We had dinner with a Yakima-based family during a holiday weekend. It was bustling but we had reservations and fortunately did not have to wait for an open table. Because of the crowd it was noisy but not to the point where we had to shout to be heard. The restaurant features a main dining floor and a smaller loft-like second level overlooking the former. We dined in the upper level. The decor is warm, modern, featuring a lot of wood. There was a mural of a canal scene from Venice (probably from the neighboring island, Burano) on the wall overlooking the loft area.

Naturally the menu features a lot of pasta dishes and pizza. However the grilled meat menu offers 4 cuts of beef and 6 choices each of starch, vegetables, and sauce. This offers the diner a potential 864 combinations to choose from! There was a specials menu and an extra-special one ("fresh sheet") The adults chose from the latter and many decided to splurge on the wagyu short rib which lived up to its reputation. We shared a bottle of red from Washington. A children's menu is offered making the restaurant more family-friendly.

The staff was friendly and attentive. Busboys/girls kept our glasses filled. The owner checked in on us. It may have been on the expensive side but the food was of excellent quality. Zesta Cucina should definitely be on your list of places to dine at when visiting Yakima.