Zora Grille

I visited on a weekday lunch with several coworkers. Our orders were taken quickly enough, but for some reason all of the sides came out as appetizers. Then we waited and waited for silverware to eat our sides with. After asking, we finally received the silverware.
They were out of the main ingredient for the dish I ordered (chicken breast), but substituted it with another version of chicken. I found everything to be pretty bland, nothing memorable about the meal. I had salad, eggplant, hummus, and pitas. The presentation of many dishes was great, that was definitely the best part of the meal. I didn’t dislike it so much that I wouldn’t visit again, but I wouldn’t be the person to pick this place to go to.

This is the finest Middle Eastern cuisine I have ever experienced! I had the chicken limousine, actually I had a double order it was that excellent. The service is fantastic the owners are personable and professional. I can’t wait to go back, my highest compliments to you all. Daniel Montesi

I’ve had my eye on this place since it was being built, but since my office moved, I’m not in the area often and it’s never on my radar. I was able to get there over the holidays, however, but I’m not really sure how I feel about my experience. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it wasn’t great either. It was just okay and that makes me sad. I wanted to love this place!
When you walk in, it’s one very large open space. The kitchen is directly in front of you and it was closed off, but there’s dining to the left and right, but that area was dark and empty. I can’t describe it, but the layout was odd. The table we were seated at was right on top of a fake plant and we had to maneuver around it. There were plastic table cloths and there was a fly that kept buzzing by my head.
There were two servers working and they both helped every table. They weren’t really in sync, as one would ask us if we wanted something and we’d have to tell her we just asked the other woman for it. This happened a few times.
The menu was kind of small, at least in comparison to other Mediterranean restaurants I’ve been to. I had a hard time deciding what to get, as nothing was talking to me.
We ordered hummus as an appetizer and I got a glass of merlot. The hummus was okay. It’s better than Sabra brand at Publix, but not even close to Bosporus’ or The Turkish Kitchen’s hummus. The bread/​pita/​naan (it wasn’t any of those — it actually looked like soft/​doughy matzo) definitely wasn’t homemade, but it was ok. Not good, not bad, just middle of the road. The wine was terrible. I have no idea what brand it was, it wasn’t on the menu, but I was barely able to choke it down. Had I been paying for the meal, I wouldn’t have drank it, but I felt bad wasting it since my date was picking up the tab. I gulped it down and chased it was water.
For my entrée I wanted lamb, but they only had 1 option and it was for minced meat, which did not at all sound appetizing. I asked one of the servers her opinion on the menu, what she’d recommended, etc. She must have been new since she couldn’t really suggest anything (I got the ‘everything is good, I don’t have a favorite’ response). I asked specifically about lamb, if that was available as a kabob as instead of ground and she said no, but she also didn’t know that the only lamb dish on the menu was for ground meat. As I hemmed and hawed over what to get, my date ordered the ribeye skewer. I gave up and ordered the lamb limousine (ground lamb). Every entrée came with a side, rice, and a grilled tomato. For our sides we did the cucumber yogurt (Tzatziki) and Tabbouleh.
We saw other people’s entrees come out while we were waiting, and we noticed that every single dish looked identical. It didn’t matter if it was chicken or red meat, they all had the shape of a long and skinny McRib (from McDonalds). Ours were no exception. His ribeye skewer was in the McRib shape (and not on a skewer) and my ground lamb, was put into patty form and it also went into the McRib mold. The flavor of my lamb was really good. The rice and tomato were good, just plain ol rice and ½ a grilled tomato, but the combination of the three in one bite was great. His ribeye was very tender. It lacked any seasoning and didn’t have much flavor, but the meat was tender. It was not worth the $ 19 price tag in my opinion, but mine was more than fair at $ 12.
Physical Location — 4 stars
Ambiance/​Décor — 2
Service — 3
Food — 3.5
Overall — 3
Price — 3
Overall, the meal was decent. I honestly don’t know if I’ll be back, as there are a few other Mediterranean /​Turkish restaurants around town I like much better. I wouldn’t oppose the idea, but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

Zora Grille recently served our group of 35 people for dinner and our experience was absolutely fabulous. The people at Zora Grille were very helpful to organize the evening and put together a complete dinner that would please the entire group. The kabobs were served right off the charcoal grill and they were the best i have ever tasted. The portions were generous and the service was impeccable.
There is something very warm, refreshing and pleasing about witnessing a father, son and daughter graciously working together with pride, honor and old-​world values. We enjoyed our experience at Zora Grille very much.

