Zio Cecio

After eating here last night, all I can say is WOW! Every single thing I put in my mouth was unbelievably delicious! First, we started with some yummy warm focaccia bread. It was served hot and delicately seasoned with olive oil and sea salt. These were also flaky and perfectly thin and proceeded to melt in your mouth.We were then served a caprese salad that was made with deliciously fresh tomatoes and Buffalina mozzarella. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it. Our entrees arrived and we were blown away by the spectacular flavors. I ordered the wild boar ragout and my daughter had the seafood ravioli with a Parmesan cream sauce. Both of them were, no exaggeration, out of this world. Needless to say, we cleaned our plates.We rounded out our evening with the tiramisu and limoncello and they did not disappoint.The atmosphere was wonderful and all of the waitstaff was attentive and polite and always refilled our drinks promptly. They were also very careful to follow the CDC Covid-19 guidelines, so we felt very safe while eating.I will without a doubt be eating here again really soon and highly encourage others to do the same. You won't regret it.

Rude guy on the phone closed even when they had allowed reservations till 9:30 The 9:15 they didn't honor so we can only say their food must be awful cause the staff is rude and waste your time. Just got to Neighborhood Services next door or all the other Italian restaurants near like across from Rise. They treat people kindly unlike this guy answering the phone on. 2/27 at 9:09pm

For some strange reason, I've had this itch to visit eateries where I once dined, but for some reason had fallen out of favor. It may have been a problem with service. Or maybe a long wait. In some cases, I may have just gotten tired, and moved on to the newest pretty face.It had likely been close to ten years since I last supped at Zio, and from what I recall, we had been there nearly a dozen times. Quite frankly, I think I stopped going there simply because of the crowds and noise.But on a recent midweek night, it was quite the opposite. At our 8 PM arrival, there were only 2 or 3 occupied tables. We scratched our heads on the sparse crowds since the space is attractive and comfortable. It was just as I had remembered. Matter of fact, I'd easily give them 4 stars for the ambiance. The menu looked enticing and the wine list seemed reasonable (despite the fact that I wasn't imbibing...sigh.) Service was good; our waiter friendly, and attentive with suggestions...however, that's tough to judge since there were only 4 or 5 other guests in the restaurant.I had to give them a demerit for my selected dish, the Petto Di Gallo Ai Funghi (chicken breast with wild mushrooms). The chicken was on the dry side. Thus the reason for my overall rating. It wasn't so dry that I'll never be back dry, but "I'll definitely try Zio again, but select something different next time" dry. On the other hand, my better half enjoyed her selection. But to be truthful, I can't recall what she ordered...and she wasn't available at press time for this review to reignite my memory.I'm still a bit mystified by the small crowds on the night we went. Joints just up the street were pretty crowded and the quality of some of the ambience, food and dishes in those places aren't much different.But then again, Dallas is fickle. For us, Zio is definitely worth another visit.

If you're in the mood for pasta, or are looking for an authentic Italian place, this place never disappoints. A neighborhood favorite, the owner, Francesco, clearly knows all of his regulars and makes an impressive effort to get to know them. Cozy atmosphere and plenty of seating at the bar or at the tables. Definitely a relaxing dinner and paced so you can enjoy your food and drink plenty of wine!You have to start with the fresh Focaccia bread. Dip it in the olive oil and sea salt to further bring out the seasoning. I could honestly snack on this all day everyday. As for appetizers, I personally love the calamari and my husband can't get enough of the eggplant Parmesan. The grilled octopus was delicious if that's calling your name. You can never go wrong with the classic Bolognese Pasta where the noodle to sauce ratio is perfect. The branzino is delicious and plated table side. Every dish I've tried here has mouthfuls of flavor without needed anything more. I prefer my food a bit on the saltier side so I am one happy camper coming here! Of course you must end with the tiramisu.

I decided to surprise my husband for his birthday with a family dinner at this Italian restaurant. This was our first time here. We get there and they have complimentary valet parking which I love! We were received by the owner, I think-based on the website, he was not the friendliest but whatever. He sat us down and we waited a bit and our waiter came. He was ok. I think I would rate a 2/3 stars for customer service. Now the food was another story! We started with the cheese plate- small but delicious. We ate everything on the plate, cheese, meat and the olives. I ask for the focaccia bread (I saw on the photos) thinking it's bread they give to all tables. Well it wasn't- we were charge $7.50 for a plate of the bread. But it was soooo good and cooked to perfection I didn't care to pay for that bread. It was worth it. I had the Bolognese and the fettuccine was perfectly al dente. The sauce was a bit sweet but it complemented the meat and pasta. My husband had the gnocchi. He really liked it but he said he actually had better at another Italian restaurant. My oldest had the mussels and she was pleased and the little one spaghetti and sauce and it was good as well. I think the best part were the desserts. Well and the focaccia bread. We ordered a slice of the cheesecake and chocolate cake with a candle and they gave us the lemon tart on the house. WOW WOW WOW!!! All three pastries were soooooo amazing. That alone will earn a 5 stars!! They know how to make their desserts for sure! Overall I will go back to indulge and feast with some Italian dishes and desserts!!!

The prices of items on the menu did not equal the quality or portion of food.If you go, ask NOT to sit in Paul's section. He is waiter who clearly does not like his job or pleasing his customers. He was grumpy, arrogant and had zero hospitable traits.

This is a restaurant my husband and I have visited several times over the past 22 years we have been in the neighborhood. I decided to celebrate my husbands birthday with dear friends last night at Zio Cecio. I was so disappointed! So disappointed I will not return and will not refer this restaurant. I hold the owner completely responsible. I made a reservation early and the 4 of us were seated at a table across from the bathrooms and in front of the kitchen staff. There were plenty of tables as the restaurant was not busy. The server had to be prompted over and over. Can we have bread for the table? Can we order drinks now? When asked about specific menu items lack of information. The whole process felt very chaotic and disorganized. I don't want anyone reprimanded as the owner is totally responsible for chaos and disorganization. And the food and drinks are ridiculously over priced.

Just a great restaurant experience. Excellent and authentic Italian/Sardinian food & a great wine list. The owner/manager Francesco is a very engaging guy & is happy to answer any questions & share his knowledge of the Sardinian food & culture. I will definitely be going back sooner rather than later & would highly recommend to any & all of my friends.

Not up to the level arcodoro or pomodoro once had. The Farris brothers used to take pride for their craft in fact it was our favorite spot for years in houston. I was excited to try Zio Cecio, however was disappointed with the lack of care on the service front, the food was simply anemic, pastas were overcooked which was disappointing. The suckling pig was very dry which again, didn't use to be the case. Frankly I rather drive down to eataly for better Italian food.

Back after a few years away and it was a pleasant evening. The Sardinian/ Italian menu offers some interesting dishes in addition to traditional favorites. Service was more attentive than last few times we visited. Nice wine list but dessert menu is just boring; Tiramisu arghhh