When in Minnesota... If you need lunch, eat at Zelino Deli! This tiny deli is tucked away in the Medical Arts Building and it's located on the 9th St. side of the building. After my much needed massage upstairs at Exhale Massage Therapy ( yelp.com/biz/exhale-mass… ), I was simply wandering and trying to find the exit. (Haha, yes, I had the word "lost" written on my forehead.) But right at the exit, a smell wafted through the air - lasagna. If there's one meal I could eat for the rest of my life it is lasagna. And let me tell you, people, the lasagna at Zelino is RIDIC. For $9.50, you get a huge piece of lasagna (meat sauce or marinara) and you can pile on as much parmesan cheese as you wish. Also, you can buy a piece of soft, delicious french bread to scoop up your sauce. Not gonna lie, this might have been the best piece of lasagna I've ever had. #tastebudexplosion The deli also serves up sandwiches, paninis, salads, soups, etc...Now, if there was a soup that I could eat for the rest of my life it would be Tomato Basil. So I'll give you one guess what kind of soup I enjoyed along with my lasagna....TOMATO BASIL! The soup is chunky and a whole lot of yumminess. Just enough spices and flavor to warm your belly. I'd say, hands down, the lasagna and the tomato basil soup were a great find. Zelino Deli was one of those places where EVERYTHING looked good, so I did not just leave with a lasagna and a cup of soup. I thought of every excuse for others that I thought needed to eat just so that I could buy just about one of each of everything. (I'm laughing at myself as I write this.) Needless to say, I made my husband and his friends (at his conference) happy with my indulgence.
(5)
Matt M.
Do you like Zelo? Well then you and your wallet will probably like Zelino. I dream of their tomato soup when I get hungry before lunch, filled with chunks of roasted tomato and basil in it's creamy goodness. Lycopene has never tasted so good. I'd insert that Emoji with the hands on his face and his eyes rolling into the back of his head if I could. Their salads are good too- I had a really tasty (and healthy!) one in the fall with quinoa, squash, and cranberries. If I was in an early 2000s Capri Sun commercial, I'd be instantly warped to a pumpkin patch bonfire at first bite. I've heard their lasagna is crazy delicious, but am always craving the soup too hard to try it. It's a little more expensive than most delis in the skyway, but it's cheaper than Zelo... Mini victory, I guess. Definitely check out Zelino if you're on the downtown lunch circuit (and can bring your food back- no seating, FYI).
(5)
Dawn G.
The word 'deli' just doesn't do justice to the incredible food. Perhaps I can clarify with a little comparison. Deli is to Zelino as Shoe is to Jimmy Choo. :-) So we all know that Zelo is my favorite foodie restaurant but I don't always have time for a sit-down lunch. Enter Zelino, the deli arm of Zelo. Regular to-go items include a variety of salads (pasta, caprese, or lettuce based), soups, hot pastas (oh my god the lasagna), fancy sandwiches, wraps (cajun chicken is my fav), and those fabulous cookies! Everything is made fresh from scratch and the quality can't be beat. But did you know that you can also call ahead and order anything off of the Zelo menu? Um, yeah, that's happening. I take advantage of that option on occasion when I think to plan ahead. I also really enjoy the two person team that runs Zelino. They're quick, friendly, and truly appreciate regular customers. I'm a regular at Zelino and that's never going to change. Love this place!
(5)
Erin P.
