Zaza Express
Pizzaiolo at work in the new Zaza Express
Continuing the trend for new eateries on Stoke Newington High Street, new Italian restaurant Zaza Express has now opened its doors. Located at number 99, opposite Shaheen Supermarket, the restaurant is owned and operated by Robert and Thanesh, both long-time pizza chefs. Robert has over 15 years experience as a pizza chef, most recently working at Pizza Express, Gants Hill. He says he chose to open in Stoke Newington because he likes the location and the people of the area.
The pizza menu caters for all tastes, from Italian classics like margherita and quattro formaggi, to a pineapple-bedecked American style Prosciutto e Ananas, through to the more unusual cajun style Pollo Peppadew and mega-hot Pizza Zaza 99. Alongside the main pizza menu is a less extensive Roman Pizza menu for those who like a thinner crust.
For pasta, there is a wide choice including favourites like lasagne verdi, cannelloni and spaghetti bolognese. Fret not if you don’t eat flour, as there is a potato dish as well as a parmigiana and a wide range of salads. Vegetarians are looked after here too, with seven main dishes to choose from.
I visited on opening night, and found the experience to be welcoming and the food excellent. The fiorentina was heavy with spinach, not too garlicky, had with just the right amount of sea salt and a good creamy mozzarella finish. Though from the Napoli style pizza menu, the crust was not too thick, and the dough was springy and light. The accompanying salad was fresh and crisp, with a well balanced dressing.
Robert reported that the lunchtime trade had been good for the first day, and all his customers happy. When asked if he was confident about the success of the restaurant, he replied that he is 100% optimistic. With great food, nothing over £8.50 on the menu, and being located within an ass’s roar of Stoke Newington Church Street, he has good reason for his optimism.
Zaza Express
99 Stoke Newington High Street
London
N16 8EL
020 7998 6705
07879 769 224
info@zazaexpress.co.uk
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, 7 days a week
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