Cafe Zilli

 

Overall Result (based on 12 reviews)

 

REVIEW BY merriken (99) on 14th July 2010

We visited this Turkish cafe for the first time last Saturday on a cold wintry night. The owner/manager mentioned on our arrival that she was expecting a quiet night because of the initial Tri-Nations rugby test being telecast that evening, and there were then indeed few fellow diners in the cafe. However, by the time we left, it was fair buzzing with patrons. Looking at the somewhat limited single 'mains' options on the menu and being attracted more by the 'starters and appetisers', we decided to share a mezze platter, choosing one of several combinations largely taken from the 'starters' list of entrees. Our selected platter contained humus, dolma, patlican salad, pancar esme, havue tarator, tabouleh, falafel & grilled meatballs, all as listed on the menu, and it was served with a very generous quantity of Turkish bread. Our choice not only offered great variety but proved delightly tasty as well, and indeed was so 'filling' that we had no room left for the baklava we intended to havre for desert. And, in keeping with the cuisine (and having forgotten to bring our BYO wine), we decided to share a bottle of genuine inported Turkish beer. However, we found this little, if any, different in taste from locally produced pilsener or lager.
Our platter was nicely presented on a large square plate, with the slices of bread provided separately in a basket, and we were given small plates to use for our individual choices from the platter. Service from the owner/manager and her two staff was smiling, friendly and efficient. The cafe is long and narrow, with the counter to one side along with several larger group or family tables, but the smaller tables along the other wall are a little too close together ideally for comfort. Its decor and background music is very pleasant, with many photos on the walls having a Turkish theme, including one of national hero and stateman Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in full military uniform and some others of the owner's family. Along with authentic Turkish artefacts and fabrics, these created a homely and informal atmosphere. Food prices are very reasonable, with our total bill, inlcuding drinks, coming to only $37, and the cafe has a BYO option as well. We have already marked it down for a return visit in due course.

 

REVIEW BY ChristineP (26) on 5th January 2009

It had been a few years since I first dined at Cafe Zilli and I am pleased to say I enjoyed it a lot more than the first time and I will definitely be back! We dined on New Years Eve with a large group. The restaurant was busy but the service was friendly. We all shared mixed platters for entrees. The platters included falafel, hummus, breads, dolomades, etc and everything was delicious. For my main I had the Kofte Supreme. The lamb koftes were tasty and moist. The rice was also very tasty and it came with a salad. I didn't think I could squeeze in dessert after the generous portions of the entree and main but I decided I just had to have the Baklava and I am glad I did - it was fantastic. One of our group commented he preferred Baklava when it is more honey soaked but to me it was just perfect - not too, too sweet and as it wasn't oversoaked the filo still had a little crunch. A great meal and I can now see why all my friends rave over this place.

 

REVIEW BY camellia (15) on 16th August 2008

I went here 2 days ago with my workmate for lunch and we were greeted by a really friendly, down to earth lady. She told me all about the family who own the business and where they are from (Turkey). The food came out at a good time and was fantastic. We had the lunch menu - Meze plate each - and both enjoyed it, it was vegetarian and neither of us needed any meat. I was so impressed I went back the next day and had the Turkish breakfast and was also throughly impressed. This cafe is a bit more gourmet than some Turkish places for takeaway / eat-in, and the food seemed more healthy. Our meals were only $8 and we felt full.

 

REVIEW BY bigqueez (4) on 7th August 2008

Went with a large group of 18. Went for the shared banquet option to speed up the ordering process. We ordered just after 7pm. The entree was served soon after, however main wasn't served until well after 9pm. The wait proved too long for a number of guests who had other engagements for the evening, so a little disappointing.
I for one was ravenous after the long wait, but the amount of food provided was limited. The rice was great, as noted by another reviewer. Overall, the food was disappointing compared to other Turkisk restaurants I have been to recently.
The toilets floors were so greasy it was difficult to keep your feet.
Highlight of the evening was the entertainment provided by the owner. Tabla drum and other tricks with match sticks.
Overall, an OK option, but wouldn't recommend for large groups. Better Turkish options to be found in Wellington with comparable prices.

 

REVIEW BY delia (1) on 23rd March 2008

There is always a risk that on a Public Holiday the staff hired will be either a) inexperienced b) irritated at having to work at this time, c) underpaid or d) all of the above. Were I to speculate about the staff at Cafe Zilli today(Easter Sunday) I would suggest d. The coffee was superb, the meal ok but the service was appalling.Rude, unsmiling, poor table service compounded by non-communicative,uncivil, unprofessional staff.Perhaps it was just us? We are professionals who live in Wellington and who have actually eaten at Cafe Zilli befor however not on a Public Holiday. (as do the organisations we work for intermittently). I wonder if the management of Cafe Zilli had any idea at all about the miserable service offered to customers today.Who did you pay to do this today?