I can't thank Neha and Chef Danny Elsoury enough for introducing authentic Lebanese cuisine to my palette and for reinforcing my faith in Arabic food, or that's what I'd like to call it. Situated at Connaught Place, 'Zizo’ offers a casual dining experience that echoes flair of fresh and wholesome ingredients.
As soon as you enter the place, you can't miss the eye-catching jars filled with pickled vegetables, placed right in front of you! The décor is contemporary and has spirit of Lebanon in terms of the lamps and colour scheme. The restaurant is spread on two levels and has a warm and cosy ambience that promises the real thing.
With Zizo, one can expect a mix of healthy, authentic Lebanese food created using oils and spices all the way from Lebanon. The food is prepared with an authentic kick of flavour that suits the Indian taste buds like no other. Zizo isn't only about Shawarma, or a mezze platter with hummus, falafel and pita bread- it is about celebrating a culture!
We began with the very highly recommended Mulberry Juice which is made from a concentrate imported from Lebanon. It was a lil sweet and extremely refreshing so much so that I ended up gulping 2 jars of the same. Zizo sure does have the best Hummus in the city- traditional, spicy or basil, you will be spoilt for a choice! Though Spicy hummus is a total winner for me. If you are a 'parsley' fan then you absolutely can't miss the freshness an crunchiness of the Lentil Tabbouli salad. A cold Mezze Platter can help you decide if you really like this place or no and I was rather happy to see the freshest and fluffiest Pita bread that was served along. The platter has Hummus, Fatoush, Labneh with zaatar, Falafel, mixed pickles, tahini sauce and pita bread of-course.
The Hot Mezze platter boasts of traditional Middle Eastern flavours such as Zatar, lamb pies, Chicken Kibbeh and more. Another must try are the Provencale Chicken Wings that is chicken lollypop in lemon and coriander sauce. Fresh from the oven is Zaatar Manoushe topped with a grade of thyme and olive oil, outright delish! Among the rolls we tried the much favourite chicken shawarma, and the grilled lamb kofta. With fresh salads, pickles, onions and juicy meat, this salad could be your ‘it’ shawarma!
There is plenty to choose from in the dessert section. The Cheese Kunafa is what I recommend along with the rolled puff pastry with Lebanese custard coated with syrup. You can sum your tasty meal with a warm cup of Turkish Coffee.
Vegetarians have alot of options to choose from and what I really loved about the place (other than the yummy food) is the ease and the laid back approach it has. It is a great place to be with someone you want to enjoy and have a heart meal and yes the pricing is a cherry on the cake!
A meal for two will cost around Rs 1000.
Overall rating 4/5
Address: Zizo, K-18 & 22 Connaught Place, New Delhi