Previously Featured Location

Winter 2007

Zio's

1517 Colley Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 624-1440
Mon - Sun 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
http://restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=321877

Without much pomp or circumstance, Zio's serves up traditional Italian food better than perhaps even mom could have made it. Situated on Colley Avenue next door do the landmark Naro Theatre, the restaurant draws in many passersby seeking a nice sit-down meal in midtown Norfolk. The staff is always friendly, the floors are always clean, and the decorations are always tasteful. The summer months find patrons sitting on the outside patio lining Colley Avenue while in the winter months people like to request tables in the dining area closer to the fireplace.

Even with arguably the longest bar and best seating in Ghent, the drinking scene at Zio’s is still something of a hidden gem. A business crowd can usually be found hanging out during happy hour, gathering before catching a later meal. As with most Italian restaurants, the wines take precedence, but Zio’s also specializes in several mixed drinks, being home to the Lemontini and Martini Joe.

Owned and operated by the same management as Zia Marie's in Virginia Beach, Zio’s menu provides a delicious variety of pasta and other cuisine that are served, as is traditional in all Italian families, in plentiful portions. Veal, eggplant, and seafood dishes spot their menu that they guarantee will tempt even the most discriminating palate. Their spinach lasagna (two pasta squares stuffed with spinach and cheese and covered in tomato sauce) was recently voted the best in the Hampton Roads area by Portfolio Weekly. No need to wait for a good meal here – Zio’s tasty menu is the same for lunch and dinner and every other hour they are open during the day.

Zio's was the starting location of the 2006 Ghent Summer Bar Tour and will again be the starting location for the 2007 Ghent Winter Bar Tour being held on February 24, 2007. All proceeds from these events benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Eastern Virginia (local Hampton Roads chapter).

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