Although I've reviewed Zeera more than once already, I thought that in these days of Covid-19, that a new review was warranted.
We have been to Zeera three times since October 20th. In fact, it was the first restaurant that we went to for sit-down...dining (knowingly, we've been to others but expected outdoor seating - grrr). Sonny greeted us with a smile (behind his mask) and he remembered us, even though it has been nearly two years since our last visit.
We visited Zeera on October 20 and 25, and again yesterday November 3, 2020. I'm combining all three of those visits into one review.
Covid-19 observations:
We have been more stringent than most on the whole stay-at-home stuff. We both have backgrounds in science and math, so we take this seriously.
The tables are well spaced and kept clean
Staff wore masks properly (i.e. nose and mouth were covered), we didn't observe them congregating without their masks
Cleanliness maintained, bathrooms very clean
Food and Drink observations:
Food consistently good
Service consistently good (go easy on the new folks, they're learning)
Good selection of Indian beers plus two NC drafts
Great Chai Tea (Sonny says he makes it)
What we ordered, what we think:
Appetizers -
Zeera Special Chicken - always good, but we try to avoid fried foods, so it was one and done - best description = Indian General Tsaos Chicken
Zeera Baigan - eggplant with tomato, mint, and seasonings, topped with yogurt and served with garlic naan (plain naan available) - this was a HUGE hit with all of us, so much so that we got it on a subsequent visit
Non-Vegetarian Entrees - medium heat level
Methi Masala with Chicken = very good, even if Dear Husband doesn't remember the 3 or 4 times we've had it, will order again
Homestyle Curry with Mahi Mahi = EXCELLENT! Going on our repeat list. It's rather similar to Rogangosh but moreish (to borrow a phrase from England)
Rogangosh with Lamb = very good, but now we're in love with the Homestyle Curry
Vegetarian Entrees -
We've only tried one lately
Saag Paneer - it was good, but we honestly like the version at Sanaa at Walt Disney World better, it's more tomatoes-y
Tandoor Specials -
These have been the most disappointing, not that they're bad, just that there are other things we like a LOT more
Mixed Platter - good, nothing over cooked, nicely flavored
Salmon Tikkay - ditto
Traditional Flat Breads -
Our go to is Garlic Naan - sometimes it has abundant slivered garlic which we like, sometimes it has less garlic and it's still good
Bullet Naan - another favorite, spicy
Lacha Paratha - this is a multilayer whole wheat bread, lightly buttered - Dear Husband loved this one, all the layers and the deep rich buttery goodness
Chutneys -
all good
Masala Chai -
excellent
We will definitely be going back. The one friend in our "bubble" is getting tired of Mexican food, so maybe we can get him to meet us there.More