ZIMA Notting Hill marks the latest chapter in the evolution of the ZIMA restaurant brand, bringing its signature blend of Eastern European hospitality and gastronomic heritage to one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods. While the culinary concept remains deeply rooted in traditional Russian and Eastern European cuisine, it is the restaurant’s bold and intimate interior design that truly defines its identity.
Nestled on Blenheim Crescent beside the iconic Notting Hill Bookshop, the 45-cover space offers a dramatic counterpoint to its quaint surroundings. The design scheme balances historical richness with modern restraint, resulting in an atmosphere that is both immersive and refined.
ZIMA Notting Hill’s interior is not simply decorated – it is curated. At the heart of the restaurant’s visual language is an eclectic and evolving art program, developed by the owner, which transforms the dining room into a miniature cultural exhibition. Guests dine surrounded by original artefacts and design elements drawn from across Eastern Europe: Imperial Factory porcelain, folkloric spinning wheels, and even avant-garde works inspired by Kazimir Malevich and contemporary names like Nikolay Ovchinnikov and Ivan Lungin.
This integration of authentic cultural references with contemporary minimalism adds depth and narrative to the space, engaging guests far beyond the plate. It’s a setting designed for discovery.
The restaurant’s dark colour palette, offset by warm, ambient lighting, evokes the rich, moody tones of a Russian winter creating a cocoon-like environment ideal for intimate dining. The choice of natural wood flooring underfoot brings tactile warmth, while a sophisticated marble bar acts as a focal point, reinforcing ZIMA’s position as a destination for design-conscious diners.
Mounted behind the bar are rows of ZIMA’s signature homemade ‘nastoykas’ – infused vodkas that add vibrant pops of colour while reinforcing the sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. These design details are not just aesthetic; they speak directly to the brand’s culinary ethos.
While the Soho flagship set the tone, ZIMA Notting Hill refines the concept further. The interiors are more nuanced, tailored to appeal to a west London audience seeking elegance without pretension. The design respects the traditional heritage of Eastern European dining but frames it through a contemporary, international lens, making it immediately relevant to London’s eclectic hospitality scene.
Seasonal collaborations with high-profile chefs—beginning with Michelin-starred Evgeny Vikentev—promise a continually evolving culinary and cultural offering, further reinforcing the restaurant’s position as a hub for design-led gastronomy.
Hospitality Interiors had the pleasure of experiencing ZIMA Notting Hill first-hand and what a treat it was! From the moment we stepped through the door, the atmosphere enveloped us: moody lighting, elegant textures, and a rich visual tapestry of artworks and artefacts.
Of course, we couldn’t resist sampling a few of ZIMA’s famed nastoykas (for research purposes, naturally). With infusions ranging from horseradish to blackcurrant, the selection was both delicious and dangerously moreish. The hospitality was warm, the surroundings beautifully considered, and the overall experience – dare we say it – brilliant. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates design with a story (and a well-poured vodka).
