Mediterranean Restaurant Zenola Now Open in Vienna

The wait is over for Mediterranean restaurant Zenola. The restaurant announced on Friday (Sept. 6) that it opened in Vienna.

Zenola had previously pushed its expected opening from the winter to this summer.

“We’ve spent the last year renovating [our] space and creating a warm and inviting dining experience for our guests,” the restaurant said in an email.

Located in the former Maplewood Grill space (132 Branch Road SE) near the Fresh Market, the restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine. Diners can find pan-roasted quail, stuffed grape leaves and crab lasagna on the menu.

Founder and Executive Chef Samer Zeitoun was inspired by one small fruit: olives.

“Food is our passion and the olive is our inspiration,” Zenola says on its website, adding:

Olives are a foundational ingredient in each of the five great cuisines of the Mediterranean. Italian, Greek, Lebanese, Moroccan and Spanish cuisines each uniquely pay homage to the olive in their savory offerings. Which is best? We couldn’t decide so we give you the opportunity to determine for yourself by offering exquisite dishes from each…

From childhood, olives and olive oil have been staples of [Zeitoun’s] diet – his “comfort food.” He has spent a culinary career spanning more than 25 years in the pursuit and perfection of Mediterranean cuisine.

Interestingly, his last name literally translated means olive.

The restaurant is open for dinner every day starting at 5 p.m.

Photos via Zenola/Facebook