring your own noodles if you have a gluten intolerance; they'll cook them for you! :noodles:
🥂 Happy Hour Vibes
Check out their happy hour for great deals on drinks and appetizers. :champagne:
Solo Date Spots
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for street parking across Lumpkin; it's much easier than the immediate vicinity. :car:
📅 Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended as this place gets packed quickly. :calendar:
🍝 Gluten-Free Noodle Option
Bring your own noodles if you have a gluten intolerance; they'll cook them for you! :noodles:
🥂 Happy Hour Vibes
Check out their happy hour for great deals on drinks and appetizers. :champagne:
✨ Solo Date Spot
The window bar is a fantastic choice for a solo date night. :womantippinghand:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about ZZ & Simone's for its unique '70s ambiance, exceptional food quality, and surprisingly reasonable prices for upscale dining. The dessert menu is a particular highlight, often cited as the best in Athens. While parking can be a challenge and reservations are recommended due to popularity, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a favorite.
"Probably one of the best restaurants we've eaten at in a long time. A bright space with a slight retro '70's decor and friendly, helpful staff from the minute you walk in the door. There was also plenty of outdoor seating including an upstairs balcony, very Euro feel.
Appetizers and cocktails were great, and so were the mains and dessert. Our party had multiple dishes and each were perfectly prepared and presented and absolutely delicious. A special shout-out to our wonderful server Kadyn! We're so glad we had a chance to dine here and you will be also, or a full refund (not)!"
Brad G
"I would highly recommend trying the street parking on the road across Lumpkin, the parking situation here is NOT good. I actually came into the restaurant quite grumpy and ready to give a non 5 star review because of the trouble I'd had parking but the quick service, great food, and good price points swayed me back.
I think the prices are VERY reasonable for upscale food and the quality and SPEED from the kitchen is VERY impressive. I want to really shout out the dessert's menu. EVERYTHING on it was absolutely delicious and maybe the best dessert spread I've had its Athens, both from the prices, quality and diversity."
Ian Little
"Authentic food & kind, fast service. This is a random observation but something i pay attention to, their silverware is the cleanest I’ve seen lol. I also really loved the dishes they served their food in, super cute! The plate doesn’t come like that. I had a huge gap on my plate so i just put my side of brussel sprouts on there."
Amara Newsom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While driving is common, parking can be tricky. Many recommend parking on Lumpkin Street across the road. Public transport options might be limited depending on your starting point in Athens.
Parking directly at the restaurant is not ideal. The best advice is to find street parking on Lumpkin Street.
ZZ & Simone's is located in Athens, GA, and is generally considered accessible from the downtown area, though specific travel times will vary. +1
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Athens and can drop you off directly at the restaurant. This can be a good alternative to dealing with parking.
The restaurant is situated in a lively part of Athens, with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It contributes to the unique ambiance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, as the restaurant is very popular and often packed. Expect a wait of 30-40 minutes if you don't book ahead.
Hours can vary, but they are known to serve both dinner and brunch. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times.
No, there is no admission fee. ZZ & Simone's is a restaurant, and you pay for the food and drinks you order.
Yes, walk-ins are accepted, but be prepared for a significant wait, especially during peak hours.
While they offer regular dining, it's worth checking their social media for any special events or themed nights they might host.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
ZZ & Simone's offers a diverse menu with Italian influences, featuring dishes like bolognese, rigatoni alla vodka, spicy sausage pizza, and chicken parmigiana. They also have a notable brunch menu.
While specific vegan options aren't detailed, their menu often includes pasta dishes and pizzas that can be adapted. It's best to inquire with your server about vegetarian choices.
The bolognese, rigatoni alla vodka, spicy sausage pizza, and the vanilla gelato with olive oil are frequently praised. Their desserts, in general, are a highlight.
Yes! They have a unique policy where you can bring your own gluten-free noodles, and the kitchen will cook them for you.
Prices are considered reasonable for upscale food, with good quality and speed from the kitchen. Some dishes like pasta may cost extra.
📸 📸 Photography
The restaurant's interior lighting and decor make it photogenic throughout the day. Consider visiting during happy hour for a lively backdrop or during dinner for a more intimate feel.
Absolutely! The '70s-inspired decor, unique plating, and vibrant dishes offer plenty of opportunities for great shots. The upstairs balcony also provides a charming setting.
Yes, food photography is encouraged! The presentation of the dishes is often as appealing as the taste.
The retro interior, the upstairs balcony, and creatively plated dishes are all popular spots for Instagram photos.
It's generally best practice to be discreet and avoid photographing other diners without their explicit consent to respect their privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long waits and a potentially overwhelming atmosphere. The gluten-free noodle option is a fantastic perk for families managing dietary restrictions. Remember to factor in potential parking challenges and book a reservation if possible to ensure a smoother family outing.
🧑💻 Solo Diners
The attentive service and the quality of the food, from appetizers to desserts, make dining alone a pleasure. You can savor each dish and enjoy the unique ambiance at your own pace. The restaurant's welcoming vibe ensures that solo diners feel comfortable and well-cared for.
💸 Budget-Conscious Foodies
Don't overlook the dessert menu; while it's an indulgence, the quality and pricing are considered exceptional, making it a worthwhile splurge. For those seeking a memorable meal without an exorbitant price tag, ZZ & Simone's offers a compelling balance of quality, ambiance, and value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ambiance: A Retro Escape
The restaurant also offers ample outdoor seating, adding to its charm. This blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, combined with the distinctive retro aesthetic, makes ZZ & Simone's a standout choice for those seeking a dining experience beyond the ordinary. The attention to detail in the decor contributes to a memorable meal, making it a popular spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
For those who appreciate a restaurant with personality, ZZ & Simone's delivers. The vibrant decor perfectly complements the menu and the overall dining experience, creating a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back. It’s a place where the setting is as much a part of the meal as the food itself.
Culinary Delights: From Brunch to Desserts
For brunch enthusiasts, the lush eggs in purgatory are a must-try, offering a flavorful start to the day. What truly sets ZZ & Simone's apart, however, is its dessert menu. Many consider it the best dessert spread in Athens, with options like vanilla gelato with olive oil and flaky salt being a standout. The quality, diversity, and pricing of the desserts are frequently highlighted as exceptional.
Beyond the signature dishes, the restaurant is known for its speed and quality from the kitchen, even for those without reservations. The thoughtful presentation, including the unique dishes their food is served in, adds to the overall dining pleasure. For those with dietary needs, the option to bring your own gluten-free noodles is a thoughtful touch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit