Zayna

Zayna is our local Indian and we've visited many times over the past few years since it opened. The owner Riz only wants customers to do one thing when they visit, and that is to eat absolutely sublime, perfectly executed food. He has worked very hard getting Zayna the way it is, from completely refurbishing it with new kitchens, to the comfortable seating. Originally doing all the cooking himself he has now got a team of wonderful chefs who produce the most amazing Pakistani and North Indian cuisine to his exacting standards. Every ingredient is fresh and all the spices are ground in house.

Some of our favourite dishes are Karah Murgh – Chicken cooked in a wok with garlic, onions, ginger and tomatoes, spices, coriander and yoghurt, Tandoor Jongha – King prawns marinated in lemon and garlic, Shipketa – a vegetable dish of carrots, cauliflower, peas, potatoes and turnips.

In Zayna, they have a very simple outlook towards their customers (and one that more restaurants should and indeed could, adopt), and that is that you are there to have a good time with good food, they are always happy to see you and you are never, ever made to feel as if you are doing them a favour by stepping over the threshold.

You want a dish more (or less) spicy? You can have it.
You want your favourite meal that is not on the menu? They will make it if they can.
You can't make your mind up between two dishes? Easy – just have half a half portion of each one.
A vegetarian? Plenty to choose from!
Your first time in an Indian restaurant? They will guide you expertly by asking what things you like to eat first, and then suggest what they have to suit.

Nothing is too much trouble, the only thing that would upset the staff is if you didn't enjoy your food when you left!

Came across Zayna's purely by chance – what a gem and what a find. Have been back 3 times and if you enjoy your food bit authentic and like a restaurant with good relaxin atmosphere and great food give Zayna a go.

Vik

What a treat to find such marvelous food combined with impeccable service all at a great price! Owner Chef RiZ Dar presents a delicious menu of Pakistani/North Indian dishes. The subtle flavours and aromas make for an adventurous trip to the sub-continent. The restaurant is comfortable and un-cramped. Decorated in rich browns and a tapestry of warm colours, the setting could be just another attempt to put you in the mood; but the service makes the trip all the more worthwhile. Try the sweet mango salad, the Aloo Gobi and any of the ponderous curries. Oh yes, do not miss the marinated lamb chops – they set the meal off with a bang! We will go back again and again.

From the outset, I wasn''t expecting much – a curry place set on a side street in tourist central was never going to bother with great or even good food, right? Well, the cooking smells that greeted me at the door told a different story. Delicious grilled, spice meats set my nose fluttering and my expectations soaring. Nicely decorated with comfortable chairs and a well stocked bar the place had an air of quality that you don't always find in curry places. The waiter was very comfortable recommending which dishes to have and explaining the subtelties of their large menu. We all went for pan cooked dishes, and nobody finished without saying that it was the best curry that they'd had. Complex spices worked well with incredibly tender meats. Zayna has a great eye for detail – the waiter told us a bit about their home made ice cream, marination and special pea sourcing. On the plate these things justified their inclusion. This place is so good, I really hope it catches on – because it was fairly quiet : then again, I want to be able to get a table, so hope it doesn't get too popular.

had a fantastic meal at Zayna on Saturday night. Quiet around 8pm and only started to get busy later on, but the quality of the food was outstanding and the staff really seemed keen that we enjoyed ourselves. The food has a a real subtlety of flavour and arrived in just the right amounts so you didn't feel stuff to the eyeballs. Try the Ishtu for main – far better than anything I tasted before. Very good indeed – this place deserves to be a success