OK, let's talk about Zelino. This is the deli sister to Zelo, located in the Medical Arts building, tucked behind Zelo. You can access it without going outside, but you have to go down to ground level at McGladrey Plaza, then there is a street level hall connecting you to the Medical Arts Building. It's a really small space -- to your right will be the case with the salads and sandwiches and ahead of you will be the hot soups and lasagna. Honestly, I feel like you cannot make a wrong choice here. Everyone talks about the tomato basil soup which is lovely, thick, and garlicky. I love the caprese salad -- somehow their tomatoes always seem so much more flavorful than what I can buy. The sandwiches are great as well. I have never tried the lasagna, but based on what people say here and the delicious smell in that place I would say it's a safe bet that it's a winner. Definitely get bread to go with your soup or salad and please promise me you will buy a cookie here. Their cookies are little discs of heaven. I mean, seriously -- these things are so good they could turn your whole day around. The owners are fantastic, always super friendly and cheerful which makes a stop here even more of a bright spot in the day. You will pay more here than you would going to Jimmy John's, but you get what you pay for. My lunch today (half sandwich, caprese salad, peanut butter cookie) was almost $13, but it was delicious, filling, and made me feel like I had just enjoyed a meal at home instead of in my cube. So, while the prices don't allow me to eat here every day, they don't keep me away from treating myself to a lunch here at least once a month. This is a great spot to get a tasty lunch and break up the monotony of all the other typical downtown lunch spots!
(5)
Emily N.
I give this spot a 5 easily. The soups are my go-to savory favorites. I have tried to recreate the chicken fennel and chicken chili at home and cannot. The stocks are homemade and gluten free. I also have not found a better tomato basil. The cold salads, wraps, and sandwiches are great quality but go early to get your pick. There is not a better grab and go deli in central downtown that compares in quality of flavor and freshness. The man and woman who have been working there for years are speedy, friendly, chipper and know their returning customers. Only drawback is that there are no onsite tables.
(5)
Mariel L.
Zelino Deli is one of the better lunch places to go to during break time. They have amazingly good soups, salads, sandwiches and, of course, lasagna. The lasagna...oh man, it is seriously one of the yummiest versions I've ever had. It's so perfectly done; each layer stands out on its own: the pasta is al dente, the ricotta holds up, the sauce is tangy and perfectly spiced, the optional meat sauce is icing on the cake. Put them together, and it's perfect harmony, man. Like a freaking Beatles song, dude. I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. I also love their tomato basil soup, especially when it comes with that warm side of bread. Their paninis are also pretty damn bomb. All this served by a lovely duo behind the counter...I especially like the guy who has complimented me twice on what I was wearing (on separate occasions). Yup, they're pretty memorable. Just as memorable as the delicious food you find here. Om nom nom indeed.
(5)
Emily B.
Trust me on this if you go here for soup.... 1/2 Tomato Basil and 1/2 Minestrone. It will change your life.
(5)
Halina Y.
Why has it taken me so long to try this place out? WHY?!!! My coworker suggested I try Zelino for their Tomato & Basil soup. She said, Take the bread if they offer it! She was spot on, fantastic soup and the bread is definitely worth the carbs! This is a great lunch time suggestion for their soups, salads and sandwiches. The bowl is a very generous size, and the soup is a nice, thick soup with amazing flavor. I'm looking forward to going back to try their chicken salad which seems to also be a favorite there.
(4)
Whitney F.
Yum yum yum. Zelino you and your tomato basil soup get me every time. Who knew your heavenly tomato basil soup is not an hour dining experience away, but a hop across Nicollet mall. Paired with a side of bread and mammoth PB cookie, certainly not the healthiest, but by far the most delightful quick lunch spot in town!
(4)
Cara K.
Great spot to grab a quick bite on the go. The soups are fabulous and the caprese salad and egg salad are both delish too! Super friendly guy behind the counter.
(4)
Mere W.
I have probably been to Zelino 10 times in the past year and that trend will continue. As others have noted it is in the Medical Arts building behind Zelo. It is possible to get there in the skyway (escalators or elevator) which makes my winter commute that much better. Be aware that the space is TINY and you will have to make your decision fast. Also, the choices diminish toward the end of the lunch hour so you should plan to get there early. Food. The tomato basil soup is my absolute favorite. It is garlicy and thick and delicious. My other favorites are their standard salad (mixed greens, pine nuts, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette on the side) and their chicken salad sandwich. My perfect lunch is a half chicken salad sandwich and a cup of soup. Please note that this is pretty expensive. I went with my husband this past week. He got a wrap, I got a small salad, and we split a bowl of soup. The bill was $22. Personally I feel like I could get more value at other downtown spots (Bombay Bistro, Macy's skyroom). However, the soup keeps me coming back. As long as I can continue to budget for it, I will keep going!
