Zavala Mexican Bistro

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.

It was Memorial Day and this hidden gem was one of the only restaurants open. There is a Happy Hour menu and my friend ordered a couple things from that. I got a chicken burrito. There was so much food I shared half my burrito and brought some home. If I remember correctly the spices are made on the premises or a chef makes them. The tortilla tastes home made as well but I did not inquire.
I have been in the winter when the fire burned in the bar. It is a little loud but the atmosphere is exactly what we enjoyed. There is a dining room as well I think they use at other times. Excellent waitress, fantastic food and wonderful atmosphere. Thank you.

My first time here. Very friendly staff and the food and drinks are delicious!!

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.

An excellent place to enjoy good Mexican food and not to mention the Happy Hours from 3 to 6pm, their delicious spicy margaritas. And the beautiful attention of the girls.

We visited Zavala for the first time last night; the owner runs several other restaurants in southeast CT including Milagro’s in Stonington, which we love.

The ambience was good, Mexican music playing in the background and, unlike so many restaurants, the noise level was low and manageable - we could talk without lip-reading or shouting. Tables were set a reasonable distance apart from one another.

The service was excellent - we had made a reservation and were seated right away upon our arrival, having the choice of the dining room or the bar, we chose the dining room. The waiter was polite, efficient, and attentive. We both had margaritas which were delicious - fresh and not over-sweet like many ‘house’ margaritas can be. The salsa and chips - of course a basic staple at Mexican restaurants - were a notch above: the salsa was fresh and not over-spiced, and the chips were both fresh and hot. They really were the best we’ve ever had.

For our mains, we had the veggie enchilada casserole and the beef burrito. They were both outstanding; there is a high-end restaurant in the area that serves a similar casserole and this was far better.

Zavala is now a go-to place for us even though it’s a 20-minute drive. Highly recommended, we’ll definitely be back.

Very friendly service and delicious food. Happy hour was great and dinner was fantastic. Best fajitas I’ve ever had and presentation was beautiful!

The atmosphere was great. Service superb! We waited outside because apparently we didn't read the sign correctly. The bar area was open at noon. It has fireplace, a little cozier and warmer. We were going to sit in the bright, beautiful dining area. The waitress suggested the specials were not available in that area. The food is amazing. Presentation was perfect in my opinion, texture just right and portions matched the prices. The flavor is nothing I have eaten. Ever. I may be sheltered but the spices are done by a chef for sure. My appetite is not great so I shared with my dinner portion with my friend. She got a special. Turned out very well! No doggy bag. Thank you! We will be back.

So glad we tried this place regardless of the ratings! Food was great, service was good and the grapefruit Paloma was spot on. We had the guac and chips, pork on mashed plantains (recommended), kids quesadilla (tasty), and chimichanga. Food was fresh and tasty, service was friendly - definitely coming back! Muchas gracias!

This is by far the best Mexican restaurant around. I will go here over other places in the area any day. The food is always great. I love the chips, guacamole, Queso, and salsa. I other love their enchilada’s and chimichangas. My girlfriend can be a picky eater and they accommodate her needs as well as even remember the next time we come. The wait staff is always polite and the manger is the nicest person. There is also a bar seating area as while as a calmer dine area depending on the vibe you are looking for. Highly recommended people to come here! The only thing I wish to see different is to see corn on the cob street corn on the menu because I know it would be good like all their other food!

Stopped in this restaurant on a whim while staying in the area. Actually we almost passed it by since it appeared closed during a weekday lunch. However my wife checked and they were in fact open.

We met Martin the manager/chef who is from Mexico City. He advised us that every single thing in the restaurant is made from scratch, from infused tequilas, to every ingredient of every dish, and it showed. He was very proud of his dishes and he should be. We eat Mexican a lot and every dish we had was the best we’d ever had.

If you’re anywhere near East Lyme and you want an outstanding meal, stop into this restaurant. You won’t be disappointed

The food was great my sister and I shared a braised beef burrito with black beans and rice inside and it was a good portion and great price from the happy hour or specials menu. There is a fireplace in the bar and the decor in the restaurant is very authentic. I felt like the food could have had a little bit more flavor but we added our own hot sauce to spice it up a bit. The meat was cooked to perfection! The price was fair! Everything was clean and service was with a smile! You will love this place a slice of Mexico... right here in East Lyme.

His food and drinks are always prepared very well. My wife had a spicy pineapple flounder which was a special and very tasty and the fish was fresh. I went with a standard chicken dish which was top notch. Our drinks were also great. Been going to his restaurants for over 20 years and will continue to do so. Pride is in every dish

I love this restaurant! The food is so good, and I love the pineapple margarita. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

We've been there many times already and love this restaurant! A new restaurant also needs time to work out kinks, so people should be a little more understanding. The Margaritas are amazing and the bartender makes amazing specialty cocktails every week, and makes custom drinks for me. The food is delicious. Whoever said the pork is dry is dead wrong! It's the most tender pork I have ever had (I've tried it several times), and pork is definitely a specialty there. I would also rather pay for freshly made salsa with house made chips than be given free salsa from a jar. You get what you pay for. If you don't want to pay for it, there's a Moe's in Waterford that may be more up your alley.

Great experience today. I brought my mom here for her first time for her birthday. The service was great and the food was amazing. The owner waited on us and he was great. My mom enjoyed herself so much. Thanks for the great experience.

One of my favorite happy hour go-to places. Reliable, delicious food and huge margaritas.

Been there twice and both times food was excellent and service was great. Had the enchilada's and burritos (ask for extra sauce) which I almost couldnt finish (big). My son had the Monk Fish which was delicious. Wife had the Margaritas that were excellent. They make an awesome red Sangria! My new Mexican go to!

For being so new this restaurant is doing amazing! The food is authentic and fresh, cooked with love by the amazing chefs. You dont just have to go with your favourite classics(tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc.)because there is always something a bit exotic to find on the specials menu! The Ancho Chile Shrimp is absolutely amazing! And the handmade tortillas are so much better tasting than store bought ones!

We had an excellent and authentic Mexican lunch. Good service, kitchen was not slow. I appreciated that the menu was short -a few good things done well rather than a lot done with mediocrity.
Great to have a good Mexican restaurant at four corners!