Zoom East Kitchen & Bar will bring the warmth and vibrancy of Sicilian cuisine to the heart of east London. With Sicilian chef Vittorio Meli at the helm the restaurant takes inspiration from the diverse food haven of his home region in Italy while celebrating local London suppliers.
Located at the Hyatt Place London City East hotel in Whitechapel, Zoom East Kitchen & Bar features its own private dining Orangery, courtyard and aperitivo deli bar. The menu will reflect the diversity and nuances of regional Sicilian cuisine with its influences from North African, Spanish, Greek and of course Italian cuisines.
Head Chef Vittorio Meli brings to Zoom East his passion for the traditions of Sicilian cuisine. He grew up in Sicily in a family of restauranteurs learning carefully handed down recipes in the kitchens of the family restaurants. Since moving to London Vittorio has worked as head chef at restaurants including much-loved Venetian restaurant Polpo Soho and most recently as Executive Sous at the renowned Strand Palace hotel.
The menu at Zoom East will feature small plates as well as a selection of dishes from the deli bar. Perfect for sharing over aperitivo deli dishes include Vittorio’s Caponata made to his family recipe. Small plates from the kitchen include Sicilian classics such as Arancini with Carnaroli saffron rice, peas & bechamel and Sarde a Beccafico (Sardine rolls with parmesan, orange, raisins, herbs and pine nuts).
Zoom East will be working closely with Billingsgate Market making use of their quality produce in fish main courses including Grilled Octopus with preserved lemon sauce, monk’s beard & crispy chickpeas and Guazzetto di Pesce; a soup of Cornish hake, olives, potato and capers. Meat-lovers will not be disappointed with grilled dishes including Onglet Steak and classic Polpette putting quality meat from O’Shea’s Butchers centre stage.
Vegetable based dishes are a staple of Sicilian cuisine and guests will find plenty to choose from at Zoom East including Spaghetti Involtini (baked spaghetti with tomato sauce rolled into fried aubergines), a Mixed grill of courgettes and a classic Aeolian Salad. A selection of pizzas and pasta dishes will include Spaghetti al nero di seppia and Pizza Sfiziosa with figs, prosciutto, burrata and rocket.
Desserts will include Cannoli, the classic ricotta filled Sicilian pastry and a Panna Cotta with Cardamon, saffron, rose water & pistachio. Zoom East will also be working with east London supplier Hackney Gelato offering a selection of their quality ice creams and sorbets on the menu.
Local London suppliers are at the heart of the Sicilian-inspired menu and the aperitivo deli bar which will feature British charcuterie from Cobble Lane Cured, vegan cheeses from La Fauxmagerie and the finest Sicilian ingredients from Gastronomica. The Zoom East team are also planning a series of collaborative dinners with their suppliers with events with East London Brewery, Hackney Gelato and Billingsgate Market already in the pipeline. The colourful Zoom East interiors will celebrate the charm of Italian hospitality with art laden walls and contemporary botanical spaces created by Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design. Zoom East will open on 13th June.
Hyatt Place London City East
45 Whitechapel Road
E1 1DU
www.zoomeast.london
Instagram @zoomeastlondon
[email protected]