(4)
Carolyn A.
My weekdays become infinitely better when I decide to take the little walk over to Zelino to pick up some lunch. Any frustrations or stresses seem to melt away when I walk through that door, see all of the delicious-looking options, and then interact with the always jolly people behind the counter. Some of my favorites include: Tomato Basil Soup -- seriously amazing. Zesty, spicy and pretty much perfect Chicken Fennel Soup -- one time, I cheated on the Tomato Basil and decided that this one was a close second. Filling, but not too meaty Heirloom Grain Salad -- beware! If you show up past 12:30, there is rarely any of this salad available in the case...mainly because it's DELICIOUS. The salad is mostly farro and quinoa, studded with avocado, provolone and some other little bites. The bread -- always order the bread with your meal. It's fantastic and well worth the carbs/calories. I've yet to try the lasagna -- as it looks a little too heavy for me for lunch -- but it looks awesome. I've also heard good things about the buffalo chicken wrap.
(5)
Joey J.
visiting town for a conference, and this place popped up! a quick walk later and I am stuffing my face with delicious hot chicken/fennel soup, savory chicken pasta salad, and a huge cookie that's the right mix of crunchy and soft! great food for the price. and the best part was the nice chat we got with the woman behind the counter with with a warm smile and a *very* friendly demeanor! :)
(4)
Kristen G.
I love this place and have never, ever been disappointed. It can be a pricey lunch option, but you are definitely paying for quality ingredients. If you want a lighter lunch, just get the soup and you're spending less than any food cart or sandwich shop. And you will love what you are eating. I've often walked towards the Medical Arts building with Jimmy Johns in mind as my "I need to grab something really fast and get back to my desk option", but then I stop and ask myself why I would want that when I could have an awesome Zelino soup and bread for the same price? Zelino definitely wins (just remind yourself of the quality and freshness!) Like others have said here, the tomato basil soup is A-MAZING. I also LOVE their split pea. I have even asked for it next day when it's not on the menu and they had some left in the fridge (which they gave to me in a bowl for the price of a cup - thanks guys!) If I could make soup this good, I would consider myself a genius. The orzo salad (in the deli case) is also fantastic. The cookie with craisins and walnuts is my favorite cookie around. It feels silly to peel off the plastic wrap, because it tastes like I just pulled it fresh from the pan or cookie jar. My office has catered in their lasagna and Cesar salad, which are both big winners. Well done!
(5)
Brendan T.
The Ciao Baby salad and chicken salad sandwich with the oatmeal cranberry cookie is a perfect lunch! As a bonus sweet service.
(5)
Joseph Wes R.
This place is great! For a small deli counter they are offering wonderful food with yummy ingredients. They have quick options and their soup is delicious! I got a chicken fennel soup and it is my new favorite soup. Also had a seasonal "soup de jour" that was squash soup the day I went. Lastly, the staff was extremely friendly. It was our first time to go at lunch and they were very helpful and let us try a couple of the soups. I would recommend this place to anyone downtown who wants something more delectable than the cafeteria at their office. Oh and the lasagna is BOMB! EAT HERE!
(5)
Julie S.
In the winter months, I find that I start feeling cooped up and am even more motivated to find new places that are linked to the skyway system. I have passed this place a few times on my way to see clients and finally decided to give it a try. I love that they do half sized options, so you can mix and match. There were so many options for such a tiny space! There were at least three soups that I wanted (which says a lot, since I am finding it rare to see a place offer more than one that doesn't have milk and/or green peppers). Nice assortment of sandwiches and a couple of hot specials on the board. I went with a buckwheat noodle salad with veggies and chicken, but there were easily four other salads that I was tempted by. A little pricey, but no more so than a Cosi or Panera.
