Zaika

Leading restaurateur Claudio Pulze opened Zaika in 1999 as part of his 'Cuisine Collection' restaurant group. Zaika has been widely praised for serving some of the most accomplished Indian food available in the UK and was the first establishment of its kind to receive the accolade of a Michelin star.

Before Banks decided that they could grub along in less glamorous buildings like the rest of us, they installed themselves in buildings such as Zaika occupies, the sheer magnificence of which must have been a sore trial for the bank's shareholders, and a delight for their customers who could look around them and see that their overdraft was not entirely in a lost cause. Located at the heart of Kensington in a prominent position opposite Hyde Park, the grand building has retained many original architectural features including the carved high ceilings and double height windows. The sumptuous interior lends itself to the rich vibrancy of India during the colonial era incorporating a palette of rich colours; ruby, green gold, crimson and purple.

The main restaurant seats 82 and is available for private entertaining by appointment, whilst the Bedouin style cocktail bar will host private drinks parties for up to 25 guests.

The name Zaika translates quite literally as sophisticated flavours and this is the ethos behind the innovative menu. With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply eastern flavours with a western twist.

Acclaimed favourites include Indian home smoked salmon, lamb rogan josh and chocolate silk, a dish that has been widely imitated by other establishments across the capital.

Since opening its doors Zaika has received a string of industry accolades including Best Indian Restaurant in the London Restaurant Awards, Restaurant of the Year in the Restaurateurs Awards and has accreditation by, Michelin, Zagat, Good Food, AA and Time Out guides. Zaika Bar, which overlooks Kensington Palace has also won international competitions for its selection of cocktails including the legendary Saffron Martini.

Zaika has a compellingly attractive gourmand menu at £89 with wine, or £58 without bringing, amongst other things, increasing credibility to the notion of wine with Indian food, something people seem to find beyond their comprehension, and long overdue for the sort of encouragement Zaika give it.

Lunch of three courses could reveal Goan crab cakes or green chicken tikka, followed by a mixed kebab platter or coconut king prawn, rounded off with that superb chocolate silk made from pine kernel, cashew and pistachio with silky chocolate mousse, served with pistachio ice cream.

Main courses include Tandoori jhinga with prawns, Tandoori Goosnargh breast and off the bone leg, gently poached in a buttery tomato sauce flavoured with fenugreek, or Tandoori mustard guinea fowl marinated in mustard and fennel seeds.

To underline my comments about Indian cuisine and wine, their list encompasses wine from 17 different countries and countless regions, selected with a finesse that is designed to mingle with the subtle flavours and spices of the cuisine, and would be a credit to many a British restaurant list. Cocktails stretch the imagination too, and should you find your way to Kensington high Street before long, and I have a feeling you might, remember to order Our Mai Tai from the list.

For more information, recipes and menu changes a click on their Website should prove fruitful.