If you are starting to venture back into the world of 'eating out' I can thoroughly recommend Zimbraai ,an Africa restaurant in the centre of Bournemouth, their restaurant in Ashley Cross, Poole is a firm favourite but last week we ate at the Bournemouth restaurant. Walking into the restaurant it felt very familiar the styling is similar to the other restaurant. The wall art is stunning and it's obvious a lot of thought has gone into creating just the right atmosphere.
We visited mid week, there was a steady flow of customers without feeling crowded, Zim Braai themed screens separate the tables creating a safe but cosy atmosphere. If you want something more lively head there on a Friday/Saturday or Sunday when the jungle drums are well and truly beating. There is also a great outside space with tables and seating I'm sure it is lovely for the warmer weather just not in February!
Every time I go to Zim Braai I like to try something new, so to start we had the African chicken skewers and buttermilk & Chenin calamari. My skewers didn't disappoint, generous chunks of tender chicken, sandwiched with beautifully caramelised onions, I would love to know what marinade had been used it was deliciously sweet and I could easily have eaten another one.
The calamari starter was apparently equally as good just not something I personally would order.
The choice for mains ranges from African pjoties (pot),curries, a selection of meats, fish or vegetarian dishes from the braai (grill) and some great locally sourced 30 day aged steaks.
Check out the menu here.
We chose the peppered Ostrich steak, served with fries, greens and monkey gland sauce an amusing name and somewhat off-putting but trust me it tastes good. I opted for the Zimbabwean dovi ( a chicken and peanut curry with peppers, aubergine, topped with kale and served with rice). I loved it, although I half expected to have crushed pieces of peanuts in the dish but the crunchy kale sprinkle on top gave that additional texture.
Neither of us had room for dessert which was disappointing as I would have loved to of tried the Koeksisters (African donuts in case you were wondering).
Be sure to try the cocktails when you visit, they know what they are doing behind that bar, The Forager was my favourite although I confess to having a dark and stormy too.
The staff were friendly and on hand to answer any questions we might have, obviously we will be going back soon, I need to try those donuts!
Click on the link to make your booking.
14 Poole Hill
Bournemouth
BH2 5PS
99 Commercial Road,
Ashley Cross,
Poole
BH14 0JD
I was invited along to Zim Braai and provided with a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review. All words and images are my own.