ZIMA Notting Hill, the newest outpost from the acclaimed ZIMA Restaurant Group, has partnered with Michelin-recognised chef Evgeny Vikentev for the first in its series of seasonal chef collaborations. Pairing exceptional food with a deep sense of cultural heritage reflected in both its dishes and setting, the restaurant offers a unique and vibrant addition to the postcode – showcasing Russian and Eastern European cuisine in a soulful, exciting, and exceptionally executed way that feels unlike anywhere else in London.
The collaboration sees Vikentev bring four spectacular seasonal specials to the menu, available exclusively until the end of September. Vikentev’s dishes blend unexpected ingredients with expert technique, staying true to his bold approach to tradition: raw slices of venison are served with burnt onion, grated foie gras and ceps; pan-fried scallops are matched with chamomile mousse and pumpkin sauce; and cabbage rolls are paired with sturgeon, mushroom and caviar – all before serving up a layered “Asian Pavlova” of coconut jelly, leaf lime mousse and sesame meringue for dessert.
The new dishes appear alongside ZIMA’s established menu, which has already (and with good reason) carved out a loyal following across the capital. For starters, the restaurant offers Zakuski Sets, or small plates of the signature hors d’oeuvre, designed to be shared. These include the famous Olivier salad (a rich menu highlight), the colourful Shuba, and smoky Aubergine Rolls served with hummus and pomegranate seeds – all alongside a pickle selection, an Eastern European table staple.
ZIMA’s Borscht is already a firm favourite from its soup selection, while the chilled Okroshka has proven popular through summer. But from the mains, it’s the flavourful Chicken Cutlet with Mushroom Sauce that stands out, served with a choice of buckwheat, fried baby potatoes, or mash. Elsewhere, you’ll find a classic Beef Stroganoff, traditional Draniki (potato rostis), and several dishes of warming Pelmeni dumplings, including one with Siberian beef and chicken, and a unique take with foie gras and smoked cod.
The famous house Nastoyka is an absolute must at ZIMA, the range of in-house vodka infusions beautifully showcased on the back wall. Predominantly drunk alone, these also form the base for the restaurant’s top tier cocktail list, including the Soft Cherry (cherry nastoyka, Amaretto and peach purée), perfect for those who like a sweeter sip, and the Blini Plum Bellini, built on a plum and clove base for a warming, spiced finish. The infusions and cocktails shine in their own right, but also offer the perfect accompaniment to the meal – or an even better one to a slice of ZIMA’s Medovik, a honey-layered cake that we cannot recommend enough as a close to the meal.
The restaurant itself is adorned with modern furnishings and curated lighting, the heritage flooding through from the restored art collection lining the walls. On display for the first time in the UK, it spans folk iconography, Russian avant-garde and contemporary design, with highlights including hand-painted sledges used in Maslenitsa celebrations, ornate spinning wheels from the Shenkursky district of Arkhangelsk, and traditional door panels called filyonkas, each piece restored and selected with purpose.
ZIMA Notting Hill proves that Eastern European cuisine can be both soulful, elevated, and exciting, without compromising its roots. Its menu is ambitious, its cocktails distinctive, and its interiors thoughtfully designed, with a fresh and authentic result that’s full of character. This collaboration with Evgeny Vikentev sets a clear precedent for what’s ahead, pushing forward ZIMA’s aim to reframe Eastern European cuisine for contemporary diners, while rewarding loyal guests with a menu that continues to surprise.
ZIMA Notting Hill can be found at 9 Blenheim Cres, London W11 2EE. Browse the menu and make your booking right here.
