![Zomato]( "Recensione")
One of my favourite restauarants in the Angel/Islington area, if not for its delicious Indian cuisine, then for its intimate, sleek interior and consistently friendly staff.
I'm always skeptical of trying new Indian restaurants (once I find one that I love, I tend to stick to it!) but I've been going to Zaffrani for years now - so much so that I was once made to order something other than my beloved dum ka murgh (a deliciously tender chicken curry in a tomato-based sauce) and peshwari naan by the all-too familiar staff! (Btw, when his recommendation arrived, I admitted that I didn't like it as much and it disappeared before my eyes, only to be replaced 10 minutes later with dum ka murgh ... I've never felt more spoiled, other than the time Banh Mi Bay re-opened for me when I drunkenly knocked on their just-closed doors).
It's definitely a place where you can take friends and family - a terrific atmosphere for sharing a bottle of wine and a selection of delicious curries and starters.
Not to be missed, if you're nearby and a great option for collapsing into after a day of shopping on Upper Street.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Zaffrani is tucked away on Cross Street just off the main Islington high streets, Upper Street and Essex Road. It has a clean, modern interior with sleek black leather chairs and white hanging light fixtures. It's a relatively small restaurant and tables are packed quite closely together, making for an intimate dining experience.
I have come here a few times with my mother and brother and we love to share the vegetarian Bazaar Ki Bajias, a delicious selection of Bajis, onion and lentil fritters, samosas and a selection of dips. Although it is intended for two, servings are quite generous and is definitely adequate for a party of three or four.
I am quite a wimp when it comes to spicy food so usually opt for the Saag Gosht. It is a relatively mild lamb curry with chilli, mustard and spinach. I always find the lamb to be extremely tender and very flavoursome, and have never been disappointed by this dish. My mother often orders the Laal Maas, another lamb dish, but with more of a fiery bite. It's delicious but recommended for the more adventurous diners due to it's hot flavour. Although these are our firm favourites I have always been happy with my choice if I order something different. Zaffrani never fails to deliver on a chilled out and flavourful dining experience.
If you’re looking for a more intimate night out, this North Indian restaurant between Essex Road and Upper Street could be one of the better places to go.
The vegetarian food is one of the better ranges I’ve tasted, and if you’re a cheese lover then you should definitely try their ‘Paneer Makani’ dish. My meal usually comes to around £20 including drinks, but it’s worth the price if you ask me.
One of the few flaws I had with the restaurant though was that the staff were often trying to rush us to order and finish our food, so it was sometimes hard to relax.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes