Zayane

Very nice decor, delicious food & a very nice service . The host with a most, well done a nice fusion food in a trendy part of London .

Portobello Road’s upstart little brother Golborne Road seems to be turning itself into a food destination. In the last few months I have reviewed charcoal grill specialist John Doe (see my review) and ‘US-accented British fare’ specialist West Thirty Six. At the Ladbroke Grove end of the road away from the North African and Portuguese cafés and delis that gives the area its character, sits Zayane, a Moroccan restaurant with a British twist.Zayane owner, Casablanca-born Meryem Mortell, says “Zayane is the coming together of my Moroccan roots and London, my adopted home” and to create this fusion she has brought in Michelin starred British chef, Chris Bower, previously of Thackerays and The Ivy, whose mission is to blend British ingredients with Moroccan imported spices. The irrepressible Meryem, who  dances constantly to the sound of the in-house musician throughout my whole stay at the restaurant, has created an individual take on Moroccan Riad style. There are seating fabrics in burnished orange and luxuriant leather, Moroccan pendant chandeliers, sconces and tea-lights in silver and brass, terracotta and midnight-blue walls and wood jali screens which all go to create a very attractive atmosphere.I’ve been invited , on behalf of London-Unattached, with a select band of food bloggers to investigate the menu at Zayane and although the restaurant is BYO at the moment, we were treated to a  Zayane Passion, a Passion fruit and vodka cocktail-actually I had six-they were pretty good!Sweet potato crisps piping hot and straight out of the fryer came with a spiky and moreish yoghurt and harissa dip.Pan-fried scallop chermoula, chick pea, tomato and cumin was beautifully spiced but I prefer my scallops seared to give that crispness on the outside.A selection of dips with hot flatbread was a great introduction to the tastes and textures of Moroccan food-my favourite was a delicious smoked aubergine dip.Saffron marinated sea trout came with cauliflower on a bed of fragrant couscous with a seafood bisque served at the table. This was a lovely dish fusing fine dining techniques with Moroccan flavours. The other main was a slow-braised belly of milk-fed lamb mechoui with an aubergine caponata. The lamb had been cooked with preserved lemons and was very tender and tasty.Chocolate delice with pistachio ice-cream was a little low in cocoa for me but the pistachio ice-cream was lovely and would have been overpowered by anything more intense.Raspberry Clafoutis came with vanilla ice-cream and was appropriately rich and eggy.Zayane is an all-day kind of a place; a working lunch menu, served within 60-minutes, is available from Monday to Friday and on Sundays, a bottomless brunch is served from 11am to 5pm, and afternoon tea is available daily from 3pm to 5pm with mint tea, coffee, Moroccan biscuits and sandwiches. It’s a great neighbourhood restaurant with a lovely vibe. A very famous actor was sitting at the next table so it is clearly picking up attention from the locals and is well worth a visit.

My partner found this place, and he was able to get a Groupon offer for three courses for £24 pp, the restaurant definitely lived upto expectations. The Groupon offer was great, you basically pay extra for anything over the options included in the deal. So, any starter over £5 and any main that is over £12 you pay the difference. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. I definitely recommend the game pastilla for a starter and the lamb shank with saffron rice my partner ordered as a main. He was definitely pleased with the large portion as was I. Dessert was great, three interesting little parcels, generously filled with chocolate, cheesecake and hazelnut flavours. Also, don't forget to order the sweetened mint tea so delicious to have with the rich desserts.

Food was delicious. The staff was super kind. Mom ate fresh sardines with lentils which she loved. The dip trio was really tasty.

Fantastic and authentic cuisine. Amazingly warm atmosphere gifted by staff too, especially from the waiter. He served me with veritable alacrity and made me feel right at home from the moment I entered. Beautiful aesthetic all around - - from striking wall patterns to unusual ornaments which wholly compliment the Moroccan theme. Highly recommended for a complete restaurant experience.

Brilliant meal and atmosphere, will definitely be stopping by again! Food was incredible, fresh quality ingredients and full of flavor all for a fair price. Beautifully decorated, unpretentious gem with amazing hosts. If you're in the mood to try some authentic Moroccan cuisine you should try this family owned place out.

I've eaten here many times and always leave rotund and happy. The ambience is friendly and informal, the menu provides lots of options and includes Moroccan staples with a twist, light fresh bites and some surprising sparkling innovations. One can tell that the ingredients are top notch and the preparation done with care and passion. The service is very attentive and professional. Prices are in my opinion very reasonable in relation to the high quality and portion size. A definite 'try it'!