Zara

ZARA has quietly built up a reputation for excellent and authentic Anatolian and Turkish cuisine behind its unassuming facade on South End Green in Hampstead.

In the Summer months the doors are flung open and the restaurant spills out onto the wide pavement, lively games of backgammon, endless Turkish coffee, delicious mezes, local and international gossip all presided over by the owner and head chef Hasan.

In the winter rug covered seats and a warm fire add to the traditional welcome, maybe accompanied by a bowl of Mercimek (Anatolian lentil soup).

The food is consistently delicious and to those new to the culture of Anatolian cooking there are many delightful surprises, the subtle smoked taste of grilled aubergine puree accompanying succulent pieces of marinated lamb in the dish Hunkar Begendi for instance.

Many of the mezes and main dishes are Vegetarian.

Charcoal grilled fish with chips (not on the menu but always appearing from the kitchen for kids of all ages) and traditional desserts such as Baklava or Armut Tathsi (fresh pear cooked in syrup covered in nuts, cream and chocolate sauce) should not be missed.

The wine list is small and features some Turkish bottles which are worth investigating.

If you are really lucky Hasan will have made himself some Kurdish tea (chai) and you can share some to end the meal.

Signature dishes:

Starter:

• Kisir –crushed wheat salad with tomato, onions, parsley, green pepper, celery, lemon and olive oil £3.50
  

Main Courses:

• Inegöl Köfte – minced tender lamb grilled in traditional style of Inegöl, served with rice and mixed salad £8.50
  
• Kuzu Firin – joint of lamb cooked in oven with tomato sauce, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, carrots, served with mixed salad and rice £10
  
• Yogurtlu Kizartma – Fried aubergine, courgette, potatoes, carrot, green peppers served with yogurt £9

Opening Times:

• Monday-Sunday: 11.30am-11.30pm