The Zodiac Reviews

Everyone needs to eat lunch at this iconic restaurant at least once! The meal starts with a small cup of chicken broth to cleanse your palette. So rare in today's eateries but so rich and enjoyable. Then popovers with strawberry butter . . . feel free to ask for more during the meal!!! The food is delicious and changes seasonally. NM has published a brand new cookbook of many of these recipes. Great to try these in the restaurant and then make them at home especially when you read the story behind creating the recipe. The restaurant only accepts cash, check, American Express, or Neiman Marcus card so make sure you plan accordingly!

Good food and excellent service. Great place for an family lunch.

My wife and ate lunch here on a Saturday. It was not crowded and we were seated right away. Our server was attentive, but not overly so. I started with a strawberry-basil margarita. It was very good. The server confessed she made it herself, as no bartender was present. My wife had champagne which was to her liking. She had a croque madame with a fried egg on top. It tasted as amazing as it looked. I had a grilled shrimp salad with quinoa, feta, avocado, grapefruit sections, and string carrots. The dressing was a citrus vinaigrette. It was also visually stunning and tasted amazing. As a bread accompaniment, they served popovers. Also delicious. The server did a great job of taking care of us. I definitely recommend the Zodiak Room and the food. We will definitely return.

They serve excellent chicken broth to start (free). We had sensational spring rolls - tasty and beautifully presented, low calorie. Steak salad and steak main course were very good. The lemon sole main was over salted. Espresso was as it should be.

A very nice experience to eat lunch at a classic Dallas institution. The service is impeccable and very welcoming. There are several little touches that make this a fun lunch that is very "old school." We were served some delicious broth and the popovers are very good. The salad I had was good, not great. The chicken on it was a little bland. I would say that the best part of this meal/experience was the service and warm, old fashioned atmosphere.

The last time I was here it was 1969! The decor has changed, thank goodness, but the service and exceptional food is all still the impeccable same it ever was!

I ate at the Zodiac on two separate occasions in early May. The wait staff (two separate servers at each lunch) were both so friendly and welcoming. My first lunch I had the Cobb salad with chicken, the second I had the salmon tacos. The food was fresh, well prepared and pleasantly presented both times. And of course, there was the very good trademark popover. I happened to be there on Cinqo de Mayo and really enjoyed the special $5 margaritas. I found the room to be pleasant (especially the portion of he dining room near the windows---the area near the entrance a little less so). As a suggestion, I would recommend that the overhead lighting be dimmed a little which would have improved the ambiance for me since the lights were bit harsh---but this is just a minor issue. I'd gladly dine there again.

I am staying in Dallas for a conference. I treated myself to lunch at Neiman Marcus' flagship store. I ordered the signature lunch item Mandarin Orange Soufflé. It was more expensive than I usually pay for lunch. However, the food was delicious and Victor's service was impeccable. Treat yourself!

Had a very pleasant lunch at zodiac at neiman Marcus. Food was nice - nothing massively special but I enjoyed it. The sampler was good - the sandwich was very small though. Cauliflower soup was yummy. I had the salmon tacos - very nice however a little saucy for my liking. Also very large! But I guess that’s Texas for us! The setting made the lunch though, the restaurant has a great setting and feel. Our waitress was Martha and she was lovely, very attentive and brought refills when needed. Would recommend!

I enjoy having lunch at the Zodiac Room, located inside the Neiman Marcus in Downtown. It is elegant and sophisticated, and not overly decorated during the holiday season, which I appreciate as the rest of the store is "to the 9's". It is a VERY large dining room, which is great because you don't feel like you are sitting really next to anyone in the room, which is great in such a busy area. There is also bar service available for eating, so it seems a little quicker, and less formal, which I also enjoy when I'm on the run. It is also great for private functions, even after the store closes or before it opens. The staff is all very accommodating, especially the manager Jeff. The only downfall is it is only open for lunch from 11-3. The store is only open from 10-6, so it is understandable, but I'd love to grab something on my way home from work!

Spent time in Dallas with my husband for our anniversary. On our last day, we went to the Zodiac, which is located inside the original Neiman Marcus store. It is not easy to get to, but they do have valet parking, which is free to customers. The menu is elegant and not too pricey, with lots of good options. I had to try the truffle fries, which were very good! I also had crab cakes, and my husband had a delicious burger and an awesome cup of coffee! We loved the complimentary chicken broth and turnover appetizers with strawberry butter... so yummy. Service was good, atmosphere is elegant, but not pretentious. I really enjoyed the experience!

