I have just started a love affair with Russian food. As an utter novice and, I suppose, slightly pensive about what to expect (vodka, of course, and probably caviar), off I went to ZIMA Notting Hill to try the new six-course tasting menu created by renowned Michelin chef Evgeny Vikentev from St Petersburg – the first in a series of seasonal chef partnerships. My experience of Russian cuisine couldn’t have been further from what I had expected.
ZIMA Notting Hill: Modern Russian dining experience
Celebrating the rich heritage of Russian and Eastern European cuisine, ZIMA brings a modern twist to traditional dishes. Opening in early 2025 as the new outpost of the Eastern European brand, ZIMA is tucked into the residential heart of Notting Hill, just steps from Portobello Road. On the face of it, ZIMA looks like its neighbouring culinary counterparts: a small outdoor seating area on the street and bi-fold windows at the front give the restaurant an open and welcoming atmosphere.
Zima’s sophisticated interior showcases Russian folk art alongside marble countertops, vintage lighting, and an eclectic artwork collection.
Inside, there’s an expansive bar, and the back wall is adorned with jars of ZIMA Nastoyka – homemade vodka infusions with both sweet and savoury ingredients. The interior is stripped back and contemporary, with a hint of moodiness. Warm lighting and subtle textures create an intimate and inviting setting. The restaurant also hosts a curated collection of artworks, from folk to renowned Russian artists. On a Friday evening, the atmosphere was laid-back and friendly – no large tables of London Russians doing business deals.
Signature cocktails and Nastoyka vodka infusions
We started the evening at the bar with a Negronovich – a signature cocktail made using the sea buckthorn Nastoyka, Campari and red sweet vermouth. Delicious. We were served by the delightful (and Russian) Eliza, who was spectacularly informative about the menu and history of the dishes, wine pairing and the vodka infusions.
Nastoyka is made by steeping fruits, berries, herbs and/or spices in vodka long enough for the alcohol to extract the flavours and aromas.
Incidentally, the Nastoyka paired with each dish (sea buckthorn, cranberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, plum and clove, strawberry and basil, horseradish and cherry) really do bring a unique flavour to the food – my favourite was the horseradish, a total surprise. They also offer a selection of Nastoyka to take home in a gift box on request, and flavours can be purchased individually.
Russian dishes with modern flair and Georgian wines
On to the food. We shared the pickles selection, Olivier – a Russian salad with chicken and salmon roe, borscht – the traditional beetroot soup served with salo (salt-cured pork fatback) and rye bread, and smoked cod and foie gras pelmeni – dumplings served with pike roe, mushroom bouillon and citrus sour cream. This was complemented by a stunning, crisp Georgian Rkatsiteli white from Tbilvino, served at just the right temperature.
Next, we also shared three of Chef Vikentev’s new creations: burnt raw slice of venison with grated foie gras and ceps, pan-fried scallops served with chamomile mousse and rice with pumpkin sauce, and traditional cabbage roll with sturgeon served with wild mushroom sauce and black caviar. We also sampled a beloved traditional favourite, pelmeni Sibirskiye – dumplings made of beef and chicken served with bouillon and sour cream. All dishes on the menu were perfect for sharing and not overpowering in flavours.
From the left: Borchst soup with salo and rye bread; smoked cod and foie gras pelmeni; burnt raw slice of venison with grated foie gras and ceps.
Our final course was another Vikentev creation: the Asian Pavlova – coconut jelly, lemon sorbet, lime leaf mousse with a sesame meringue. Words fail me; you must try it. We finished our evening with another wine from Georgia, a Saperavi red also from Tbilvino, back at the bar.
Making friends wherever I go, I couldn’t help chatting with some of the nearby restaurant patrons – many were locals, though visitors to London also seek out this place. Many were Russians who were full of praise. The food must be authentic, as I’m told they’re not always easy to impress.
The evening was one of being fully immersed in the spirit of Russian food and hospitality, complete with all the vibrant flavours and colours of the region. This is a new and unique offering in London’s dining scene. Porazitel’ny! I can’t wait to return.
Author: Linda Hunting
ZIMA Notting Hill
9 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 2EE
Book your table HERE.
Other restaurants in London recommended by I-M Inquisitive Minds, offering fine dining from far afield include Shanghai Me, Paper Moon at the OWO, and NIJŪ Mayfair.
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