Vegan Restaurant

Zula

0 (0 reviews) · $$$$ · englewood · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Directions
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.

Excerpts

The food was good on average. Lamb kofta was solid. The rice mix it came with wasn’t cooked so well. Too mushy or something. And the zucchini was good. The salmon was mostly quite good but a couple of the pieces were dry. When the portion is this small you kind of want all of it to be great. Hummus was very good and the bread was solid. The soup we ordered was both too salty and too watery at the same time. Would not get that again. Dessert (halva mousse) was very good and apparently made in-house which is a big deal in this world of reheated factory brownies with low quality ice cream. The service was ok but a little bit sad and the water was only refilled at the end of our meal.

The food was good on average. Lamb kofta was solid. The rice mix it came with wasn’t cooked so well. Too mushy or something. And the zucchini was good. The salmon was mostly quite good but a couple of the pieces were dry. When the portion is this small you kind of want all of it to be great. Hummus was very good and the bread was solid. The soup we ordered was both too salty and too watery at the same time. Would not get that again. Dessert (halva mousse) was very good and apparently made in-house which is a big deal in this world of reheated factory brownies with low quality ice cream. The service was ok but a little bit sad and the water was only refilled at the end of our meal.

Dining at Zula in Englewood feels less like visiting a restaurant and more like stepping into a bustling neighborhood spot in Tel Aviv. It is a warm, inviting space that clearly serves as a comfort zone for the local Jewish community, which is always a good sign of authenticity. The food was the highlight—specifically because of what it didn't have: excess salt. Mediterranean cuisine can often be heavy-handed with sodium, but here, dishes like the Matbucha, Marinated Beets, and Pargiot (chicken thighs) were seasoned perfectly to let the fresh ingredients speak for themselves. It felt healthy and "clean" in the best possible way. A crucial note for wine lovers: Zula observes strict Kosher dietary laws. You can bring your own wine, but it must be Mevushal/Kosher (like the Psagot Cabernet Sauvignon we enjoyed). There is a wine shop nearby that carries acceptable bottles, though the selection is somewhat limited, so plan accordingly if you have a specific palate. The atmosphere was lively for a weekday evening, with nearly every table full and a steady stream of takeout orders going out the door. The background music—authentic Israeli tunes—added a lovely layer of immersion to the experience. Logistics were smooth as well; street parking was manageable on a weeknight, and the restrooms were kept spotless. If you are looking for unpretentious, high-quality Mediterranean food in a place that feels alive, Zula is a wonderful find. I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Dining at Zula in Englewood feels less like visiting a restaurant and more like stepping into a bustling neighborhood spot in Tel Aviv. It is a warm, inviting space that clearly serves as a comfort zone for the local Jewish community, which is always a good sign of authenticity. The food was the highlight—specifically because of what it didn't have: excess salt. Mediterranean cuisine can often be heavy-handed with sodium, but here, dishes like the Matbucha, Marinated Beets, and Pargiot (chicken thighs) were seasoned perfectly to let the fresh ingredients speak for themselves. It felt healthy and "clean" in the best possible way. A crucial note for wine lovers: Zula observes strict Kosher dietary laws. You can bring your own wine, but it must be Mevushal/Kosher (like the Psagot Cabernet Sauvignon we enjoyed). There is a wine shop nearby that carries acceptable bottles, though the selection is somewhat limited, so plan accordingly if you have a specific palate. The atmosphere was lively for a weekday evening, with nearly every table full and a steady stream of takeout orders going out the door. The background music—authentic Israeli tunes—added a lovely layer of immersion to the experience. Logistics were smooth as well; street parking was manageable on a weeknight, and the restrooms were kept spotless. If you are looking for unpretentious, high-quality Mediterranean food in a place that feels alive, Zula is a wonderful find. I am already looking forward to my next visit.

The sampler dip platter was delicious! The falafel and chicken schnitzel were hit with my kids. I thought the hummus with chicken was also excellent. We’ll definitely come back.