About us

At the heart of Zayna stands one man, Riz Dar, whose vision, history and experiences have culminated in the creation of a unique restaurant in central London.

Born in the Punjab, Riz grew up in a family passionate about food surrounded by the delights of Indian spices and culinary flare. His father owned a restaurant, which fueled his love for food and in particular, the delights of North Indian cuisine.

After working in high-end restaurants in California for many years, he moved to the UK. The opening of Zayna in 2008 was the result of his lifelong love of food and his drive, experience and passion for the restaurant industry. The difference is in the subtleties, which you’ll notice are all around you.

I would like my guests to taste the food I grew up eating.

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About Us

I would like my guests to taste the food I grew up eating.

Testimonials

"Zayna was highly recommended so I had to visit on my trip to London. It met all expectations. Excellent food and service’’. - The late Paul Allen – Co-Founder of Microsoft

‘’There is only one place I go when I am missing traditional Pakistani food in London. Thank you to Riz and all his staff for always taking care of us.’’ Shahid Khan – Owner of Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC

‘’Zayna Restaurant is my favourite Pakistani and North Indian food on earth. Go immediately!’’

Jameela Jamil - Actress

When a Restaurant is named after the owner’s daughter you know there’s going to be a lot of love around. Zayna reflects the personality of Riz Dar who spent his formative years around Kashmir and Punjab and whose first job was in his father’s restaurant in Pakistan. It’s no surprise then to find a menu of North Indian and Pakistani delicacies. It comes divided according to cooking method, from the pan, grill, tawa or oven; but look out for the refined streed food using offal. He is passionate about produce: spices are roasted and ground in house and only halal meat and free-range chicken are used. Dishes come packed with flavour [...].”— The Michelin Guide

A complete makeover of the interior has rendered Riz Dar’s Pakistani and Punjabi restaurant a seductive haven in this little West End street pleasingly filled with singular shops. Low-slung sofas and intricate woodcarvings distinguish the décor. Free-range meat and traditional recipes such as gurda qeema, where spiced minced lamb is mixed with finely chopped kidneys, make the menu unusually inviting.— Fay Maschler, Food Critic for thisislondon.co.uk

There is no other restaurant in the world that I have visited as many times as Zayna.— David Hasselhoff, Actor

I love coming to Zayna. The food is always on point thanks to Uncle Riz!— Amir Khan, World Champion Boxer

We have had an excellent dinner in this non-standard Indian cuisine restaurant. Very nice, adequate and unobtrusive service and excellent food in a nice offer of Indian traditionals and surprising Indian dishes. Ambiance is great too. Excellent opportunity if and when you are around.— User on opentable.com

... had a delightful Saturday evening at Zayna. The staff were attentive and helpful, the food was fresh, flavourful and authentic - delicious as well. We are not the most informed people when it comes to North India/Pakistani dishes and, so we relied on some of the recommendations, including Gurda Qeema, which was wonderful, despite what sounded an unusual ingredient list (at least to our ears). If you are looking for a pleasant experience, with high quality service and fine food, give this place a try. We thought it earned top marks.— Mike & Jami Christen on london-eating.co.uk

A great experience. Wonderfully decorated, warm welcomed and incredible food. A real delight, a world of spices exploding in your mouth. Next time in London I will definitely go back!— Mr van Rumund via Tripadvisor