(4)
Michael C.
Surprised more people have not written reviews of this place given how good it is. It is one of my favorite places to head for lunch Downtown if I am up for a little walk and tier of the office cafeteria. I really only get one thing here, the lasagna. However, the chicken salad sandwich is very good too. People also rave about the soup, but soup won't exactly fill me up for a meal. Also be sure to try the bread...it is amazing and comes with the lasagna. The place is a little difficult to find if you haven't been brought there by someone else. Let's keep it that way.
(4)
Lauren B.
Zelino is my absolute favorite grab and go lunch spot downtown. The tomato basil soup is unbelievable! Full of garlic and fresh basil, it's the best soup I've had in Minneapolis. The other soup offerings are good, but trust me, you have to try the tomato basil! I also like the panini. Though the menu board lists the price per full sandwich, they will sell them by the half if you ask. Don't be deterred by a long line around lunch as the counter service is efficient.
(4)
Val B.
I am one of those constantly disappointed lunch bringers, but when my lack of groceries leaves me without a disgusting Lean Cuisine, I head to Zelino [and please don't let my terrible home-lunch choices taint my review]. Zelino is a mini-Zelo - offering deli sandwiches (think egg & chicken salad, turkey pesto, etc), salads, lasagna, and soup. The star here is truly the soup - you must, must, must try the thick, rich, garlicky tomato basil. Stop at Target on the way back for some breath mints - you'll need em. One of my coworkers gets half minestrone, half tomato basil - she says it cuts down the garlic. This is not what I'm in the market for. Bring it on. The soup is great with a big hunk of bread with butter, and don't forget to score some free parmesan on the way out. And a reminder - it's take out only.
(4)
victoria w.
Zelino is a fast-and- furious lunch outfit in the street level of the Medical Arts building. This literal hole in the wall normally has a line snaking out of it while people look over one another's shoulders & heads to stake out the menu and cooler offerings before getting to their turn (and please, do this, otherwise you are not only going to annoy the people in line behind you but also the workers...they appreciate efficiency, too.) I opt for the dill-laden egg salad sandwich and tomato basil soup. The cooler has a great selection of pre-made sandwiches and salads and then you can get the hot-stuff when you are up at the counter. Zelino is only open for lunch and I can't pretend to understand or know that the food is coming from the same cooks/kitchen as Zelo, I can only assume. Definitely stop in for a little refresher on your downtown lunch scene. I wouldn't be surprised if it became a new favorite for fall/winter!
(4)
Sharon G.
Love the Egg Salad Sandwiches!
(5)
Liz A.
This is a great option if you're looking for a nice little lunch spot downtown that isn't a gigantic fast food chain. I had the minestrone soup, which was decent but not a wow factor by any means. (more vegan options plz!) Also, a bowl is $6.00 which seems ridiculously pricey to me...The bread was probably the highlight, and be sure to soak it up in olive oil because their olive oil is delicious!
(3)
Emily A.
Much to my dismay they got rid of their molasses cookie. I'm so sad!! Oh well, I guess I'll save my money and my calories by not getting a cookie.
(5)
Lori G.
It is a cozy express store. The food there is delicious, and the old couple who worked there are really sweet.
(3)
Jillian C.
It's in my building so I don't go here as often as I'd like to, but only because I want my lunch break to last longer than five minutes! No seating, but the food is awesome. I like some of the pasta/grain salads that are pre-packed (everything is pre-packed for the most part, it's like a deli) and my coworker goes here pretty much every other day for a salad, so those must be good too. But the winner is...the tomato soup. It's vegetarian, and it simply makes me happy. It's got a little bit of kick, and I know there's cream in there but I can hardly taste it. It's not too heavy, but still substantial and won't leave you wanting for more at 2pm. The man and woman who work there are incredibly friendly, whether you go in daily or not. But it's pretty obvious that they have an extremely loyal and consistent following if you're there during the lunch rush. Check it out, now's the season for soup!! They have minestrone too, and usually a third flavor.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Aimee C.
