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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Londonderry, Zaffrani offers a captivating journey into the rich flavors of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. This hidden gem on Cross Street combines a modern ambiance with authentic culinary artistry, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking both taste and atmosphere. With its recent expansion from 45 to 95 seats, Zaffrani's success is evident, drawing a mainly local clientele eager to indulge in its flavorful dishes.

Zaffrani's menu is a celebration of regional Indian and Pakistani flavors, offering a variety of dishes that cater to both traditional and contemporary palates. Standout dishes include the Laal Maas, a fiery Rajasthani mutton curry with a deep, spicy flavor profile, and the Laal Mirchi Murgh, a tender chicken dish infused with bold red chili spices. The coconut naan is a must-try, with its soft texture and subtle sweetness complementing the rich curries perfectly.

Zaffrani's success story is rooted in its dedication to authentic flavors and impeccable service. The restaurant's chefs are passionate about preserving regional culinary traditions while adding a modern twist, evident in their carefully crafted dishes. An interesting fact is that the restaurant recently expanded due to its growing popularity, a testament to its culinary excellence and loyal customer base.

 Zaffrani is renowned for its authentic regional Indian and Pakistani dishes, especially the Laal Maas and Laal Mirchi Murgh, which are bursting with bold spices and rich flavors.

 To experience a modern take on traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting that combines authenticity with contemporary style.

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Excellent Indian restaurant with a mainly local clientele hidden away on Cross St in Islington between the A1 & A104.
Food was great & service (late on a Friday evening) was attentive, The ambiance was modern (less ornate than many similar restaurants).
They have recently expanded from 45 to 95 seats - presumably an indication of their success. 
Meal for 3, with wine, came to £99.

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Disappointing experience. I've become a big Indian food fan, so I was excited to run across this spot in the neighborhood. 

Atmosphere- the place could use some work. The menus weren't cleaned, they were torn and literally had sharpie hand written over things that are out. Just reprint new menus. 

Service- there is a younger guy that's in there that is very nice. The older guy with the mustache, not so much. He was huffy and rushed us and didn't answer our questions about the menu. It's a huge menu and we didn't understand some of the items. We just randomly ordered a few things because he made us so uncomfortable. 

Food- the paneer and spinach croquettes were tasty but could have used some salt. The chicken biryani was so damn hot. We asked him in advance how spicy it was and he gave us a noncommittal not too spicy and well it was. We had to order another raita just to eat it. The daal was interesting. It had too many vegetables for my taste. 

The man brought out a dish we had not ordered on accident. Because we had no explanation of the items we didn't even realize it. We were mid dishing it out when he came over and asked if we wanted to keep it since we didn't order it and then ended up just grabbing it since we didn't order it. Weird and bad service.

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They brought me the wrong (less expensive) dish and charged me the higher price.  When I asked for the check, one of the waiters practically threw the plastic with the check on the table.  The waitstaff is all smiles, but they don't seem reliable or trustworthy.

6e440920-9e89-41af-84fb-f848ff3287be

Yeesh - really bad experience here last night. 

Our dinner location of choice turned out to have made a mistake - ok no biggie. We have been meaning to come to this place and I called them to ask if they would have a table for three in ten minutes. I was assured this was no problem. 

Then we arrived. By 'we', I mean myself, my mother (not elderly but not someone I would impulsively NOT offer a seat to), my wife and our newborn. When we arrived the host seemed to be completely unaware he had just gotten off the phone with me and agreed to have a table. However, no biggie - there are two tables open. They are clearly reserved but he appeared to think another table was about to leave. Two things were really, really wrong with this:

1. If they are leaving so soon, then offer us one of the other two four tops that are presently open - that way, should the other people arrive, they can take that table when it clears. Further, do NOT leave a woman with a newborn standing at the front of your restaurant where there is barely any space.
2. If a table is paying their bill but still has practically full wine glasses, get a f*cking clue - they are NOT leaving yet. Do you even work in the restaurant industry you imbecile? It was kind of surprising - just pure, unbridled idiocy. 

We left. Went to Gallipoli where the service and the food was spectacular. 

Hope this place gets their act together. My immediate thought with people that dumb is, I'm not ever going to sit down in their restaurant and place my time and trust in their hands.

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Zaffrani is a hidden gem just off Upper Street that always hits the spot.  I wouldn't feel out of place wearing a dress or my jeans.  The white tablecloths make it nice enough for a date night and seeing locals come in and being surprised to see someone they know already seated gives it a certain warm chumminess.   

For about £55 (gratuity not included), two of us shared a huge starter (bazaar ki bajias), two mains (laal mirchi murgh & laal maas), saag malai paneer, nan & raita on the side as well as a bottle of white.  

