Zola is a small, Mediterranean-themed restaurant hidden away on a side street off of West End. The front of the restaurant is lined with wide-open windows that face a quiet path, enhancing the effect of the organic decorations and calming artwork inside. Less than a 10-minute walk from Branscomb, Zola’s location is easily accessible for students.

Zola has been the recipient of numerous dining awards, including “Nashville’s Most Romantic Restaurant” for two years running, and they proudly tout the achievement on their Web site. Still, for a restaurant that supposedly specializes in “romance,” I couldn’t help but feel it was a little loud. Granted, it may have just been the other guests on this particular night, but the noise is worth noting nonetheless.

The food fares far better than the atmosphere, and the menu is diverse, offering Spanish, Italian, French and even Moroccan cuisine, ensuring anyone can find something they like. In addition, Zola plays host to an assortment of specials on any day of the week, and, although the waiter’s monotone voice as he read these specials made me feel like I was back in a lecture hall, I appreciated the restaurant’s ever-changing dishes.

I opted for one of the simpler (all right, safer) choices — chicken and shrimp with a bit of fennel sausage — and was pleased with the tender yet satisfying results. Each of Zola’s entrees will run you about $20, but the portion size was more than adequate, and I found myself content before I’d eaten even half of the meal.

Zola’s bread is also deserving of mention. I’m not much of a bread guy myself, and usually pass when restaurants bring out the obligatory loaf and butter, but Zola offers a mildly sweet raisin roll that’s a pleasant way to warm up the palate.

Despite the noise, Zola’s staff is friendly, and the whole restaurant gives a relaxed vibe. When I called to make a reservation (which Zola recommends), the host actually succeeding in telling a joke that made me laugh, which goes to show how open and inviting the place can be.

Overall, the entire experience was a comfortable one, and I could see myself going back, especially given the close location.