Restaurant Zayni, Puerto Banus October 2014

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

This fusion restaurant has a lot to live up to! Open for barely four months, it has very quickly gained a reputation for excellence in all departments. For those of us who remember Trader Vics, that was within the Alcazaba complex, that’s where it is, so its location and ambience score lots of brownie points. From the ten starters on offer our party of 5 chose the Duck Foei Gras with apple chutney and a port reduction - Tuna Tataki with a Ponzu sauce (Vinegar, Ginger, Coriander, and Citrus sort of punch)- Scallops with a Passion fruit sauce, Asparagus, and macadamia nuts. To say that everyone wanted to lick their plates, would be a slight exaggeration, but this, together with a more than adequate presentation, led us to believe that we were in the midst of a memorable meal.

When our mains arrived (all at the same time) and we started eating, the flavours that the chef had packed into each offering was intense, most of the dishes had an accompanying bowl of Jasmine infused rice, which absorbed the juices when added to the meal, and made a most pleasant eating experience. My Beef tenderloin with Ginger and Spring Onions was a delight, if I’m being picky the Spring Onions could have done with another
5 minuets cooking (you can only take al dente so far). All our party were very happy eaters.

The staff could not have been more attentive and helpful. The house white was very drinkable. I am very hard pressed to fault the dining experience we spent under the stars, overlooking the Pool, in comfortable surroundings, with friends enjoying yet another ‘Cool Deal’, for under 30€ including wine and tip, Oh, and a sorbet dessert as well! Had we not had the benefit of the Cool Deal, we would have paid 41€ a head for the same meal.

The VS
Zayni can be found within the Alccazarba complex in Puerto Banus,
GPS 36º 29’ 41.38 N 4º 56’ 58.16 W. Parking: Street parking, but if all else fails, park on the north side of the N340 and walk across the foot bridge
Reservations: Phone 952816100. email zayni.restaurant@gmail.com
To view the menu go to www.zayni.es
Seat 70 inside and 65 on the terrace.
Noufal Azauz is the man In Charge, known as Nono. Matra’ D is Ruben.
Summer they open for Lunch and dinner every day. Winter Dinner only and close Monday. average 3 course with wine 46€

Bishlin marks out of 5:
ambience 5
menu 5
service 5
food 4.5
value 4.5 (with cooldeal 5)

To get cooldeals speak to Richard Codd on 952905000 0r email admin@cooldeals.es
Their web site is www.cooldeals.es