Ubered in from North Oak Cliff to arrange alterations of an online purchase at the downtown storw. On a whim I decided to eat at the Zodiac Room. I've eaten at other locations' Zodiac Rooms more recently but not at the downtown location since high school over 50 years ago when my mother would bring me and we would enjoy watching the "tall ladies" in haute couture while dining on the exquisite food. This time the tallest ladies I saw were in the elevator, but the food, service, and Neiman Marcus ambience were delightful. I lingered over lunch while reimagining myself there at sixteen. It's wonderful to do alone or with friends, but mothers please do this with your daughters. They will never forget it.

My friend and I topped off a lovely day of strolling and shopping with a late lunch at Zodiac. As tourists in Dallas we were intrigued by the NM flagship store. The dining room was as elegant as the rest of the store. Service was impeccable! To top it off, our meals and drinks were outstanding. I had a featured salad, niçoise with seared sea scallops, and my friend had salmon. The seafood was perfectly cooked. I enjoyed the Neiman Marcus margarita. We could've lingered there for the rest of the afternoon, but finished the meal with cookies and coffee. Dining at Zodiac was an all-around wonderful experience. I recommend adding the NM flagship store and its restaurant to your list!

My tweens and I very much enjoyed our lunch at the NM Zodiak Room. Setting was beautiful, service was very good. The food was good, but not awe-inspiring, and fairly expensive. For a special experience, it was very nice, but not something I would do regularly.

What a wonderful experience at the Zodiac in Neiman Marcus - the Christmas Buffet. Excellent choices on the buffet - Sear Rare Tuna, Chopped Italian Shrimp Salad, Orange souffle and other salads, Roast Black Angus Prime Rib Roast, Turkey, Herb Dressing, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, brown sugar sweet potatoes, Pork Loin, Seared Salmon, Roast Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Potato Latkes, Fresh Ravioli, Small Bites and Neimans classics and seasonal vegetables. To top it off, sweet treats - tiny tarts and cookies. The staff was very accommodating and helping, the restaurant is beautifully decorated on a dedicated upper floor. Walk right off the elevator and into the Zodiac.

I've been here many times and always enjoy it. It is a pretty place, with seasonally changing decor and terrific staff. I love the complimentary consomme and popover, and the food has always been very good. I typically go with my Mom, and it is a perfect part of a Mom/Daughter day.

I have attended the Zodiac room holiday buffet for years now and find it to be well worth the money for the quality of the food and for the choices they have presented.The biggest negative I have found is the selection of desserts which are VERY lackluster...they really ought to work on that seriously.I think it is very festive and a great way to celebrate holidays with friends in a lovely atmosphere with overall service being consistent.

If you happen to be in Downtown Dallas and near or in Neiman Marcus make an effort to stop here for lunch. It's a real treat and the service is always good as well as the food. Save room for dessert- they are delicious. The people watching is always an added bonus!

Zodiac Room is a throwback to the days of elegant restaurants in upscale department stores. My understanding is that floor models would walk through while patrons dined. This restaurant has a nice ambiance and the food is top notch. The service is impeccable, and very accommodating to food requests, such as veganizing a dish.

I really enjoyed lunching at the Zodiak Room inclusive of consume, cookies, a beautiful and tasty lunch, and attentive waiters and waitresses. Loved the poppyseed biscuits.

We have heard great things about this restaurant and they were all true. (This Neiman Marcus is the flagship store that opened in 1914.) The service was top notch...our waitress was very helpful with the menu and various items showed up right on time. The food was delicious...from the fresh popovers with strawberry butter to the small cup of chicken broth (best I've ever tasted) to our entrees. We had scallops with an Asian salad, hanger steak pot roast, and a "ladies lunch" which included chicken salad, mandarin orange souffle, muffin and fruit. The pot roast is to die for...almost melts in your mouth (my husband back home was salivating!). We also had a couple drinks...mimosa with blood orange juice and a fall concoction which were both delicious. Needless to say, there was no room for dessert (unfortunately). We never felt rushed and did take our time. Lunch is pricey but well worth it. I kept thinking back to the "olden days" when rich ladies shopped and then "did lunch." This is a "must" visit if you are in the area.

Get dressed up and treat yourself with lunch or dessert at the Zodiac Room. The food is well prepared and beautifully presented. There are full-meal salads and entrees for every taste and pocketbook. If you'd rather, just have a dessert and coffee. When you come in, take the elevator to the 4th floor. When you leave, take the escalator down and explore each floor to see the best in Texas. Neiman is still great after nearly 100 years.

Took a friend for a birthday lunch, hadn't been here for years. Nicely updated in classic blue and whites, with a trendy twist. We started with a champagne drink to celebrate, moved through the amuse bouche (tasty broth and cheese biscuit), the exquisite Nieman's popover and butter, and onto our lunch. We both opted for the Croque Madame, which I must say was one of the best I've had. Cheesy, perfectly grilled, and with an over easy egg perched on top. Service was attentive and I was glad to see the restaurant completely filled!

