Zayna brings the vibrant flavours of Pakistan and North India to Marylebone, with a menu shaped by chef and owner Riz Dar’s lifelong connection to food. Raised in a family passionate about cooking, Dar was immersed in Indian spices and culinary traditions from an early age, before honing his skills in high-end restaurants across California and later relocating to the UK.
Open for dinner, the restaurant has a warm, intimate feel that suits its richly spiced cooking. Yellow walls and deep red booth seating bring plenty of colour, while wooden tables, carved screens, ornate mirrors, gold accents and stained-glass ceiling lights add character. Colourful artwork, ceramics, candles and abundant greenery are dotted around the room, creating a cosy atmosphere. Outside, tables and chairs dotted along the pavement make the frontage feel equally welcoming.
The extensive menu moves between starters, curries, biryanis and dishes from the grill and tandoor. Begin with samosas, potato and aubergine pakoras or a fresh mango salad, before exploring a dedicated selection of biryanis, with chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables. Zayna specialities include Murgh Taka Tak, grilled chicken thighs cooked with ginger, tomatoes and green chillies, and Ishtu, diced lamb braised with yoghurt, onion, garlic, ginger and whole spices.
The grill and tandoor selection offers plenty of meat and seafood too, including lamb chops, tandoori salmon, Murgh Tikka and a mixed grill special. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty to choose from, including aloo gobhi and tarka dal, with rice, breads and poppadoms available on the side. Zayna uses halal meat and free-range chicken.
Desserts range from rasmalai, rounded patties cooked in syrup and immersed in saffron-infused milk, to pistachio and almond kulfi, chocolate cheesecake and mango and lime sorbet. Drinks include wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, alongside mocktails, soft drinks, loose-leaf teas and coffee.