If you had ever tried to get someone new into Zelda you know that any 3D Zelda, ALttP and the first Zelda are just terrible options. You are thinking on which games would you like to play, not which one should a novice pick up first.

The fact that some people are capable of do that doesn't mean is the best option. Like... you can get trough a mountain with a tunnel by climbing it, but the tunnel is the easiest and most comfortable option.

Umm, what does that leave then?  Sounds like you are limiting this to the handheld Zelda games?

Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time.

Ocarina of Time. A shame it never got the remake treatement it deserved (HD)

The pacing, scale and music >>>>>>>>

A lot of the newer Zelda games feel bloated by comparison.


Following from that I'll say WIndWaker.

Any Zelda (other than Zelda II) would be a good starting point; in my opinion, the core elements of the game are mostly the same throughout.

Ocarina of Time 3D is the perfect start. If the person doesn't like portables, Twilight Princess/HD is a great start as well.

Ocarina of Time

A Link to the Past

my Zelda Top 5 is;

1- Wind Waker/ Wind Waker HD ( GC/Wii U )
2- Ocarine of Time ( N64/3DS )
3- Majora's Mask ( N64/3DS )
4- Twilight Princess ( GC/Wii/Wii U )
5- Spirit Tracks ( DS )