I would recommend you to read this review if you’re trying this restaurant for the first time.
I don’t know where to start but I would give this restaurant a negative star. I wouldn’t come here if they served their food for free, and yes this is how bad their food is. I had hummus as and appetizer and ordered beef kebab as a main course. I had to wait more than 15 min and then got everything together.
The hummus was the worst hummus I’ve ever tried in my life and I am Arab so I know how good hummus taste like. BTW you’re not getting the food as it shows in the pictures in this app, because it was totally different, they don’t even have a saffron yellow rice.
I would never eat their food if it was free even if they would deliver it to my house.
I’m very fair in review and I would suggest that they close this business and try something else…

The food was very nice, a little bit more than I expected to pay for lunch (They gave us the dinner menu in the early afternoon where the average option was around $ 15) but quite delicious.
ZG hasn’t been open very long, maybe a few months, so they’re still getting their feet under them.
This is a bit evident in both service and décor.
The interior is a little strange, quite barren with the exception of a few modern/​chic artwork installations scattered along the walls as well as some industrial-​ish light fixtures.
Lots of space here, just not sure they are using it to its fullest potential (yet).
I didn’t come here to play HGTV though, I came for some authentic Persian cuisine and they delivered!
We started with the Oluviae appetizer.
A tasty chicken salad mixed with pickles, sweet peas and egg.
I think one is supposed to eat it with a fork straight up, but we opted to spread it on the flat-​bread they had already brought to the table.
Choice.
For entrees, we tried their lamb limousine and the grilled shrimp.
The lamb limousine looked the part… a long delicious strip of perfectly grilled lamb with their light, buttery rice.
The grilled shrimp was also cooked just right… seven pieces, not too rubbery and the tail slid off with ease.
They forgot to give us our salad so we had to make sure to remind them not to bill us for it, otherwise the service was pleasant.
On their website you can see a nice lunch menu, I just wonder what time of day you need to get there in order to order off it?
Will definitely go again.

My first time having Persian food and it definitely won’t be my last. Absolutely loved the food and customer service. This place is a must try

Definitely a great choice if you’ve come here for a terrific meal and a good atmosphere. You will be greated by a delicious smell as soon as you walk in and has all the great Persian scents: tumeric, grilled tomato, and a beef and lamb scent that will help you order quickly.
The dining area is large and open. The setting is very nice and has great wall décor paired with a good Iranian and french feeling music
My server was excellent. She was courteous and sweet and made sure to check on me midmeal. She waited till I finished chewing to ask me which I give a very big thumbs up. I can’t tell you how irritating it is to have someone ask you something and expect a rushed answer, but she waited and genuinely smiled when I told her it was excellent.
I had the lamb limousine (ground lamb kebab) with a bed of white jasmine rice and some yellow rice for color (rice was cooked perfectly but the yellow rice didn’t have much flavor so I wasn’t sure if it had tumeric other than the color). The kebab itself was flavorful and juicy. You get the great taste from the meat, mixing with the rest of the flavors from the condiments (the red powder, can’t remember what it’s called, but you put it on rice).
The only thing I would have wished to see was maybe more grilled tomato as this is usually my favorite part of kebab as well as if they had some pickled preserved garlic. And maybe some more mint in the cucumber yogurt. But that’s no knock on them at all. I was very satisfied with my meal.
One unfortunate misunderstanding did occur at the end of the meal, I jumped the gun and gave my waitress my card. When she brought it back to the table I noticed there wasn’t a signature or tip spot but thought she charged me as I had given her my card. I left with leaving a tip on the table. After pulling out of their parking lot you must go right so I did and got stuck at a light to go back home. I thought it was odd I didn’t have to sign but thought maybe it’s because it was under $ 20 (they had one of those new iPad looking registers). While sitting at the light I looked at the receipt some more and didn’t see my credit card numbers. This made me go back to be sure I was paid because I certainly want to come back. My server was very happy to see me when I came back and we both realized where the confusion was so she rang me out and I felt better for having come back to be sure.
While I usually make it a point to check restaurant bathrooms, I didn’t check this one. I’m sure it’s spotless like the restaurant though.

We watched this building go up and eagerly awaited to see what it would hold. Once we saw that it was going to be a Mediterranean restaurant we were happy to have a healthy option not to far from home. Every once and a while we would pass by and check the status to see if it was open. After the doors opened we looked at the Unilocal reviews and with the two $ signs we held off for a little while. Finally one Saturday hungry and on a mission for a tasty meal we headed to Zora.
It did not disappoint in anyway. The menu is simple it was clearly explained to us with a friendly smile. Any questions we had were answered and we placed our order. We sat down and enjoyed some time to relax as our food was brought to us. The food is brought to you as it is ready. Each and every item we had was full of mouthwatering flavor. The main dishes are wonderful but the sides are a treat in themselves.
Since we started eating here we have had two occasions where they were out of an item and while this can be disappointing it is because they are making delicious food and sometime can not keep up with demand. They will have something else to offer its not like you will have an empty plate or have a reason to leave hungry.
The portions are very generous, the price is great for the food and service you experience, the freshness and flavor are wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful. If you have not eaten here yet you really should give it a try.

