Richard Freeman
Second time eating here. The food is so good! I went with the Steak and Onion Tacos. We all enjoyed the food! We pass here regularly and will stop in more often.
… moreJessica F
Fantastic. We have warned the bartender she’ll get sick of seeing us. Excellent burrito. I get the chicken. Amazing drink menu, friendly staff. This is the best new find in years. I feel like food like this is generally found in cities. Even totally full, I can’t wait to come back here.
… moreJennifer O.
Tried tonight for the first time and I think I found my new favorite restaurant. The food is so authentic and good, and the margaritas are insane. Our waitress was wonderful. Already can’t wait to go back. Where has this place been hiding?!?!
… moreStephanie DelValle
I usually don’t give bad reviews, but I love Mexican, and this one just wasn’t what I hoped for. The service was egh. We got there at 253, and we’re told we had to wait for happy hour at 3 if we wanted to look at the happy hour menu. There was a bigger selection of food than lunch, but it was still not impressive. My husband ordered the chicken enchiladas, and they were very bland. The food was cooked, wonderful the absence of seasoning made it very unenjoyable. I got the pork burrito, which was only pork stuffed into a tortilla with pork, which again was cooked to the texture and moisture but absolutely no flavor there. The black beans were very flavorful, yet the rice was also bland almost out of a box. The atmosphere was wonderful with a nice little bar and not in a bad location. Unfortunately, will not partake again.
… moreaugie2424 blake
First time there finally and they did not disappoint. The staff were really nice, the place is cool looking and the food was absolutely delicious!! Lobster corn fritters were to die for. Cactus salad was incredible. Burrito and steak fajitas were absolutely amazing!!! We will definitely be returning.
… moreTimothy Brooks
I would give it more stars if I could .. the best and most authentic Mexican food. The food was top-notch. The Baja fish tacos were so fresh and amazing. This restaurant is a breath of fresh air in a time of ho hum restaurant. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
… moreDoug G
Zavala Mexican Bistro in East Lyme is a hidden gem that offers authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine made from scratch with family recipes. The dining experience here stands apart from typical fast-food Mexican chains, focusing instead on creative flavors and quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes alongside daily specials, such as shrimp specials, crabcakes with habanero slaw, enchiladas, burritos, and fresh fish tacos that consistently impress guests.
The ambiance is casual yet inviting, with a small bar area and a cozy dining room. The service is attentive and friendly, with a personal touch from the staff and the manager/chef who takes pride in ensuring every dish is exceptional. Guests rave about the freshly made margaritas, chips, and salsa, though a few note the margaritas could be better. Prices are reasonable, making it great value for the quality served.
… moreDavid Alan
We’ve been regular customers since early on and all of our experiences, especially with the amazingly delicious and scrumptious menu choices, are always outstanding!! One of my all-time favorites is the Pan Fried Flounder, over Mexican veggies and rice!!! And the spicy (not too spicy) pineapple glaze is wicked good!!! My better-half loves their Shrimp Tacos and Fajitas!! The staff is so friendly and efficient which makes our visits that much better!!
… moreTracey Trower
Great place for happy hour and dinner. Food was delicious and the staff was super friendly. Huge selection of tequilas if you’re looking to try something new. Parking can be a little tricky when the neighboring dance classes are getting out, so watch for little dancers.
… moreKim DeMatteo
Our many dining experiences at Zavala Mexican Bistro in East Lyme have been nothing short of exceptional. Having lived on the west coast and traveled extensively in the southwest, we have tried nearly every Mexican/southwest restaurant in central and southern CT and Zavala checks off every box….wonderfully attentive staff, happy to explain the well presented menu, with fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and to-die–for chunky guac and house made chips….400+ crafted tequilas that can be added to a freshly made citrus mix for a perfect marguerta….just the beginning to a traditional, yet signature offering of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas (all freshly made to order with incredible and original sauces)…my favorite entree is the spinach/mushroom enchilada, presented casserole style in a cast iron skillet, bubbling right out of the oven….just the right balance of heat (mild) and flavor . And you must save room for dessert…. chocolate stuffed churros are simply exquisite.
I’m telling you ..no one does it better…
Tucked away in the corner of a small plaza…I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by this gem of a restaurant.
… more