When in Minnesota... If you need lunch, eat at Zelino Deli! This tiny deli is tucked away in the Medical Arts Building and it's located on the 9th St. side of the building. After my much needed massage upstairs at Exhale Massage Therapy ( yelp.com/biz/exhale-mass… ), I was simply wandering and trying to find the exit. (Haha, yes, I had the word "lost" written on my forehead.) But right at the exit, a smell wafted through the air - lasagna. If there's one meal I could eat for the rest of my life it is lasagna. And let me tell you, people, the lasagna at Zelino is RIDIC. For $9.50, you get a huge piece of lasagna (meat sauce or marinara) and you can pile on as much parmesan cheese as you wish. Also, you can buy a piece of soft, delicious french bread to scoop up your sauce. Not gonna lie, this might have been the best piece of lasagna I've ever had. #tastebudexplosion The deli also serves up sandwiches, paninis, salads, soups, etc...Now, if there was a soup that I could eat for the rest of my life it would be Tomato Basil. So I'll give you one guess what kind of soup I enjoyed along with my lasagna....TOMATO BASIL! The soup is chunky and a whole lot of yumminess. Just enough spices and flavor to warm your belly. I'd say, hands down, the lasagna and the tomato basil soup were a great find. Zelino Deli was one of those places where EVERYTHING looked good, so I did not just leave with a lasagna and a cup of soup. I thought of every excuse for others that I thought needed to eat just so that I could buy just about one of each of everything. (I'm laughing at myself as I write this.) Needless to say, I made my husband and his friends (at his conference) happy with my indulgence.
(5)Matt M.
Do you like Zelo? Well then you and your wallet will probably like Zelino. I dream of their tomato soup when I get hungry before lunch, filled with chunks of roasted tomato and basil in it's creamy goodness. Lycopene has never tasted so good. I'd insert that Emoji with the hands on his face and his eyes rolling into the back of his head if I could. Their salads are good too- I had a really tasty (and healthy!) one in the fall with quinoa, squash, and cranberries. If I was in an early 2000s Capri Sun commercial, I'd be instantly warped to a pumpkin patch bonfire at first bite. I've heard their lasagna is crazy delicious, but am always craving the soup too hard to try it. It's a little more expensive than most delis in the skyway, but it's cheaper than Zelo... Mini victory, I guess. Definitely check out Zelino if you're on the downtown lunch circuit (and can bring your food back- no seating, FYI).
(5)Dawn G.
The word 'deli' just doesn't do justice to the incredible food. Perhaps I can clarify with a little comparison. Deli is to Zelino as Shoe is to Jimmy Choo. :-) So we all know that Zelo is my favorite foodie restaurant but I don't always have time for a sit-down lunch. Enter Zelino, the deli arm of Zelo. Regular to-go items include a variety of salads (pasta, caprese, or lettuce based), soups, hot pastas (oh my god the lasagna), fancy sandwiches, wraps (cajun chicken is my fav), and those fabulous cookies! Everything is made fresh from scratch and the quality can't be beat. But did you know that you can also call ahead and order anything off of the Zelo menu? Um, yeah, that's happening. I take advantage of that option on occasion when I think to plan ahead. I also really enjoy the two person team that runs Zelino. They're quick, friendly, and truly appreciate regular customers. I'm a regular at Zelino and that's never going to change. Love this place!
(5)Erin P.
