As one of the hottest not-so-new-anymore restaurants in Minneapolis, Zelo is a "seen and be seen" experience for local diners. While the menu leans toward seafood and Italian, just about any diner will find something to eat here. The crowd is mostly 30- and 40-somethings, with a smattering of after-workers drinking on the tables in front.
Appetizers are small in size, but make up in quality what they lack in quantity. There is a constantly rotating menu of appetizers, but try to show up on a day that they are offering one of their delicious salads. In lieu of that choice, look for the seafood special of the day. You can never go wrong with the calimari. Most appetizers are under $10.
Entrees really run the gamut. It's strange to come to an upscale restaurant and recommend the pizza, but that is a viable option here. Pizzas are flatbreads and run in the $10 range. For the most flavor, stick to the basic cheese. Walleye is a Minneapolis specialty, and nobody does it like Zelo. Another favorite is the tuna, which is seared just enough to avoid the "raw" label but enough that it retains its flavor. Almost all entrees are between $10 and $20.
Dessert is a pleasure. Two choices are the ice cream, which range in flavor but always have exotic choices, and the cheesecake, which is unlike any I have ever had. Desserts are reasonably priced and cap off the meal nicely.
In terms of logistics, expect to spend $60-70 per person, more if you add wine. Please note that, while the restaurant is right on the corner, parking in Minneapolis is never fun. Leave someone to get the table while the pitiable driver overpays at a garage.