One of the first Indian restaurants to get a Michelin star? It’s easy to see why. Wave goodbye to your local Indian takeaway, your taste buds will thank you after these creative culinary delights.

The Venue
In a previous life the building in which Zaika is situated was originally a bank, now all that remains of the old architectural features are its high ceilings and impressively huge windows surrounding its welcoming wooden entrance. You almost feel as though you’ve been transported back to the days of the Raj surrounded by sumptuous carved wooden furnishings and surrounded by a variety of plants and fresh flowers. The exalted settings are saturated with rich colours in the form of throws, carpets and Indian water vases varying from warm terracottas and corals to vibrant purples and oranges, resulting in a feast for the eyes even before you open the menu.

The Atmosphere
There appears to be a variety of distinct crowds attracted to Zaika. During the week days you can find groups of city workers chatting over lunch, on a Sunday afternoons you can find it filled with families and groups of friends. However it is during the evenings that a more glamorous set appears, from pretty young things to grown up sophisticates. The service is both professional and attentive adding to the enjoyable experience.

The Food
The masala foie gras with mango chutney is particularly impressive, a collection of ingredients that wouldn’t seem like they’d work well together, but do. The lamb with coconut sauce is equally as good, a plentiful portion with tender meat and a subtle yet effective amount of spices. Unfortunately, although on the lobster is described as mildly spicy, you might find yourself gulping down my wine to tame the fire blazing in your mouth. This is all completed with a chocolate samosa which is fantastic, and worth struggling to finish even if you’re full. Each dish is impressively presented and there’s a wide variety of both set and a la carte menus, with mains coming in at about £18.

The Drink
Sample the delights of their cocktails, especially those with an Indian twist such as the saffron martini which has a subtle taste - enough to add a bit of edge to the traditional martini without being too sickly. The vegetarian tasting menu comes with a variety of glasses of wine, each one catered to the dish being served, with a good range of flavors throughout.

The Last Word
Zaika certainly lives up to its name, which literally translates into sophisticated flavours. It can be summed up as Indian nouvelle cuisine at its finest. It really is Indian food as you’ve never experienced before.

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