OK, let's talk about Zelino. This is the deli sister to Zelo, located in the Medical Arts building, tucked behind Zelo. You can access it without going outside, but you have to go down to ground level at McGladrey Plaza, then there is a street level hall connecting you to the Medical Arts Building. It's a really small space -- to your right will be the case with the salads and sandwiches and ahead of you will be the hot soups and lasagna. Honestly, I feel like you cannot make a wrong choice here. Everyone talks about the tomato basil soup which is lovely, thick, and garlicky. I love the caprese salad -- somehow their tomatoes always seem so much more flavorful than what I can buy. The sandwiches are great as well. I have never tried the lasagna, but based on what people say here and the delicious smell in that place I would say it's a safe bet that it's a winner. Definitely get bread to go with your soup or salad and please promise me you will buy a cookie here. Their cookies are little discs of heaven. I mean, seriously -- these things are so good they could turn your whole day around. The owners are fantastic, always super friendly and cheerful which makes a stop here even more of a bright spot in the day. You will pay more here than you would going to Jimmy John's, but you get what you pay for. My lunch today (half sandwich, caprese salad, peanut butter cookie) was almost $13, but it was delicious, filling, and made me feel like I had just enjoyed a meal at home instead of in my cube. So, while the prices don't allow me to eat here every day, they don't keep me away from treating myself to a lunch here at least once a month. This is a great spot to get a tasty lunch and break up the monotony of all the other typical downtown lunch spots!
(5)Emily N.
I give this spot a 5 easily. The soups are my go-to savory favorites. I have tried to recreate the chicken fennel and chicken chili at home and cannot. The stocks are homemade and gluten free. I also have not found a better tomato basil. The cold salads, wraps, and sandwiches are great quality but go early to get your pick. There is not a better grab and go deli in central downtown that compares in quality of flavor and freshness. The man and woman who have been working there for years are speedy, friendly, chipper and know their returning customers. Only drawback is that there are no onsite tables.
(5)Mariel L.
Zelino Deli is one of the better lunch places to go to during break time. They have amazingly good soups, salads, sandwiches and, of course, lasagna. The lasagna...oh man, it is seriously one of the yummiest versions I've ever had. It's so perfectly done; each layer stands out on its own: the pasta is al dente, the ricotta holds up, the sauce is tangy and perfectly spiced, the optional meat sauce is icing on the cake. Put them together, and it's perfect harmony, man. Like a freaking Beatles song, dude. I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. I also love their tomato basil soup, especially when it comes with that warm side of bread. Their paninis are also pretty damn bomb. All this served by a lovely duo behind the counter...I especially like the guy who has complimented me twice on what I was wearing (on separate occasions). Yup, they're pretty memorable. Just as memorable as the delicious food you find here. Om nom nom indeed.
(5)Emily B.
Trust me on this if you go here for soup.... 1/2 Tomato Basil and 1/2 Minestrone. It will change your life.
(5)Halina Y.
Why has it taken me so long to try this place out? WHY?!!! My coworker suggested I try Zelino for their Tomato & Basil soup. She said, Take the bread if they offer it! She was spot on, fantastic soup and the bread is definitely worth the carbs! This is a great lunch time suggestion for their soups, salads and sandwiches. The bowl is a very generous size, and the soup is a nice, thick soup with amazing flavor. I'm looking forward to going back to try their chicken salad which seems to also be a favorite there.
(4)Whitney F.
Yum yum yum. Zelino you and your tomato basil soup get me every time. Who knew your heavenly tomato basil soup is not an hour dining experience away, but a hop across Nicollet mall. Paired with a side of bread and mammoth PB cookie, certainly not the healthiest, but by far the most delightful quick lunch spot in town!
(4)Cara K.
Great spot to grab a quick bite on the go. The soups are fabulous and the caprese salad and egg salad are both delish too! Super friendly guy behind the counter.
(4)Mere W.
I have probably been to Zelino 10 times in the past year and that trend will continue. As others have noted it is in the Medical Arts building behind Zelo. It is possible to get there in the skyway (escalators or elevator) which makes my winter commute that much better. Be aware that the space is TINY and you will have to make your decision fast. Also, the choices diminish toward the end of the lunch hour so you should plan to get there early. Food. The tomato basil soup is my absolute favorite. It is garlicy and thick and delicious. My other favorites are their standard salad (mixed greens, pine nuts, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette on the side) and their chicken salad sandwich. My perfect lunch is a half chicken salad sandwich and a cup of soup. Please note that this is pretty expensive. I went with my husband this past week. He got a wrap, I got a small salad, and we split a bowl of soup. The bill was $22. Personally I feel like I could get more value at other downtown spots (Bombay Bistro, Macy's skyroom). However, the soup keeps me coming back. As long as I can continue to budget for it, I will keep going!
