Zara Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Firstly our server/s were on point! So the review doesn’t reflect them but reflects our food. The restaurant had been on the to try list for a while having lived close by for a while. Unfortunately we were severely underwhelmed by the food. We were started off with some complimentary hummus and pita, which is a nice touch. It wasn’t a massive dish helped tie us over till our mains came. We shared the Chicken Shish and Falafel mains. The chicken and falafel were ok. Presentation was ok, besides the silly amount of lettuce dashed on the plate. There was nothing particularly spectacular for us, I think the falafel was nice but lacked just a bit of herby freshness and could have done with being a bit crisper but this is more just a preference. The chicken was again ok. I do feel there are a lot better places for Turkish food about, that are also cheaper and offer a greater selection per dish. There wasn’t much to show for each being at £16.90 + £16.95. The dish was mainly lettuce. I’m disappointed because it feels they’ve tried to bulk out the meal with leafy rubbish, I love salad but that salad was pathetic, something I would have fed my pet rabbit. We also ordered chips which I’m glad because I would have left hungry. The chips also weren’t anything special, bit soggy and bland. Other Turkish places Iv been have been seasoned with a good crisp fry. Generally the quality of the food doesn't warranty the price tag, neither does the portion size, nothing of considerable size. I would not come back anytime soon. Sorry. Much better options for Turkish around. Most Turkish give you a loaded plate with a good variety. Also the “chilli” sauce wasn’t great. Like a roasted pepper sauce. Needs a proper chilli and garlic sauce...

This unassuming and modest Turkish restaurant was the setting for a significant and memorable event in my life – signing my will. I figured, since we celebrate birthdays in restaurants, why not raise our glasses to death with a feast?

Having become increasingly aware of the fleeting nature of life, I have decided to leave, in writing, the little that I have to the few to whom I am tethered.

I met up with my two friends who have agreed to act as witnesses to my will, as they have been witnesses to my many states in life – heartbreak, elation, sickness, and recovery.

We ordered an assortment of dishes, including Iskender kebab (one of my favourite Turkish dishes), other Anatolian meat and chicken specialities, as well as some Kisir with bread.

The food order was juxtaposed with a discussion about my burial arrangements and my organ donation plans. I want all of what can be given of me to remain with strangers, long after I have gone.

In the distance, the blare of ambulance sirens rushing to the nearby Royal Free Hospital could be heard. I knew my decision to think about my imminent, yet unpredictable, death was a sound choice.

As for the food, it was blander and more muted than the rich flavours I would expect in a Turkish restaurant. And, after our meal, I was glad I was still alive to have the chance to enjoy a more flavoursome Iskender...

This restaurant is awful! I’ve walked past it many times and after reading reviews thought it sounded worth a try!

The hummus is basically blended chickpeas and water, totally flavourless and I overheard another table send it back for the same reason.

The mezze portions are small and poorly presented, usually in Middle Eastern restaurants the mezze is so filling but they certainly are not generous.

The main courses come with an offer of chips, rice or potatoes and despite all making different selections, all came with rice. The ‘salad’ that is also served with main courses is a rather sad looking pile of iceberg lettuce and depressed tomatoes. Mine also came with a rather unwanted serving of someone’s hair.

The restaurant is lacking atmosphere but does have some grotesque and ill matched artwork to avoid looking...