Think cosy, intimate and sexy, the experience is complete from the pink feather lampshades to the Black Forest signature cocktails and oozing, indulgent dulce leche desserts.
Zuaya London gives the jungle meets boudoir vibes and I was completely seduced. If you are taken a date here you are in serious trouble because the music, lighting and vibe is set just right.
The cocktail list is inventive and executed to perfection. My London to Lima signature cocktail consisted of Pisco, Falernum, lime, agave syrup and egg white and hit the sweet and sour notes that I wanted. The Black Forest was also divine, sweet but with a base note of cherry that worked so well with the food.
The menu is seriously creative. I have never had an amuse bouche of soft cheese and honeycomb
before, did I like it? I’m not sure but what I do like is trying new things and there were a couple of items on the menu I had to look up – which I love. There is a symptom of London restaurants playing safe with crowd pleasing menus and it is nice, but I like to be taken on an adventure.
The Wagyu Short Rib Beef Bao with Kimchi was a taste sensation, as was the Burrata on Cornbread. It wasn’t typical cornbread but a soft silky version and the entire mouthful was sensuous and divine.
Other big hits on the table were the Grilled Iberian Pork with Butternut Squash, served medium rare. It was meaty, tender and would satisfy every carnivore’s dreams. The seasoning was great throughout with lovely salty hits on the Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri.
There were also a couple of misses, the Garlic Prawns has so much lime I couldn’t taste the garlic and the Tuna with Mango and Yuzo could have benefited from some crunch and chilli. Minor things in a sea of treats and I didn’t really mind as I appreciated the new experiences.
Dimpsy lighting, attentive sweet service and cool Latin beats soundtrack added to the overall experience. On a weekend I think Zuaya would be a great vibe with outdoor seating as well, which I like. It’s perfect for small groups, mate dates, birthday treats or a special occasion.
You are going to love it!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