A friend and I went to the holiday buffet. It looks impressive but as I ate the different dishes, it was disappointing. Food tasted like it had been prepared too far in advance. For $32 plus beverages and tip, you expect more. Not even close to a Ritz Carlton buffet, which should be a good one to compare with considering the money.

In love with this restaurant. It sits on top of the Neiman Marcus store in downtown Dallas. You must try the pop overs with strawberry butter. Oh boy

The service is excellent as is the food. Famous popovers and broth served with the meal are a nice touch. Napkin rings, quiet atmosphere etc.

Had an excellent quinoa pasta (though I wished for more cheese) and always enjoy the popover and strawberry butter. The staff was fabulous. Available if you needed water refills, etc but not overly pushy. Quality meal and I love the store.

The service was very poor. There was 18 of us with a reservation and they still didn't appear to be prepared. Ended up paying cash just so we could get out more quickly. The food was average.

This is a sleek and calming restaurant in the sixth floor of Neiman's downtown. It wasn't very busy at lunch on this Saturday. I had the lobster bisque, which was nice and the crab cake salad, which was very good. Silver dollar sized crab cakes were tasty; not a good value at $27.50. My wife had the lobster Cobb salad. Again, fine, but at $30 with jar bacon bits, not a good value. Excellent lemon cake with raspberry sorbet. Polished service. Nice bottle of wine. At $160 for a Saturday lunch with tip, we've checked it off our bucket list. Not likely to return.

When in downtown Dallas don’t miss lunch at this amazing restaurant within the historical first Neiman Marcus store. The exceptional service and delicious menu is a delight. You will want to leave time to wonder throughout the store to see the latest fashions as well as the museum quality art collection of Stanley Marcus.

I recently hosted a bridal shower at the Zodiac Room in the Downtown Neiman Marcus flagship store. I was advised and assisted by the restaurant's general manager, Jeff Dains, and the assistant manager, Edgar Cardiel. These gentlemen were fantastic. They helped me narrow down the possible menu, oversaw the tasting, arranged for complimentary beautiful printed menus at each place setting, and made sure the party favors, guest sign in book, and table for gifts/cards were perfectly ready. The food was beyond delicious. The area set aside for the party was perfect. It was perfection. I have been receiving rave compliments for 2 weeks! Even if you don't have a party event, this is a special place to lunch. Great service and food.

I have heard stories from older great aunts about shopping and eating at the downtown Neimans... It was everything they made it out to be! Enjoyed a lovely lunch.. Everything on the menu I hear is good.

After a fun day of shopping in the original Neiman Marcus, dining at the Zodiac room is a must. You can easily make reservations on Open Table online. The maitre d' made sure to greet us as the online reservation process is new to them. Enjoy the popovers with strawberry butter - refills of them are included. My mother-in-law and I both enjoyed generous salads. Even though we were both full, we made sure to order dessert. I highly recommend the Zodiac room and would happily return again.

I've lived in Dallas for 30 years but visited the famed Zodiak Room for the first time a few weeks ago. What a treat. The mini-muffin, strawberry butter and then gi-normous popovers were all so tasty and fun. Service was delightful. I had the vegetable sandwich. It was the best veggie sandwich I've ever had (and I've had them coast to coast). I thought prices were very reasonable for a headline restaurant in a major city. (Lunches were generally under $20.) Nearby plates were hamburger (which I was told was great) and a seafood pasta (again, everyone who sampled loved it). There wasn't any "special creative" food that I saw, just meals well executed. Portions were generous for lunch.

Fortunately, some things in life are constant-Neiman Marcus and the Zodiac room. Diners still enjoy a welcome demitasse of broth and popovers with strawberry butter. The food remains reliable and the service elegant. On this visit, I enjoyed an absolutely perfect lemontini. It was one of the best cocktails that I have ever had.

Having lunch solo at the Zodiac restaurant above Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas is like stepping back in time. White coated waiters treat you as if you are one of the society ladies who used to lunch there, and if, as I was, you find yourself sitting next to some of the new breed of society ladies discussing pedicures, facials and divorce you need to pretend not to hear and definitely don't giggle. The salads are very good. The popovers are an absolute must, even for those on a diet. Whether or not you shop at this high priced downtown store is up to you, it's worth a visit for lunch.

Met 3 friends for lunch. Service was excellent- attentive but not intrusive. Healthy choices on menu as well as indulgent choices. Best of all are the wonderful hot pop-overs served with flavored butter.

I enjoyed the buffet here. Everything is fresh and delicious. I'm not usually a buffet person, but Nieman Marcus knows how to do it! Service was excellent.

Great menu. Great popover and spread as stated in earlier review. Wonderful customer service. Just perfect place. A bit pricey for some pocketbooks, but a good treat.

