For their latest venture, the people behind Pachamama have pivoted away from Peruvian to open a Greek-inspired restaurant & bar called Zephyr.
And it seems to have been a breeze.
Because this buzzy, upbeat spot parked at the top of Portobello Road manages to combine a fun, stylish atmosphere with genuinely delicious food and great drinks.
Zephyr sits in a sun-flooded ground floor space, where bifold doors can be pulled back to leave the front almost completely open. There’s colourful artwork scattered across cool grey walls; 80s glassware on crisp white tablecloths; and a pulsing soundtrack that come together to give the impression that you’re on holiday. Downstairs, meanwhile, is a suave, retro-styled lounge bar serving signature cocktails till late.
It comes as no surprise that the food part of the equation is so good: they’ve bussed in former exec chef of local Greek gems Mazi and Suzi Tros John Skotidas to head up Zephyr’s kitchen.
It’s essential to start with the bread basket and a couple of dips – try the smoky aubergine with roasted sesame, or a kaffir lime-spiked taramasalata. The larger dishes are then separated according to their origins (land, sea and… soil), encompassing seabass carpaccio; wild red prawns with sundried tomato; baked butter beans with feta and olives; spiced lamb cutlets and whole grilled sea bass to share. Sharing five or six between two people will leave you feeling very well fed – but leave room for the loukoumades; bite-sized Greek donuts with a coffee dulce de leche dipping sauce.
After dinner, slip downstairs for a Smoky Tommy’s margarita, or the Muscat Sour with eau de vie and orange wine. Grab them by the glass for under a tenner, or order bottles for the table…
…if you feel like throwing caution to the wind.
NOTE: Zephyr is open daily from 6pm. You can find out more, and book, HERE.
Zephyr | 100 Portobello Road, London W11 2QD
While you’re in the neighbourhood… check out these Notting Hill date ideas
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