(4)Carolyn A.
My weekdays become infinitely better when I decide to take the little walk over to Zelino to pick up some lunch. Any frustrations or stresses seem to melt away when I walk through that door, see all of the delicious-looking options, and then interact with the always jolly people behind the counter. Some of my favorites include: Tomato Basil Soup -- seriously amazing. Zesty, spicy and pretty much perfect Chicken Fennel Soup -- one time, I cheated on the Tomato Basil and decided that this one was a close second. Filling, but not too meaty Heirloom Grain Salad -- beware! If you show up past 12:30, there is rarely any of this salad available in the case...mainly because it's DELICIOUS. The salad is mostly farro and quinoa, studded with avocado, provolone and some other little bites. The bread -- always order the bread with your meal. It's fantastic and well worth the carbs/calories. I've yet to try the lasagna -- as it looks a little too heavy for me for lunch -- but it looks awesome. I've also heard good things about the buffalo chicken wrap.
(5)Joey J.
visiting town for a conference, and this place popped up! a quick walk later and I am stuffing my face with delicious hot chicken/fennel soup, savory chicken pasta salad, and a huge cookie that's the right mix of crunchy and soft! great food for the price. and the best part was the nice chat we got with the woman behind the counter with with a warm smile and a *very* friendly demeanor! :)
(4)Kristen G.
I love this place and have never, ever been disappointed. It can be a pricey lunch option, but you are definitely paying for quality ingredients. If you want a lighter lunch, just get the soup and you're spending less than any food cart or sandwich shop. And you will love what you are eating. I've often walked towards the Medical Arts building with Jimmy Johns in mind as my "I need to grab something really fast and get back to my desk option", but then I stop and ask myself why I would want that when I could have an awesome Zelino soup and bread for the same price? Zelino definitely wins (just remind yourself of the quality and freshness!) Like others have said here, the tomato basil soup is A-MAZING. I also LOVE their split pea. I have even asked for it next day when it's not on the menu and they had some left in the fridge (which they gave to me in a bowl for the price of a cup - thanks guys!) If I could make soup this good, I would consider myself a genius. The orzo salad (in the deli case) is also fantastic. The cookie with craisins and walnuts is my favorite cookie around. It feels silly to peel off the plastic wrap, because it tastes like I just pulled it fresh from the pan or cookie jar. My office has catered in their lasagna and Cesar salad, which are both big winners. Well done!
(5)Brendan T.
The Ciao Baby salad and chicken salad sandwich with the oatmeal cranberry cookie is a perfect lunch! As a bonus sweet service.
(5)Joseph Wes R.
This place is great! For a small deli counter they are offering wonderful food with yummy ingredients. They have quick options and their soup is delicious! I got a chicken fennel soup and it is my new favorite soup. Also had a seasonal "soup de jour" that was squash soup the day I went. Lastly, the staff was extremely friendly. It was our first time to go at lunch and they were very helpful and let us try a couple of the soups. I would recommend this place to anyone downtown who wants something more delectable than the cafeteria at their office. Oh and the lasagna is BOMB! EAT HERE!
(5)Julie S.
In the winter months, I find that I start feeling cooped up and am even more motivated to find new places that are linked to the skyway system. I have passed this place a few times on my way to see clients and finally decided to give it a try. I love that they do half sized options, so you can mix and match. There were so many options for such a tiny space! There were at least three soups that I wanted (which says a lot, since I am finding it rare to see a place offer more than one that doesn't have milk and/or green peppers). Nice assortment of sandwiches and a couple of hot specials on the board. I went with a buckwheat noodle salad with veggies and chicken, but there were easily four other salads that I was tempted by. A little pricey, but no more so than a Cosi or Panera.
