Jungle off the High Street.
Zuaya is unique, at least in London. It’s just off Kensington High Street at the Kensington Palace end of this bustling thoroughfare. The restaurant offers an authentic Latin American menu with exotic and extravagant decor which will waft the guest from Central London to a rain forest as soon as the threshold is crossed.
The ground floor is cosy, but there is a much larger seating area on the basement level, and there is outside seating on this attractive pedestrianised street. Perfect for summer people-watching – but there is a nod to the British weather with heating and blankets for the cooler months of the year.
Zuaya has been open since 2018 and has garnered plenty of regulars. The street-level bar and dining room sports a green-plant ceiling, and one might even spot a white monkey (no, dear reader, not a real one). There are beautiful lamps giving the restaurant the calming ambiance of a cosy room in the Amazon. The Latin music softly playing and the displays of striking flowers help to create quite the romantic ambiance.
Delicious extravaganza
The bar at Zuaya is imposing and a focal point on the ground floor. There are plenty of classic mixed drinks along with wines and beers, but why not try one of the exciting signature cocktails? I ordered Dia De Los Muertos, made with Tequila, Jamaican rum, Falernum liqueur flavoured with ginger, lime, almond and spices, Mezcal, Pineapple juice, Grapefruit juice, Cherry liqueur. This was a sweet and delicious extravaganza in a tiki mug, which was very much in keeping with the extravagant décor.
My guest was tempted by a My Piña, another Zuaya signature cocktail made with Myers Jamaican Rum, Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice, Cinnamon Syrup, Lime Juice and Mint. This was a fruit-forward libation served in an attractive, inspired glass. Refreshing, and addictive given half a chance.
Tacos are unmissable
We shared all our chosen dishes, giving us both the opportunity to taste an array of flavours and textures. Farm Salad of greenery, tuna, red pepper, black olives, soft boiled egg, boiled potatoes and onions was flavourful with a vibrant vinaigrette, and a substantial serving, too. The slow-roasted lamb tacos are unmissable. The pulled lamb was rich and juicy and perched on a corn tortilla. Attractive and mouthwatering. The Burrata on corn cakes were pretty as a picture, the cheese being garnished with a yellow flower to mirror the sweet and fresh corncake beneath.
Our main dishes included half a free-range chicken served on a sizzling platter. This might not sound like the most exciting of choices, but it truly is worth ordering. The meat was moist and flavourful, but the seasoned skin made this simple dish a cut above others. Do order this. You won’t be disappointed.
Grilled Octopus is bound to be the dish of choice for seafood lovers. This is a difficult one to get right. It needs to be barely introduced to a hot pan or to have a long relationship with a sauce to be anything other than rubbery. This octopus was meltingly tender and well-seasoned. The end of the tentacle was crunchy and worthy of fighting over. Roasted tender-stem broccoli with a sprinkle of red chilli was vibrant and still retained its texture, and was one of our side dishes along with roasted sweet potato laced with fresh ginger and thyme oil.
A sweet winner!
Dulce de leche and coconut flan was our dessert. This was a sweet winner! It was creamy and rich and more impressive than most other flans. The serving was generous, so plenty for two after such a feast. I need that recipe!
Zuaya offers a rather different dining experience. Many of the dishes might be new to guests but there is nothing here which could be described as intimidating or challenging. Everything is tasty and appealing, with attractive and thoughtful presentation. It is a charming spot to enjoy lunch or dinner in unhurried fashion. It is well worth a visit.