A friendly place with yummy food.  What's not to love?

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This might be daring statement, but I believe this is the best Indian restaurant in town!

Well, at least for me it is...

I love this place so much! The service is superb, everything is super clean and so beautifully almost pampered.. You really can see how at Zaffrani's take so much attention to provide genuinely impeccable service. 

Food wise, it has always been AWESOME!!!
I mean, there is a choice from good old beloved 'plain Jane' menu and some regional picks. The portions are smaller and organised almost as an Indian tapas place. 

The food is so tasty and I have to praise the coconut naan.. The best thing, I've ever tasted from Indian cuisine..

Wine selection is pretty good as well!!

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Best Indian restaurant I've been to in ages.
We were warmly welcomed on entry and shown to our table in a relaxed yet smart restaurant. Straight away you get a sense that this place is going to deliver, it has that laid back confidence.

Vegetarian mixed starters arrived, a mix of pakoras and almost tempura like vegetables, crisp textures and spices. The menu consists of classics plus regional specialities  plus a good range of vegetarian options. Everything we ordered was excellent and well presented. Highlights included a lamb dish marinated in red wine with a sour cream and ginger sauce. Subtle and tender. Great bhindi dopiaza side dish and pilau rice packed with vegetables steamed in the rice. A good spicy chicken jalfrezi.  Flavours well balanced and a notable lack of oiliness.

Friendly and efficient staff and relaxed ambience overall.
Good value given the high standard, definitely top notch.
Looking forward to going back.

388a306f-9d0f-4d58-96ee-2c4700abd218

This is a great Indian restaurant just off Upper Street in Islington. 
They come 'under fine dining' but I think their food costs less than some of London's other 'fine dining' restaurants.
Food is fabulous, they even have a beef curry on their menu. Everything is fresh, tasty and great value for money. They have some dishes that you would not see in the usual curry houses.
Staff are friendly, atmosphere is relaxing and the drinks menu is good too.

It is a great spot for locals ( I have seen Paul Whitehouse eating here - from Harry & Paul fame and also the same people on a number of occasions.

I really recommend this place, if you like great Indian food - even if you are not in the area, it's worth a visit.

75d06a73-d793-4624-9f6f-040c51b79dd8

Definitely the best Indian in/around Upper Street.

I'm not the best person to rate Indian restaurants as I don't like very spicy food, but that does mean that I often eat dishes which are a bit more subtle which don't respond to the approach of sticking in enough chillies  and hoping that no-one notices...

Zaffrani's milder dishes are not bland at all, they're subtly spiced and don't make you feel like you're eating a warm yoghurt while everyone around you is having spicy fun.  I'm a particular fan of the biryanis which come in either mild or spicy varieties of chicken or lamb which is a really tasty, interesting meal with great veg curry sauce.

My friends who eat the hotter stuff also love the place and comment that the you taste flavours and not just red sauce...

Service is friendly and efficient, the place is packed quite tightly but never gets too loud or feels cramped... I've eaten here a lot and will continue to do so!

ee011d56-5892-483a-88ab-30715d83766c

Very delicious food. Nice decor. Good value for money as well.
Wine a bit on the expensive side.

Zaffrani Indian Restaurant in Islington, London – Authentic Cuisine & Modern Ambiance

Discover the vibrant flavors and warm ambiance of Zaffrani, an acclaimed Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Londonderry. Perfectly blending traditional spice blends with modern culinary finesse, Zaffrani offers a memorable dining experience for food lovers and trend-conscious travelers alike.

zagrafi: a hidden indian gem in londonderry

Kick off your culinary journey with Zaffrani's exquisite selection of starters, featuring crisp, spice-infused pakoras, flavorful lamb and vegetable salads, and regional delicacies. Each dish is crafted to tantalize your palate and set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

Savor a variety of beautifully spiced dishes, from tender Laal Mirchi Murgh to the fragrant Laal Maas. Vegetarian options like Saag Malai Paneer and subtly flavored biryanis offer a perfect balance of taste and aroma, crafted with authentic spices and fresh ingredients.

Conclude your meal with delectable desserts like sweet rice puddings, aromatic cardamom-flavored treats, and other regional sweets that provide a perfect end to your culinary adventure at Zaffrani.

Complement your meal with a selection of fine wines, refreshing lassis, and traditional Indian beverages, all curated to enhance the authentic flavors of your dishes.

Zaffrani's specials feature regional Indian dishes and chef's creations, crafted with authentic spices and innovative techniques. These dishes promise an extraordinary taste journey for those seeking something unique.

Discover Zaffrani in Londonderry—an inviting restaurant serving authentic flavors in cozy ambiance. Embark on a delicious journey today!

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