A host of impressive attractions, great theaters and fabulous shops make Derby popular with locals and tourists alike. What better way to plan a day or discuss the day’s activities than by enjoying beautifully cooked and prepared food at Zest Restaurant in Derby. This centrally located restaurant is close to many of the city’s main attractions, including quaint shops, the cathedral, and the theater. Formally a former stable building, the venue has been beautifully restored to create a sleek, modern interior with hints of old world charm such as exposed beams. Spread over two floors, the restaurant is spacious, yet welcoming, offering intimate dining and catering for larger groups. A choice of menus including Pre-Theatre, Holiday Lunch, Holiday Feast, 2-Course and a delicious 3-Course Breakfast means there is something for everyone to enjoy at Zest.
The à la carte menu boasts a wide range of delicacies and as the kitchen team prides itself on using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients, every bite is bursting with flavour. As with many European restaurants in Derby, there are plenty of tasty snacks to be enjoyed at Zest before diners tuck into their starters or the main event. Why not try the baked camembert with homemade bread, olives, garlic bruschetta or the sharing platter with breads, sauces, roasted garlic and oils), which pair perfectly with a glass of wine or cold beer.
Entrees include several delicious salads, such as the Mozzarella, Tomato and Walnut Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing or the earthy and flavorful Warm Mushroom, Parmesan and Pine Nut Salad with Garlic and Herb Dressing. There are also many traditional favorites, such as the chicken liver parfait with crusty bread and balsamic onion marmalade or the fried squab breast with tomato, cilantro and chili sauce. Seafood lovers can enjoy the prawns marinated in garlic and chilli with homemade bread or the spicy salmon cake with tarragon and lemon dip accompanied by arugula.
The entrees are guaranteed to set your taste buds buzzing. When seasonally available, guests can expect delights such as marinated lamb rump, winter vegetables and red lentil sauce, honey glazed duck breast with cherry sauce and balsamic syrup or fried pork tenderloin with crushed potatoes with parsley. Zest, like many restaurants in Derby, cater for vegetarians. However, this restaurant really makes an effort with its vegetarian options, creating exciting and innovative dishes like the Winter Vegetable Wellington with Goat Cheese and Tomato.
Other dishes that really set Zest apart from other restaurants are the yeast-battered fish with triple-cooked house chips, lemon mayonnaise and capers, served with mint peas and arugula, or the juicy and succulent fried tenderloin steak with baked potatoes. rosemary and thyme, Dovedale blue cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Desserts like white chocolate honeycomb cheesecake, chocolate brownie with dark chocolate sauce and caramel ice cream or Baileys’ house-made profiteroles and chocolate sauce are wickedly indulgent ways to end your dining experience at Zest.
