Zaika

MD ( 20s, Female, London )

For years Zaika has been one of those venues we've been ‘meaning to go to’ and a few months ago, we finally managed to do the deed. As you are transported into the deep dark seductive interiors, rich with wood panels and authentic looking silk, you feel a little excited at what is to follow. Menu's behold a serious cocktail list and innovative takes on classic mughlai and south indian dishes.

We opted for the tasting menu's and it was refreshing to see a seafood menu for pescetarians. It's worth going for the matched wines, as they were thoughtfully paired and balanced with the colourful and flavoursome dishes. Particular favourites were the Bhuna Rattan – scallops with ‘gun powder’, coconut milk and a lime foam and the Tali Machli – cod marinated in green chillies, with crushed jerusalem artichokes, champagne and cardamom sauce. The vegetarian menu was equally contemporary and full of substance, with an interesting medley of items from pomegranate, pea shoots and globe artichoke, to tomato makhni ice cream.

Though service was a little slow to begin with, it soon picked up the pace with clear explanations of each dish and wine, handy when you've got six dishes to get through. Not your average Indian in any sense, so perfect if your fed up of your local curry house and are looking for a successful demonstration of contemporary Indian cuisine.