Fire is at the heart of Zuaya, the Kensington hotspot where the food is as vibrant and exciting as the atmosphere. Setting the bar high as the debut venture from renowned restaurateurs Emerald Hospitality Group, this stylish Latin American restaurant has mastered the art of charcoal grilling and layering in exotic notes with true South American spirit – bringing fire, flair, and unforgettable flavour to every dish and dining experience.
Tucked away just off the bustle of Kensington High Street, Zuaya delivers escapism, with the scent of charcoal-grilled meat filling the space from first step. Along with its foliage-filled interiors and stylish bar at centre stage, it does a stellar job of awakening appetites, making it nearly impossible to resist ordering an extensive spread across its tapas-style menu.
The menu itself travels across Latin America, combining the flavours of Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and beyond into a curated selection of tapas-style dishes, designed to be shared and savoured alongside the impressive wine and cocktail list. The zesty London to Lima is a great place to start, combining pisco, falernum, lime, agave syrup, and egg white, or for those with a taste for sweeter beverages, the Black Forest, a fruity blend of tequila, wild berries, apple, lychee, and grenadine.
Start with the warm, freshly baked breads, and opt for the Lamb Hummus for a rich, meaty twist on the traditional dip. Among the starters, the Goat’s Cheese & Fig Salad brings freshness and contrast, but the Beef Chimichurri Empanadas are the real USPs at Zuaya. The uniquely crispy shells are generously filled with spiced meat, and served on a bed of flavour-packed sauce that can be used as the delicious dip for a Fried Cassava side or the Sweet Potato Chips.
The grill is the core of Zuaya’s menu, and the 350g Picanha (Brazilian rump steak) is the ultimate must-order. Sizzled tableside over charcoal, the meat is fresh, expertly seared, and perfectly seasoned before being served directly to the plates for maximum taste and spectacle. For seafood lovers, the Garlic King Prawns with Chilli Herb and Lemon Butter are a hit amongst patrons, while the restaurant adds a Zuaya twist to the Whole Grilled Seabass, serving it with Jalapeño Butter that offers a smoky, spicy flavour profile to the fish favourite.
Of course, a taste of Dulce de Leche is what completes any memorable Latin American feast, and Zuaya’s indulgent Dulce de Leche and Coconut Flan delivers this beloved creamy classic with a masterful balance between tradition and creativity. With a Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée also on offer for a fruitier, lighter finish, both desserts make a fitting finale to the meal, best enjoyed with a rich post-dinner coffee in true Latin American style.
What makes Zuaya exceptional is its ability to bring the full theatre of Latin American grilling to the London table. With full visceral immersion, the celebration of ingredients, fire, and flair comes to life in both the food and the experience – making this a real hotspot for those looking for the ‘wow’ factor so many modern restaurants lack.
Zuaya marked the beginning of the success story of the Emerald Hospitality Group, founded by twin brothers Alberto and Arian Zandi. The group has since grown to include Italian Como Garden, Spanish El Norte, and French Riviera – each with its own distinctive personality, but all unified by the Zandis’ clear passion for immersive dining, refined hospitality, and bold global flavours.
Zuaya can be found at 35B Kensington High St, London W8 5EB. You can find out more about Emerald Hospitality Group, browse the menus, and book your table here.
