Zana is more than just a restaurant - it is a destination where ambiance, service and culinary excellence converge.
The Downtown Birmingham culinary gem, offering an elevated take on modern American cuisine and craft cocktails, brings an experience that transcends mere dining, merging art, atmosphere and exceptional cuisine into a harmonious whole. Now, the restaurant is launching a new happy hour designed to provide fresh, fun, upscale value, replete with a newly designed lounge area.
With a newly introduced happy hour - 4-7 p.m. daily in the new lounge and bar - Zana (zanabham.com) celebrates flavor and value, set against the backdrop of its upscale environment.
"The happy hour features a thoughtfully curated menu, including pizzas and appetizers such as mussels, oysters, shrimp and more," says Johnny Prenci, Zana's managing partner. "It's designed to give guests great value in an upscale setting." Also on hand: traditional cocktails such as margaritas and Moscow Mules plus Zana origi-nals, such as Pomegranate Tini, Orange Crush and Zana's Garden (with muddled raspberries, Casamigos Reposado Tequila and St. Germain), plus red and white wine, bubbles, even several enticing mocktails.
Among the selection of seafood and shareables are Maine Mussels paired with Spanish chorizo, Arancini with Alabama white sauce, Whipped Ricotta with crushed pistachio, dram honey and semolina toast; artisanal pizzas include arugula-topped prosciutto with ricotta, Andolina goat cheese and red onion jam. Prices range from $2 an oyster to $14 for mussels.
Celebrating its two-year anniversary this month, Zana - part of Michigan-based Tallulah Group, led by Mario Camaj, which owns and operates Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro in Birmingham and BESA in Detroit - occupies a beautifully renovated location transformed into the magical by interior designer Sabrina Buchanan of BASE Designs, lan Hartwell of Oliver Max Inc. and architect John Gardner of Gardner + Associates. The name "Zana," inspired by Albanian folklore, means "fairy of the mountains," a fitting tribute to the enchanting experience that awaits.
The award-winning 10,000-square-foot space (Detroit Design Magazine's 2023 first-place recipient for Best Restaurant/Bar Design 2023) includes a private dining room, a separate full operating banquet space in the back of the restaurant and various exclusive sections that host up to 135 diners, making it ideal for personal gatherings, holiday parties and more significant events. The restaurant's newly designed lounge area blends seamlessly into the stylish accessibility that signifies Zana's approach.
"This area, available on a first-come, first-served basis, is perfect for guests waiting for a table or simply looking to unwind in a chic setting," Johnny Prenci says. "The lounge is also envisioned as a prime spot for holiday gatherings, offering an elegant backdrop for festive celebrations."
At the heart of Zana's mission is a commitment to exceptional service and using the finest ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on fostering relationships with local suppliers to ensure every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This dedication to quality and sustainability is more than a business model; it is the essence of Zana's identity, as reflected in its mission statement:
"Awaken your senses through an alluring ambiance and bold flavors."
Zana's modern American menu, offers dishes that are as visually stunning as they are mouthwatering. The full menu is designed to cater to a variety of tastes, from small plates and salads to hearty entrees and decadent desserts. Zana's culinary offerings are a testament to the restaurant's philosophy that food is an art form, and every meal should be a feast for the senses.
Whether dropping by for a casual drink during happy hour or settling in for a full dining experience, Zana promises to transport you to a place where every detail is designed to enchant.
Article by Susan Thwing
Photography by Aly Darin
Originally published in Birmingham City Lifestyle