Cafe Zinc & Market

Recommends

paintedsheep

Joined 7 years ago

Small Place, Big Surprise. We ended up eating here for breakfast one Sunday afternoon after another place didn't work out. We were plesantly surprised. I love breakfast, but I get bored of the typical eggs and bacon fare at so many restaurants. Zinc offered everything from open face fritattas (thats what I got, it was great) to scrambled eggs with leeks and cream, served with fire roasted salsa (my mom ordered-very good also). The prices are very reasonable, about $8 for the eggs, some fruit, and a bagel with very good jam. Frittata was about $8 also, served with half an avocado with some kind of salsa inside. Even the waffle was "jazzed up" a bit, served with orange butter. Although we were set on getting breakfast, the lunch options looked very good also; Gourmet sandwiches like buffalo mozzarella and basil caught my eye, and all are served on fresh Cest Ce Bon bread. Although the service wasn't overly friendly, it was very prompt, and the outside seating was very pleasant.

We just browsed the market area, but it was reminiscent of the little cheese markets you stumble upon in Europe. There was a good selection of cheeses, numerous salads and by-the-pound entrees available, a choice of beers and wine that you can have corked for your meal if you want. Also some great looking pastries. The flourless chocolate cake grabbed my attention, but there are only two slice style pastries available daily, and that wasn't one-- guess Ill have to go back!

Recommends

phathit

Joined 7 years ago

Superb Cafe and Market!. Zinc Cafe and Market has been serving Laguna locals for eighteen years and they have been doing it well! You can always find something new and interesting in their market, from gifts to home cooking solutions. They are fantastic at making sure you get great service every time! Long lines are always prevelant, but it is always worth the wait!

Recommends

Andrea Rademan

Joined 10 years ago

Healthy minded gourmets fill up on organic breakfasts and lunches at this alfresco beachside fave.. The Scene
Order at the counter, then grab a table on the large, leafy patio or settle for one of a handful indoors. This hyper-friendly eatery is as natural as the all-age Laguna locals who regularly camp out here, some with the whole family. Dress down to scarf up healthy treats, then fill a market basket with gourmet goodies from the adjacent market.

The Food
These all-American dishes only taste like they're bad for you. Airy, spinach lasagna relies on little more than ricotta and seasonings for pizzazz; robust stuffed peppers get help from creamy Swiss chard, brown rice and spices. Daily rotations of soup, such as Tustin white bean, are always fresh and light. The dense veggie burger's only fault is its too-thick La Brea bun--add some vegetarian chili with beans for balance. Refreshing, yogurt-ginger-pineapple smoothies compete with plump, lemon-iced pecan cookies and fresh fruit tarts to satisfy sweet teeth.

Doesn't Recommend

shakeup1

Joined 10 years ago

Zinc - Less than expected. Thought the long line to get in was indicative of good food inside, but we were wrong. All meals (sandwiches, salads, etc.) although gourmet priced, are pre-made and plastic wrapped. If you want mustard instead of mayo on your sandwich you are out of luck! Although it was early in the day, many items were sold out, but not crossed off the menu board, and the cashier made it obvious that he did not want to wait for us to choose a different meal even after we'd stood in line for 15+ minutes. The staff were having a fine time among themselves, but generally ignored the customers. The food was mediocre, as you'd expect from premade food that's been sitting in the refrigeration case. There are so many great restauarants in the area don't waste your time and money here.