(4)Michael C.
Surprised more people have not written reviews of this place given how good it is. It is one of my favorite places to head for lunch Downtown if I am up for a little walk and tier of the office cafeteria. I really only get one thing here, the lasagna. However, the chicken salad sandwich is very good too. People also rave about the soup, but soup won't exactly fill me up for a meal. Also be sure to try the bread...it is amazing and comes with the lasagna. The place is a little difficult to find if you haven't been brought there by someone else. Let's keep it that way.
(4)Lauren B.
Zelino is my absolute favorite grab and go lunch spot downtown. The tomato basil soup is unbelievable! Full of garlic and fresh basil, it's the best soup I've had in Minneapolis. The other soup offerings are good, but trust me, you have to try the tomato basil! I also like the panini. Though the menu board lists the price per full sandwich, they will sell them by the half if you ask. Don't be deterred by a long line around lunch as the counter service is efficient.
(4)Val B.
I am one of those constantly disappointed lunch bringers, but when my lack of groceries leaves me without a disgusting Lean Cuisine, I head to Zelino [and please don't let my terrible home-lunch choices taint my review]. Zelino is a mini-Zelo - offering deli sandwiches (think egg & chicken salad, turkey pesto, etc), salads, lasagna, and soup. The star here is truly the soup - you must, must, must try the thick, rich, garlicky tomato basil. Stop at Target on the way back for some breath mints - you'll need em. One of my coworkers gets half minestrone, half tomato basil - she says it cuts down the garlic. This is not what I'm in the market for. Bring it on. The soup is great with a big hunk of bread with butter, and don't forget to score some free parmesan on the way out. And a reminder - it's take out only.
(4)victoria w.
Zelino is a fast-and- furious lunch outfit in the street level of the Medical Arts building. This literal hole in the wall normally has a line snaking out of it while people look over one another's shoulders & heads to stake out the menu and cooler offerings before getting to their turn (and please, do this, otherwise you are not only going to annoy the people in line behind you but also the workers...they appreciate efficiency, too.) I opt for the dill-laden egg salad sandwich and tomato basil soup. The cooler has a great selection of pre-made sandwiches and salads and then you can get the hot-stuff when you are up at the counter. Zelino is only open for lunch and I can't pretend to understand or know that the food is coming from the same cooks/kitchen as Zelo, I can only assume. Definitely stop in for a little refresher on your downtown lunch scene. I wouldn't be surprised if it became a new favorite for fall/winter!
(4)Sharon G.
Love the Egg Salad Sandwiches!
(5)Liz A.
This is a great option if you're looking for a nice little lunch spot downtown that isn't a gigantic fast food chain. I had the minestrone soup, which was decent but not a wow factor by any means. (more vegan options plz!) Also, a bowl is $6.00 which seems ridiculously pricey to me...The bread was probably the highlight, and be sure to soak it up in olive oil because their olive oil is delicious!
(3)Emily A.
Much to my dismay they got rid of their molasses cookie. I'm so sad!! Oh well, I guess I'll save my money and my calories by not getting a cookie.
(5)Lori G.
It is a cozy express store. The food there is delicious, and the old couple who worked there are really sweet.
(3)Jillian C.
It's in my building so I don't go here as often as I'd like to, but only because I want my lunch break to last longer than five minutes! No seating, but the food is awesome. I like some of the pasta/grain salads that are pre-packed (everything is pre-packed for the most part, it's like a deli) and my coworker goes here pretty much every other day for a salad, so those must be good too. But the winner is...the tomato soup. It's vegetarian, and it simply makes me happy. It's got a little bit of kick, and I know there's cream in there but I can hardly taste it. It's not too heavy, but still substantial and won't leave you wanting for more at 2pm. The man and woman who work there are incredibly friendly, whether you go in daily or not. But it's pretty obvious that they have an extremely loyal and consistent following if you're there during the lunch rush. Check it out, now's the season for soup!! They have minestrone too, and usually a third flavor.
(5)