Discover the culinary heart of Yakima, Washington at Zesta Cucina, a restaurant celebrated for its casual yet refined dining experience. Nestled within Yakima’s burgeoning craft beverage and wine region, Zesta Cucina offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey for both locals and visitors alike.
During my participation in the Yakima Craft Beverage Tour, I had the distinct pleasure of dining with a group of fellow food enthusiasts at Zesta Cucina. This exceptional meal served as the perfect culmination to a weekend filled with exploration and delight.
For those unfamiliar with Yakima, Washington, I encourage you to explore my previous articles highlighting some of the area’s most notable attractions: Bale Breaker Brewery, Hotel Maison, Cowiche Canyon restaurant, Gilbert Cellars, and Antolin Cellars. Each of these locations contributes to the unique charm and allure of the Yakima Valley.
Zesta Cucina: Yakima’s Premier Casual Fine Dining
Zesta Cucina boasts a spacious and welcoming environment, making it an ideal destination for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re seeking an intimate table for two or a larger setting for group gatherings, Zesta Cucina provides comfortable seating options to accommodate your needs. Its casual, all-occasion atmosphere makes it suitable for business meetings, relaxed lunches with friends, and enjoyable family outings. The restaurant effortlessly blends sophistication with approachability, creating a dining experience that is both memorable and accessible.
Allow me to share a glimpse into some of the delectable drinks and dishes that we savored during our visit. Please note that the portions depicted in the following images may not accurately reflect the full meal sizes, as our group enjoyed individual sample portions of each item.
Craft Cocktails, Regional Wines, and More: A Beverage Journey at Zesta Cucina
Zesta Cucina’s beverage program is as thoughtfully curated as its food menu. With an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, and wines, there’s something to please every palate. We commenced our culinary adventure with a series of refreshing cocktails that perfectly set the tone for the meal ahead.
For visitors seeking an authentic taste of the local terroir, Zesta Cucina offers an exceptional wine list that prominently features the acclaimed wines of Eastern Washington. This commitment to showcasing regional vintages provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flavors and characteristics of the area’s vineyards.
The Owen Roe Winery Sharecropper’s Pinot Noir stood out as a particularly excellent choice. It remains one of my personal favorites, and its accessibility at local grocery stores (typically priced under $25) makes it a consistently satisfying option.
Starters That Sparkle: Appetizers at Zesta Cucina
The appetizers at Zesta Cucina are designed to tantalize the taste buds and set the stage for a memorable dining experience. From seafood delicacies to flavorful vegetarian options, the starter menu offers a diverse array of choices to suit every preference.
Among the starters we sampled, the Coconut Prawns ($9.99) emerged as my personal favorite. These succulent prawns are coated in a delicate coconut tempura and panko breading, then artfully arranged on a bed of fragrant cilantro-jasmine rice and complemented by a refreshing pineapple salsa. A drizzle of sweet chili aioli adds the perfect finishing touch.
Stuffed Mushrooms ($10.49) are another standout starter, ideal for sharing with your dining companions. These oven-roasted mushrooms are generously filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, asiago cheese, and garlic-herb aioli. The dish is then bathed in a spicy herbed cream sauce and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. A truly delightful culinary creation!
The Grilled Steak Salad ($21.99 for dinner) is a hearty and flavorful option that showcases Zesta Cucina’s commitment to quality ingredients. Tender slices of grilled CAB petite tender steak are served atop a bed of mixed greens, tossed with creamy Italian dressing, bleu cheese crumbles, candied walnuts, tomatoes, and tobacco onions, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This salad is an absolute masterpiece!
Vodka Cappellini ($11.49) features perfectly al dente cappellini pasta tossed in a delectable spicy pink vodka sauce, accompanied by asparagus and tomatoes. Enhancements include the addition of prawns (for an additional $5) or sautéed chicken (for an additional $3), allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.
Seared Scallops ($23.99) are a personal weakness of mine. If scallops are featured on a menu, I invariably find myself drawn to order them. The scallops at Zesta Cucina were flawlessly seared, boasting a delightful buttery crisp coating. They were elegantly presented with bacon relish and pear, and served alongside wild mushroom risotto and sautéed green beans. A truly unforgettable dish!
Entrees That Excite: Main Courses at Zesta Cucina
Zesta Cucina’s entree menu showcases a range of culinary creations, from classic steak dishes to innovative seafood preparations. Each entree is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Filet Mignon ($38.99) is a testament to Zesta Cucina’s commitment to quality and flavor. As a reminder, the photo above depicts a sample-sized portion of the standard 8 oz filet mignon. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, the filet mignon is served with a rich port wine pomegranate demi sauce, creamy whipped potatoes, and tender oven-roasted asparagus.
Sweet Endings: Desserts at Zesta Cucina
No meal is complete without a delightful dessert, and Zesta Cucina’s dessert menu offers a variety of tempting options to satisfy your sweet cravings. From classic cheesecakes to seasonal fruit creations, the dessert selections are always evolving.
The dessert offerings at Zesta Cucina change regularly. During our visit, we savored a delectable cheesecake adorned with vanilla creme and fresh raspberries. This refreshing dish served as the perfect finale to an exceptional meal!
Of all the dishes highlighted above, which one would you be most eager to try first?
Plan Your Visit to Zesta Cucina
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zesta Cucina. Here’s how to find them:
5110 Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA
509-972-2000
http://zestacucina.com/
HOURS
LUNCH & DINNER
Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm
HAPPY HOUR
Monday – Friday 3-6pm
Closed on Sundays
I extend my sincere gratitude to Zesta Cucina for providing a complimentary meal as part of the Yakima Craft Beverage Tour. As always, all opinions expressed and photographs presented are my own. If you find yourself in Yakima, Washington, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Zesta Cucina!
Explore More of Yakima: Travel Ideas
Continue your Yakima adventure with these related articles:
Beer Bliss: Bale Breaker Brewery
Travel Bliss: Hotel Maison
Food Bliss: Cowiche Canyon restaurant
Wine Bliss: Gilbert Cellars
Wine Bliss: Antolin Cellars