Erev by Miznon Notting Hill

Already Insta-famous for overflowing, innovative pitas, Miznon Notting Hill’s decision to open a dinner-only dining experience seems a curious one on the surface. This group has never been afraid of doing something different, though; case in point, the lone tomato that sits on each table - a tribute to Miznon founder Eyal Shani (who really, really loves tomatoes).

In the main dining room, low lighting and candle-lit tables create a sensuous vibe that makes you instantly relax into your seat. Don’t be put off by the brown paper cloth draped over every table; although it will showcase your spills and splatters by the end, staff are adamant that, ‘if it stays clean, you’re not having a good time.’

Passionate and clearly knowledgeable about the food, staff are quick to share their favourite dishes. They’re the kind of attentive that would slow down dinner-service for the chattiest guests, and quickly turn out plates for the prompt diners.

For only £5, we’d recommend kicking things off with a bite-sized Turkish street taco, packed with juicy minced beef and zesty, tangy greens. With one of the wackiest menus in London, you don’t always know what you’ll get. The ‘Burning Potato that burns in your soul’ is a bit of a theatrical anticlimax - there’s no fire to be seen but the flavours are excellent, with crisp baked potato skin stuffed with smooth Parmesan mash.

Claiming to have ‘The best hummus ever!’ Erev’s generous plate of fresh, fluffy hummus, drowned in olive oil and served with Miznon’s famous pita bread, may not be far off the mark. The ‘2.0 reincarnation of aubergine’ reveals an aubergine, cooked down to yielding smoothness, paired nicely with a sweet tomato sauce and a boiled egg. It’s deceptively simple, but effective cooking, with no apparent evidence of reincarnation. Classy veg dishes make Erev ideal for vegetarians, but there’s some adept fish and meat cooking happening too: the pan fried seabass breaks apart in the mouth and has a crisp and piquant skin that is particularly delicious.

The dishes themselves are nothing new, but Erev’s colourful, balanced cooking, phenomenal service, and intimate, relaxing ambiance puts it above the rest as an incredibly satisfying dining experience that is worth trying if in Notting Hill.

Pita bread connoisseur Miznon is spreading its wings across London with this second site in the capital. The restaurant known for its outrageous stuffed pitas has already made a name for itself in New York, Paris, Melbourne, Vienna and Tel Aviv, and now it enraptures Londoners with its quirky menu and crazy décor. The idea comes from celebrity chef Eyal Shani whose aim is ‘to take whole cities and translate them into one pita’. For example, in Paris there’s a boeuf bourguignon pita, while in NYC you’ll find a cheeseburger-inspired option.

Here in Notting Hill, you can expect to try plenty of its signature pitas, along with a few exclusive options. Veggie pitas include ‘falafel blessed with beer blood’ which includes tahini, tomato, pickles and spicy green peppers, and ‘magic mushroom’ paired with spring onions and sour cream. On the meat front, there’s the ‘Erotisserie’ featuring roasted chicken, za’atar, spring onions, spicy green pepper and aioli, and ‘deep satisfaction’ filled with beef brisket, English cheddar, pickles, mustard and sour cream. You can even get one called ‘fish ‘n’ chips’ filled with plancha grilled fish, crunchy potatoes and vinegar.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Sides are just as hefty and include a baked potato with dill cream, salt and olive oil, roasted baby cauliflower and ‘the best hummus plate you will ever eat’.

To drink, there’s a concise wine list as well as a host of signature non-alcoholic cocktails, which include Bloody Shame (tomato juice, Miznon Mary mix, spring onion snorkel) and Sunset (pomegranate, mint, lime, barberry). You can also select to add one of its infused spirits to your drink, such as sage-infused vodka or Miznon arak.

Miznon Notting Hill seates 40 covers inside and 20 covers outside on the terrace. It's decorated in its signature dark green colour scheme, while rustic details such as ornate tiles add a homely touch. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, takeaway and delivery.

Hidden away from view is Miznon's exclusive dinner-only experience, Erev. Serving classy, Mediterranean dishes under moody candle lighting, Erev is a step up in sophisticated from the standard Miznon experience.