Review: Farzi
Review: Farzi
A lively spot for a festive get-together
There’s only so much traditional turkey you can take when it comes to festive party menus, so we checked out the celebratory seasonal offering at Farzi. The ‘Modern Indian Bistro’ opened in 2019 and it has been winning over plaudits for offering a new twist on Asian dishes.
On a Saturday night, it was packed: we were lucky enough to be seated in their private dining area, which is perfect for a small group. You’re curtained off rather than shut away so you still get the vibe of the restaurant while also enjoying a space that lends itself to a more intimate dinner.
We were here to try its Taste of Farzi menu. Priced at £38pp, the idea is to showcase some of the highlights on the menu. A cute little basket of pappadums with chutney was promptly brought while we waited for the feast to begin.
First up was a selection of starters to share. The chicken karaage with a chilli yoghurt emulsion was sweet, sour, spicy and topped with purple crisps. It was delicious. We also loved the Old Delhi goat kheema, and crispy spicy cauliflower – the latter was perhaps my favourite and not something I would have ordinarily ordered. The fish Amritsari was fine but not particularly stand out.
On to the mains – between us, we tried all of the options on the Taste of Farzi menu. Guinea fowl goshtaba, a chicken tikka masala and Rajasthani laal maas – all fabulous, and accompanied with rice and light crispy breads. However, while the starters were very generously sized, the main courses were on the small side.
Saffron Shrikhand mille feuille and a chocolate forest log showed great skills on the dessert side of things.
The wine list is interesting – and good. The house is Organic Macabeo, Familia Castaño, from Murcia, at £34 a bottle which matches well with the range of spicy dishes. We had to try the rose rioja (Izadi, Larrosa), which was utterly delicious.
It’s a fun and busy spot. As well as the ground floor, there is a basement area, too, as the restaurant clearly attracts quite a crowd. Best spots though are upstairs as the décor is really lovely – and, of course, the private dining table, an elegant area where you can get a breather from the festive hubbub in central London while feeling in on the action enough that you don’t get FOMO!
8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP, farzilondon.com, @farzilondon
Image: Emma Pharaoh
