Zou Zou's: NYC's Best Kept (Not A Secret) Dining Deal

A vibrant mix of Zou Zou's dips and apps. Photo borrowed from Instagram @zouzousnyc

You don't end up at Zou Zou's by accident. It's not the kind of place you accidentally stumble into while walking down the street. It's tucked away in the new Manhattan West Plaza among flashier storefronts (like the big glowing Peloton building).

Honestly, I had not heard of Zou Zou's. I'm not in that part of the city a lot. It took a friend of a friend visiting the city who suggested we all go for dinner. And I'm glad she did.

Inside Zou Zou's is Fire

The moment you step inside, you feel a buzz. The decor blends chic Mediterranean warmth with just the right amount of New York edge. The open kitchen sends waves of smoky, mouthwatering aromas from whatever is cooking on the skewers over the open flame. The place is dark and moody yet friendly and welcoming at the same time.

Inside Zou Zou's. Photo borrowed from Instagram @Zouzousnyc

Possibly The Best Meal Deal in NYC

After taking a look at the menu, our eyes quickly landed on the $74 chef's tasting menu. Considering the apps on the menu hover around $20+, and the entrees average $40, the chef's menu, with all the best hits, is a no-brainer.

What follows is a flavor-packed Mediterranean feast, served family-style: dips bursting with freshness, pillowy bread, vibrant salads, beautifully grilled fish, succulent meats, and dessert to finish. Unlike many tasting menus featuring pretty, bite-sized nibbles for Instagram, Zou Zou's delivers hearty, shareable plates that leave everyone feeling satisfied and spoiled.

Zou Zou's offers a culinary experience that feels indulgent without breaking the bank—a rarity in a city that often charges a lot more for a lot less. Bring friends, arrive hungry, and experience why Zou Zou's chef's menu might be the best dining deal in Manhattan.

Verdict: Go

Address: 385 Ninth Avenue, Suite 85, New York, NY 10001

Website: https://www.zouzousnyc.com/