Review of Restaurant Zest in Derby
A wealth of stunning attractions, great theatre and fabulous shops make Derby popular with residents and sightseers alike. What better way to plan a day out or discuss the day’s activities than by enjoying beautifully cooked and prepared food at Zest Restaurant in Derby. This centrally located restaurant is near many main features of the town such as quaint shops, the cathedral and theatre. Formally an old stables building the venue has been beautifully restored to create a sleek, modern interior with touches of old world charm, such as exposed beams. Spread across two floors the restaurant is spacious, yet cosy and offers intimate dining as well as catering for larger groups. A selection of menus including pre-theatre, festive lunch, festive party, 2-course as well as an indulgent 3-course breakfast mean there is something for everyone to enjoy at Zest.
The a la carte menu boasts a wide range of delicacies and as the kitchen team pride themselves on using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients, every mouthful is packed with flavour. As with many European restaurants in Derby there are plenty of tasty nibbles that can be enjoyed at Zest before diners tuck into their starters or the main event. Why not try the baked Camembert with homemade bread, olives, garlic bruschetta or the sharing platter with breads, dips, roasted garlic and oils), which go beautifully with a glass of wine or chilled lager.
Starters include several delicious salads such as the mozzarella, tomato and walnut salad with honey and balsamic dressing or the earthy and moreish warm mushroom, Parmesan and pine nut salad with garlic and herb dressing. There are also plenty of traditional favourites such as chicken liver parfait with crusty bread and balsamic onion jam or the pan fried pigeon breast with tomato, coriander and chilli salsa. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy the marinated king prawns in garlic and chilli with homemade bread or the spicy salmon fishcake with tarragon and lemon dip served alongside rocket.
The main dishes are guaranteed to get the taste buds tingling. When seasonally available guests can expect such delights as marinated lamb rump, winter vegetables and red lentil sauce, honey glazed duck breast with cherry sauce and balsamic syrup or pan-fried pork tenderloin with crushed parsley potatoes. Zest, like many restaurants in Derby cater to vegetarians. However this dining establishment really makes an effort with their veggie options, creating exciting and innovative dishes such as the winter vegetable Wellington with goat’s cheese and tomato.
Other dishes which really set Zest apart from other restaurants include the yeast battered fish with homemade triple cooked chips, lemon and caper mayonnaise served alongside minted peas and rocket, or the juicy and succulent pan fried rump heart steak with rosemary and thyme potatoes, Dovedale blue cheese sauce and crispy pancetta. Desserts like the white chocolate and honeycomb cheesecake, chocolate brownie with dark chocolate sauce and butterscotch ice cream or the homemade Baileys profiteroles and chocolate sauce are wickedly indulgent ways to end your culinary experience at Zest.