Kenza Restaurant and Lounge

Kenza translates as ‘treasure’ in Arabic and is without a doubt a restaurant of feminine wiles.  You will be welcomed into the restaurant by the fragrance of incense and rose petals before being ushered into a dark and alluring alcove where you can sit on an embroidered cushion and sip an exotic cocktail prior to being fed. Kenza specialises in rich and sultry Middle-Eastern dishes like chicken and lemon parcels, deep-fried tiger prawns or slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with couscous. Following dinner you can watch bellydancers gyrate to the beat of the resident DJ. Kenza is a great prelude to a night out or to entertain clients if you work in the City.

This cavernous underground restaurant - all rich hues, carved wood and metal screens, reached by a winding staircase - is a bit groovier than its location, in an office complex off Liverpool Street, would suggest. It's a pity, then, that the food doesn't always match the decor. While perusing the menu, diners are presented with high-quality olives, a wide and fresh range of raw vegetables to dunk in minty cucumber and yoghurt dip, and excellent pickles: all complimentary. Tiger prawn falafel made an interesting departure from the norm, with minced prawns providing a pleasant lightness. Tiny Moroccan sausages were tart. Best stick to the carte, as our lunch specials (£10.95 for two courses) were dull. Starters in both vegetarian and meat meals relied heavily on pastry that tasted reheated, and thus was soggy when it should be crisp. Houmous was bland too. The wine list has a number of Lebanese options, yet is largely unexciting. The restaurant's name means 'treasure' in Arabic, but despite its looks, the venue has all the soul and originality of a Dubai nightclub. Belly dancers feature at night, when cocktails also come into play.

Address Details

10 Devonshire Square
The City
London
EC2M 4YP
UNITED KINGDOM

www.kenza-restaurant.com
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 12:00-15:30 & 18:00-00:00, Sat 18:00-01:00

General Info

Closest Tube: Aldgatem, Liverpool Street
Cusine: Halal, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Moroccan
Dress Code: Smart/Casual
Music: Eclectic Background