Family owned and operated Reza and Tamara were fantastic they explained the menu in full detail, were understanding a patient as I decided. The environment was clean, friendly, safe. The food was amazing, I mean the meats were cooked and seasoned to perfection! The rice and other sides were also at the perfect taste and temperature. I will definitely definitely be returning and bringing all of my friends! Thank you for bringing this much needed taste and variety to this area!!! See you soon!

I love this place. I workout quite often so as a first meal, this is a great place to choose. The food is always delicious and the taste is fresh and vibrant.

This place is very good. They seem to care and the food was super good. I hope this place stays.

We were the only ones there and I tried to order the lamb and another eggplant side dish ($ 4 extra!) and they were sold out. We asked what time they opened, and it was only an hour earlier and we asked if there was a large rush. No, there was a large group last night. Ok… We ordered our meals and at the register, she turns the screen around and before you can sign, there is a tipping section. You order your food, sit down and they bring it out to you.
We sat down by the window and started looking around. There was a large table that was still not cleared off. The person behind the counter also brings out the food, and we were a bit puzzled about the dirty dishes left over. The table next to us had what appeared to be spilled soda on the floor. It was dried soda, so it seems that the floors do not get washed every night. The salt and pepper shakers and sumac shakers were all in various levels of fill, so they don’t get topped off every day, either. Some table tops looked like they were not wiped of crumbs or spilled liquids. This was not encouraging.
The cooking of meats is done on a charcoal grill that is placed in a conspicuous place but it is seen only from the counter top. The smoke was starting to fill the dining room, so the fans are not strong enough. I understand a little smoke, but the amount of smoke was starting to produce a migraine and my clothes are smelling of smoke, too. I expect that at home, not at a restaurant.
Two side dishes came out a good 10 minutes ahead of the meal, and there was no indication of I guess an appetizer or actual side dish. The menu says to simply pick your meat, 3 sides and beverages were extra. The meat was supposed to be ground on site and halal. There were a few bites of gristle chunks and it was warm, not hot and did not have much flavor. Neither seasoned nor from the grill. Think, bland hamburger. I was missing my greek salad that I ordered and it was eventually brought out. As I was eating from my plate, some dirty lettuce caught my eye on the salad. Looking at the rest of the salad, it was very apparent that it was not washed prior to serving. I brought it back to the counter where I was offered another one, but, by then, my appetite was lost.
We left there hungry. The portions were good, but for $ 22 for both meals, the food was so so and the meat bland and we did not want to finish the meal. Be aware, there are 3 side dishes that are $ 4 extra (nothing special) and soda is $ 1.80 to $ 2 extra.
While sitting and noticing the dirt on the lamp shades, the sticky floors and tables, etc., we overheard the cashier say how they just finished a 3000 sq ft addition to their house. If they can afford to do that, they can afford to hire someone to clean the place regularly.
We were not impressed. I tried to order some things that I don’t regularly make at home and could not. The place was dirty. The food not hot and not seasoned. We will not be going back. Shameful as I was very much looking forward to this type of food and it would have been a great addition to the area.

Fantastic!
The chicken and beef were cooked perfectly. I recommended splitting a meat and doubling up on sides.

To the staff of Zora grille, thank you for being so kind and attentive! Everything was delicious and it’s evident that no corners are cut like at some restaurants.

Found this randomly on Unilocal and have to say I was amazing impressed. Had the lamb limousine, rice, hummus and Greek salad. If you like Mediterranean flavors, you will love the food here. Oh and I finished with some baklava, which was also really good.
It was kind of sad that it was a Friday night and there were only a couple other groups eating. Hopefully they can gain a bigger customer base. With all of the less interesting places around to eat, this place is definitely worth a try.

I had the vegetable plate with beans, rice and hummus. For each entrée you get 3 sides. It was delicious and the service and atmosphere were so nice. We will definitely return!

Love the atmosphere of the restaurant, friendly staff and perfect location.
I was very excited to know that a Mediterranean style (Iranian) was in town. I highly enjoy the choices of food and care that is taken to prepare my food.
Inorded the mixed grille. Once received the presentation and taste was excellent. I will be going back again and again!

First time here. I got the chicken thighs with rice, red beans and cucumber tomato salad. The bean salad and bread came very quickly. I really liked the beans and salad… Very fresh. The bread was warm but as it cooled it got tough and hard to chew. The chicken took almost 30 minutes to cook. When it finally came it was not as flavor able as I was hoping and the rice was not very tasty either. I also expected the chicken to be hotter since it took so long to prepare but it wasn’t…barely warm for just coming off the grill. A last comment is to say that I was charged $ 12 for the thighs and the menu shows $ 11. I may go back one day to try the lamb… hoping it will be better.
Thanks for leaving the response, I’ll definitely be back to try the lamb.

Literally the BEST Persian kebab that I have had in Orlando! They just opened the restaurant but they seem very professional in their job! The staff are so friendly and polite and they treat you as if you are a guest in their house! I tried their rib eye steak kebab and beef koobideh and it was amazing !! Btw, their saffron rice was tasting and smelling so good that we ordered more of it after we finished our first plate !!