Zizo | A bite of the simple life (Delhi)
Zizo is the newest addition to the list of Authentic Lebanese Restaurants in Delhi. Located at one of the most prime locations in the heart of the city, right opposite PVR Plaza. I have wanted to go to this place for sometime, as it looked quite nice from the outside. Today was my lucky day.
The décor of the place is really modern, minimalistic yet very stylish. White walls, cupboards get a hint of color through lamps, cushions etc. They play Lebanese music and that I think is pretty cool. The ambience is very cool, breezy and comfortable. The place is well lit up and the brown chairs are too nice to look at (I’ve been told they are especially shipped from Dubai). The books by Barabara Massad (who also happens to be their food consultant) are kept on the restaurants display. You can have a look at the books if you like.
The menu is very well designed but I hope it’s their introductory menu as I feel there should be more to offer in a place as big as Zizo. The staff is well aware about the food and its preparation. Rahul, one of the staff members was very kind to come and talk elaborately about the restaurant. He told us about how the restaurant got its theme “A bite of simple life”. The Beatle in the logo of Zizo holds great significance in the concept behind the restaurant. And that is also quite evident in the way the logo and menu is designed.
After spending some time talking, reading and enjoying Pita croutons with a dip (complimentary), we placed the order.
- Spicy Hummus with Pita bread and Mixed Pickles.
- Chicken Shawarma Roll
- Labne Garden Roll
- Chocolate Banana Manoushe
I must say that everything they served was fresh and tasted delectable. The freshness of Pita bread, the lightness of hummus, the crunch of the pickles, juicy chicken made me fall in love with the food.
The presentation of the food was very chic and it looked every bit of “Authentic Lebanese Food with Modern Twist”.
I have never had Shawarma that tasted so light and yummy. It didn’t have mayonnaise oozing out or oil dripping at the end. The Pita was light, fluffy and it was evident that it was freshly baked.
Labne Garden Roll is a vegetarian’s delight. The crunchy vegetables with the creamy sauce make it a must have and it’s very healthy also.
We asked for pickles and we were given a generous quantity of mixed pickles. The Pitas were thin, puffy and soft. The only thing I would mention that they should serve hummus with Shawarma or any other roll. That’s the combination that’s served at most of restaurant serving Shawarma or a Lebanese roll.
Chocolate Banana Manoushe tasted good. My friends really liked it. It’s made with Pita wrap, bananas and chocolate (I felt it was Nutella). The wrap is garnished with nuts. I felt it was overpriced. They say that they use only organic and imported ingredients, but (in my opinion) some of the prices can still be worked around.
In all my experience was good and I really liked the effort the makers have put in it. Everything is carefully planned and executed. The bill holder not only looks good but talks about authenticity.
Their biggest USP is that from the owner, conceptualiser, food consultant and Executive chef; everyone is Lebanese. And they are bringing their childhood memories to your table. That I feel shouldn’t go wrong.
I would give it thumbs up for the quality of food and for the playfulness.
