What a gutsy move to have a restaurant with mostly outdoor dining to have to roll the dice with Mother Nature every day. Fortunately, Zoubi wins most of the time and when it doesn’t there are awnings for the faithful and now some indoor seating.

The entrance is a narrow passageway, past the small bar and down a few steps into a courtyard surrounded by vine covered stone walls. Cut into the walls are iron grated windows and gates and huge candles flickering in the night air. The 20 or so tables are adorned with white table cloths and candles and shimmering tableware. A very romantic scene and one very much enjoyed by the locals.

What makes the menu interesting is that have taken some traditional menu items and added their take to elevate them to another level. A Caesar Salad has Kale & Romaine, Raddish, Onion, Pumpkin Seed, Cotija Cheese, Jalapeno Crouton and Poblano Dressing. Heirloom Tomato and Burrata comes with Tomato Terrine, Pickled Shallot, Balsamic Glaze, Strawberry & Tomato Gazpacho. A Prime NY Strip Steak features a Brandied Green Peppercorn Cream, House Cut Fries, Potato Foam and Pecorino. Australian lamb Chops are presented with Panko & Curry Crust, Minted Pea Puree, Spinach Gruyere Cheese Flan, Coconut Curry Beurre Monte, Mint Gel.

The wine list is very small, about 17 wines and 4 champagnes, but well thought out and fairly priced.

The delightful courtyard is the place to sit in nice weather, or ask for table #42 inside, a private oasis overlooking the street.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. The courtyard is mesmerizing.