Zigni House provides the finest of East African cuisine in a welcoming and laid-back environment.

The Venue
A gem of a restaurant hidden on the Essex Road - with only the odd five star review sellotaped to the window to distinguish it from the surrounding curry houses - Zigni House is well worth the bus ride from Angel.

The seating arrangements and African-kitsch decoration have something of the charmingly ad-hoc about them that adds to the general feeling of being invited in for home cooking. Folding chairs and coffee tables are laid out as if for unexpected guests at a dinner party.

The Atmosphere
The relaxed nature of the whole affair, for some one of the restaurant's great assets, can for others seem to be merely negligent service. On a busy night, the place can seem rather understaffed, and a beer can take a fair old while to arrive which isn't good news when confronted with some of the spicier stews.

However, it is by far the most rewarding approach to treat this as a necessary by-product of the restaurant's more positive qualities - the homely atmosphere and excellent quality of food that make you want to stay for hours.

The Food
One of the most popular features of the menu, and a useful trick for beating the long waits, is the buffet which offers unlimited food at a very reasonable price.

A chance to sample the zignis - spicy stews with lots of sauce - and the alichas - mildly spiced stews with a drier texture, all served with the ubiquitous injera - soft, spongy yeasted flatbread - is perfect for the uninitiated or the extremely hungry (or both).

The Last Word
Great quality and reasonable prices - Zigni House is ideal for connoisseurs and the uninitiated.

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