Nestled behind the crazy festive hustle and bustle of High Street Kensington is Zuaya. This exotic Latin America restaurant opposite Kensington palace is tucked into the red brick broads and pulls in those in-the-know with its dark green awning. The option to sit outside is appealing with heaters and a spectacular tree, but it’s when you step inside that you get wowed. A unique restaurant which pays homage to carnival culture, there’s a statement jungle ceiling, hanging monkeys and feather lights – it is the definition of Instagram-worthy.
Although there is the glamorous option to relax and indulge over cocktails at the chic bar, the mouth-watering menu of fresh, exotic and inventive Latin American tapas is really the star of the show. The food is made up of lots of different bits and sharing options are recommended, taking the best flavours and tastes of Brazil, Peru and Mexico. It is the perfect option to try all the delicious items at the same time as there is no way you could pick just one of these!
The intimate atmosphere downstairs for lunch was perfect but hearing about a DJ in the evenings upstairs is certainly a tempting choice. The dish options were the absolute creme de la creme with our top choices including the tuna sashimi with passion fruit coulis and coconut shavings. This was an unusual yet beautiful fresh flavour which was welcomed by the palette. Also, the fresh tuna and avocado taco is an absolute-must have with its fruity sea bass ceviche.
The food at Zuaya does its best to encapsulate the sunshine in its Latin American cuisine with options such as traditional cassava fries, sweet potato chips and guacamole alongside large salads of quinoa and pomegranate as well as fresh tomatoes and avocado. All these flavours are washed down perfectly with a cold glass of champagne!
If you have any room left at all, we would definitely recommend a creamy espresso martini to compliment the Dulche de Leche & Coconut Flan, the perfect combination of creaminess and fruit. Although, the tempting passion fruit crème brûlée is definitely one to try on the next visit!
Zuaya is without a doubt the perfect place to go for a lunch and one cocktail that turns into multiple, dancing on the tables to the DJ! Whatever you do, don’t forget to try the best taste of South American cuisine in London. Viva la Fiesta!