No trip to downtown Dallas would be complete without a visit to the ridiculously expensive Neiman Marcus flagship store on Main Street. For me this also included lunch at the Zodiac Room. As I sat at my beautifully appointed table I couldn't help but sense the presence of the Dallas society matrons whose day of shopping at Neiman's always included a ladies lunch there. I remember reading a book many years ago that talked about the wealthy ranch owners who would go into Dallas with their wives for some time in the city. I digress - lunch was very pleasant. Service was first class. Both of us selected items from the daily specials; the slow roasted roast beef sandwich and the Asian beef salad. Before our items arrived we were served the famous popovers with strawberry butter which were every bit as yummy as I expected. The sandwich and salad were very good and portions were very generous, which was somewhat of a pleasant surprise. If you have time on your travel itinerary I'd recommend treating yourself to lunch (they are not open for dinner).

Zodiac room in Dallas was outstanding! Complimentary popovers with strawberry butter were amazing! I had the crab cake sandwich and it was the best crab cake sandwich I have ordered! The triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert was heavenly! The service was outstanding! The only credit card they take is American Express so if you don't have that credit card, please bring cash or check! :)

The Zodiac in the original Neiman-Marcus in Dallas has been around for well over half a century and still offers a quiet retreat from an increasingly noisy world. The traditional small cup of broth still starts your meal as do the delicious popovers. We had the mandarin orange souffle and roast turkey and havarti sandwich, and both were delicious. And of course there was the N-M chocolate bite to send us on our way. Service was exemplary as always.

We have had lunch at the Zodiac several times over the years. Always the food has been great and the service excellent. The atmosphere is wonderful.

She and I had never previously experienced the original Nieman Marcus - or as some say, fairly close to the original location - but had heard and read good things about Zodiac. The atmosphere was all that can be imagined, and the waiters with perhaps even more gray power than the patrons, on average. We were permitted and welcomed to a nice table by the maitre'd even though I was out of place, casually dressed. The other diners included the group of 18 classical matrons, typical of the lady NM shoppers who traditionally "did lunch" after giving their plastic a workout. Leading off with the famous wee cup of chicken broth - as good as it gets - and the popovers (Yorkshire Pudd to those with any British blood) and strawberry butter, she had the famous pot roast which was very good but as usual far too large a helping, and I had one of the specials, the lobster cheese with salad, a portion of fruit and a small can-full of French fries, which scored 7 out of 10 on the worldwide Macca's Scale. A good experience, not to be missed and well priced for such a fine dining experience. As she and I did, arrive to the 7th floor above the NM retail floors by elevator, and exit downwards via the escalators, which very possibly are gold plated, as the story goes. Not open for dinner.

My wife and I have visited Neiman Marcus restaurants around the USA and enjoyed good food and good service at each. Today we visited the “original” flagship store in downtown Dallas. The menu was a bit broader than at other locations with some interesting options. Chicken consume and popovers are a hallmark of all NM Cafes and Restaurants.....same here. I chose the grain bowl with blackened salmon and it was outstanding and filling. My wife chose the steak frites dish and while it looked lovely, the meat had a long-grain and dry texture and was really a disappointing piece of beef. All in all, I’d recommend this restaurant, just know that it’s not a five-Star steak joint. Go to their strong suit on the menu for better options....soups,salads, sandwiches, fish and chicken.

This was a treat for Christmas. During the Christmas season they have a Holiday Buffet which was not noted on their website. It was unexpected but quite indulgent. Everything was delicious. Reservations were necessary. The website said there was a free parking lot, but we couldn't find it. We enjoyed the meal, service, and atmosphere very much. We had a good time browsing the store and the lavish decorations.

Everthing in this place was amazing. From the waiters to the food it was all simply amazing!

As there are chick flicks, there are restaurants meant for women. Don’t bring your husband/boyfriend here, but definitely your mom or girl friends when you want to feel like ladies. Great holiday brunches!

Go early so you can take your time and savor every drop and bite. I have been going to the Zodiac since 1962 and never been disappointed. This time, my husband and I took my daughter and her boyfriend, their first visit there. They are both foodies to the max and expected to be underwhelmed. Well, right off the bat, the delicious Chicken Broth set the stage for the whole meal. Served in a demitasse cup, it's rich, steamy and the essence of brothness. Next, the piping hot Popovers appeared with a selection of butters (nothing fake about the Zodiac butter). Plus, heavenly raspberry jam. You can't resist a second one. We all had a different entree: lamb chops, steak frites, pot roast, and last but not least, grilled cheese sandwich. Every plate was beautiful, perfectly cooked and surrounded by beautiful vegetables and garnishes. I believe we ate every single bite on every plate. Lastly, we shared the Baked Alaska for dessert, actually enough for all four of us, since we were stuffed! The decor, the service, the furniture and fittings are top notch; diners talk quietly in consideration of others; the whole experience is perfectly lovely.