Zsa’s Bar Bistro Deli
Zsa’s Bar Bistro Deli is a Mediterranean inspired one stop shop/café/bar/bistro located on High Street, Northcote.
Opening a business in the middle of a global pandemic is definitely no easy feat. Trust me I know (I started my business Smart Artist Management *** at the start of 2020). But to open a restaurant while Melbourne in the middle of a Covid induced strict lockdown would ordinarily be a recipe for utter disaster.
But not if your reputation and your food is beyond exceptional. You at least have a fighting chance. And so with that Zsa’s Bar Bistro Deli opened amongst all the chaos.
I watched Zoe post on our local facebook page Northcote, Thornbury & Fairfield Takeaway about decorating the unopened bar, building the excitement, leaving us wanting to know more. The feedback she was getting and the excitement that was built by a community of people that have been if not nothing but amazing in support of our local restaurants, cafes and bars was incredible. And once opened, the pictures and the reviews that were coming back of what was on offer at Zsa’s was anything but lacklustre. My mouth was huuungray for the panino. HAHA….
So, it was on my mum’s birthday that I made my first visit to Zsa’s to get a takeaway Porcini Panino. Driving home was almost nauseating (in a really good way) from the smells that were emanating in my car. My stomach obviously craving what I had ordered. And let me tell you, I’ve had nothing like it. The best slow roasted pork, the creamiest of melted cheese, crustiest panini and whatever sauce was in that thing… um HELLO can I please know what it is? DELICIOUS!
Zsa’s is now a lunch favourite of mine and I have been several times. Now that we can, I like to eat in and have a glass (or two) of spritz. Which they do exceptionally well. Worth a recommendation also is the fish & chips panini.
There is a little store and deli at the front of Zsa’s where you can buy some condiments to fill your pantry (think Italian, French & Spanish) as well as fresh salads, cheeses, meats, pastas (the gnocchi is amazing) and breads.
Out the back Zsa’s now has a courtyard and they are open for meals that are equally as amazing as the panini’s you can takeaway or order in. My favourite is the gnocchi. I’ve never had one so tasty and fresh before.
The staff are super friendly, the food incredible and the spritz really does hit the spot on a warm summers day.
Well done team Zsa’s, what a delightful place to visit.
Zsa’s is located across from the Northcote town Hall at 202 High Street. Parking is available on High street or in the side streets. The 86 tram stops not far from the front.
Check out my other reviews of the Thornbury/Northcote/Preston area in Keeping it Local.