ZED451 - Chicago

We were really looking forward to eating at Zed again. It had been our go to place for years after it first opened but hadn 't been back quite a few years. It was super disappointing. The restaurant was pretty much empty while we were there. Our server was lackadaisical and seemed irritated by the simplest questions (could we have salt pepper was one). If it hadn 't been for the other staff members we would have felt totally ignored. Food was not the best definitely downscale from our last visit. The offerings were strange also there was no bread (not even crackers not even in the kitchen we were told) except for dense slices of sweet bread, chock full of fruits and nuts not quite what you 'd like to eat with the charcuterie they offered or with the plentiful supply of cheeses. They also offered salmon with cream cheese, capers and egg, but no bagels. Finally, difficult to understand, they served hot meats (brought to the tables) but no hot side items so with your hot chicken you could have fruit or salad, no potatoes, no rice, no dressing, only cold things. The desserts were decent, especially the tiny red velvet cupcakes and the potato salad was also pretty good. Everything else was pedestrian, typical buffet food while the restaurant used to be special now it 's just a plain old buffet. For value, there used to be an option where you could opt out of meat (for vegetarians/vegans) but now whether you eat it or not, you pay the full price. The one bright spot was the manager/supervisor. He stopped by our table and was quite pleasant he listened to our complaints and said they were working on totally revamping the restaurant. I 'm not quite sure how that will go but we probably won 't go back.

Whenever I come to Chicago, I go out of my way to have brunch at Zed 451. The service is amazing and the food is excellent. I'm a vegetarian but my friends are not, but when I mentioned I was, the kitchen made me a plate of grilled vegetables which were delicious. Zed 451 is one of my all time favorite restaurants and I'm excited to go back!

The food was good. The meats were pretty good. Salad, bread and soup selections was enough..... not over shelling. The only complaint I gave was the soup. I went to get soup section twice but found that it was never refilled. Service was very good. Waiter was attentive.

Food and service was horrible. Had to wait over 45 minutes from them to bring out meat well done, when they finally brought out the meat is was a little platter with 4 pieces of meat for the entire table. Never again!!!

Wonder ambience, great staff (friendly with personality), unique food selection. (Attended Brunch)