A host of impressive attractions, great theaters and fabulous shopping make Derby popular with residents 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 downtown 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 cozy, offering intimate dining and catering for larger groups. A selection of menus including pre-theater, holiday brunch, holiday party, 2-course and a delicious 3-course breakfast means there is something for everyone to enjoy at Zest.
The a la carte menu features a wide range of delicacies and as the kitchen team prides themselves 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 bites to be enjoyed at Zest before diners tuck into their entrees or the main event. Why not try the baked camembert with homemade bread, olives, garlic bruschetta or the sharing plate with breads, sauces, roasted garlic and oils), which go perfectly with a glass of wine or cold beer.
Entrees include several delicious salads, such as the Mozzarella, Tomato, and Walnut Salad with Honey and Balsamic Dressing or the earthy and flavorful Warm Mushroom, Parmesan, and Pine Nut Salad with Garlic Herb Dressing. There are also plenty of traditional favorites, like the Chicken Liver Parfait with Crusty Bread and Balsamic Onion Jam or the Fried Pigeon Breast with Tomato Cilantro Chili Sauce. Seafood lovers can enjoy the garlic and chilli marinated prawns with homemade bread or the spicy salmon pie with lemon tarragon dip accompanied by arugula.
Main courses are guaranteed to make your taste buds tingle. When available seasonally, guests can expect such delicacies 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 Mashed Potatoes with parsley. Zest, like many restaurants in Derby, cater to 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 home fries, lemon caper mayonnaise, served with mint peas and arugula, or the juicy, succulent pan-fried tenderloin steak with baked potatoes. rosemary and thyme, Dovedale blue cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Desserts like the White Chocolate Honeycomb Cheesecake, Chocolate Brownie with Dark Chocolate Sauce and Caramel Ice Cream, or Baileys Housemade Profiteroles and Chocolate Sauce are wickedly indulgent ways to end your dining experience at Zest.
