Jenna P.
Google
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at DZO! last night. From the moment we called ahead to ask if we could be seated a bit earlier, the staff were incredibly kind and accommodating. When we arrived, the place was buzzing… packed, lively, and full of energy. Yet within just a few minutes of introducing ourselves, we were warmly greeted and shown to our table.
The atmosphere was convivial and full of life; a private party downstairs added to the hum of laughter and conversation, and tables were laden with fragrant dishes flying out of the kitchen. You could tell immediately that the team knew their food, their culture, and their craft, the heart of real Vietnamese hospitality.
The menu was extensive (and thankfully included Vietnamese translations), which was both helpful and fun to explore. We started with the caramelized betel leaf rolls (beautifully aromatic and absolutely bursting with flavor) followed by fresh spring rolls, clearly made in-house. The dipping sauces were bright, fresh, and layered with complexity.
For mains, my partner had the Bún Bò Huế, a rich, spicy noodle soup with tender slices of beef, cha lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), and a wonderfully warming broth (perfect for a chilly evening)! I went for the monkfish cheeks, preceded by their signature mango salad with roasted peanuts, prawns, fish sauce, and lime — the balance of sweet, sour, and heat was just spot on.
Food came out quickly, the service remained calm and attentive throughout, and despite how busy it was, we never felt rushed. We were in and out within about 70 minutes; it was efficient but still relaxed.
The only small downside: the chairs are quite hard and uncomfortable and the tables a little close together, meaning privacy is limited. But given the size of the space (and, let’s face it, Highbury/Islington rent!), it’s understandable.
All in all, DZO! delivered a near-perfect experience (thanks Time Out London’s top 50 restos for steering me towards excellence yet again!): authentic flavours, generous hospitality, and a lively, joyful atmosphere. We’re already planning to come back. Next time, we’ll skip lunch so we can try even more of those small plates!
Highly recommend :-)