Zima review: We dined on caviar and Champagne at London's intimate and stylish Russian restaurant

Upon entry the restaurant exudes a welcoming, sophisticated ambiance with attentive and friendly staff and a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place that feels intimate yet stylish, making it perfect for both a casual dinner or a more special night out.

For me and my dining companion, it was our first experience with Russian cuisine and our waitress was very patient explaining the menu in detail and recommending some firm favourites.

To start our meal we sampled the special caviar menu, which featured Royal Siberian Caviar, handmade Blini pancakes served with sour cream and dill mousse, paired with a glass of champagne.

The delicate caviar complemented by the richness of the blini and the refreshing mousse was the perfect introduction to the restaurant's offerings.

Other starter dishes we enjoyed included the Olivier signature Russian salad, made with chicken and salmon roe, a Vinigret salad featuring beetroot and pickled mushrooms, and “Pirozhki,” small, baked pastries filled with cabbage and eggs, which are prepared in-house.

Each dish was wonderfully crafted, bursting with flavour, and offered a beautiful representation of Russian culinary tradition.

To complement our starters we enjoyed a sample of some of Zima’s signature homemade “nastoykas,” or infused vodkas, which are proudly displayed in mason jars throughout the restaurant.

For our main course we shared the beef stroganoff, which was served with buckwheat and mashed potatoes, as well as a serving of “Pelmeni Sibirskyie” — Russian dumplings filled with chicken and beef served with bouillon and sour cream.

Both dishes were comforting and rich in flavour beautifully complementing our earlier courses.

For dessert, we enjoyed the delicious layered honey cake which was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. The cake was light yet indulgent with just the right balance of sweetness to leave a lasting impression.

It was evident from our visit that Zima is a popular venue for the Russian community in London to catch up or enjoy their favourite meals from home. The dining room boasts cosy seating, chequered flooring and has Russian artwork lining the walls.

The dishes were reasonably priced with starters ranging from £9 to £12 and main courses from £14 to £25.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the cuisine like us or a connoisseur, Zima offers something for everyone, making it a standout destination for anyone looking to experience Russian culinary delights in a sophisticated, contemporary setting.

Zima Soho was launched in 2016 by the late Russian chef Alexei Zimin. Its second outpost in Notting Hill opened in February.

Address: Zima Restaurant, 45 Frith Street, London, W1D 4SD

Zima Notting Hill, 9 Blenheim Crescent, London, W11 2EE

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