Zinc Bistro

Location: Kierland Commons
15034 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Telephone Number: 480.693.0922


Price: $$


Website: click here

Food: French Bistro

Review: I have been to Zinc Bistro many times; for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They are located in Kierland Commons, an upscale outdoor shopping center, in Scottsdale. Kierland has many other restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs, North, Bobby's, RA, and Tommy Bahamas to name a few), but Zinc is my by far my favorite. The decor tries to emulate that of an authentic Parisian bistro. It is very dark inside, with many candles, jazzy music, and cramped quarters. There is also outdoor seating, which I would recommend, with marble tables and wicker chairs. If you don't want a fancy sit down meal, there is usually room at the bar, where you can order delicious food and enjoy a very French centric wine list. The thing i recommend you order there, no matter at what time of day, are the pomme frites. They are thin, oily, salty, fresh, and delicious. I went there once for a special mother's day brunch (this must have been about 3 years ago), and the meal has still stuck with me. I had some sort of shrimp sandwich with a side of frites (sorry i don't recall the exact ingredients, but it was GOOD). I have also had the zinc house salad ($10), the onion soup gratinee ($10), the seared halibut ($32), the jumbo shrimp ($3.5 each), and the coffee french press ($5). I know I have tried more, but I don't think the items are still on the menu. The salad is only greens, but with a very good vinaigrette, and a goat cheese covered bread crisp. It is light and simple, but tasty. I am not such a fan of onion soup, usually too salty for me, but my dad loved it. It arrives hot and bubbling, covered in a layer of melted gruyere cheese. The halibut was really yummy, cooked perfectly, accompanied by a lettuce and tomato nage. It comes topped with crisped squid and octopus, with lemon and almond. The restaurant has an oyster bar, with many kinds of seafood. They have shrimp, lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters. These can get pricey, the large tray is $100 and the small tray is $70. I am sure they are of good quality, at least for desert standards. I really like finishing off my meal with the french coffee press. They bring the press to you, you must press it down and watch the magic happen. It comes with two little cookies as well, if you are too full for a heavy dessert. Oh my, I almost forgot about the bread. They bring you an unlimited supply of bread, that is delicious. It has a thick chewy crust, with a warm soft interior, and is accompanied with room temperature unsalted butter. The service is dressed formally, and all of the waiters I have had have been very helpful and insightful. It is often loud inside of the restaurant, so if you are sensitive to that, or like deep, intense conversation, i suggest patio seating. I love the vibe of the restaurant and the well cooked French food, you can tell chef Matt Carter knows what he's doing. It is a special place to go to in the valley, when you want something other than Mexican food.


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