When we heard legendary Brighton and Hove chef Yaya Ahmadi had starting serving dinners at new Persian fusion restaurant Yazz Bistro Kitchen in Western Road, we were keen to try it.
Located at the former site of The Mad Hatter Cafe at the intersection of Montpelier Road and Western Road, not far from Waitrose, is Yazz Bistro Kitchen, Chef Ahmadi’s latest venture.
The venue has been revamped for its December 2024 opening and has a ceiling of upside down colourful umbrellas that is particularly eyecatching. The screens showed beaches which transported us to holiday mode, even though we were on Western Road. Tantilising scents of the grill wafted from the kitchen.
Yaya, who owns Shayan Persian kitchen, also on Western Road, greeted my partner and I with warmth and said “Leave it with me” when we asked for recommendations.
This came as a relief as the menu is absolutely packed with mouthwatering choices. Starters include what one might expect from a Persian, Turkish and Middle Eastern inspired restaurant; hummus, cacik, shakshuka, babaganoush and halloumi, with a tempting creative spin: “special taco” with ghormeh sabzi, gheymeh, lamb shank or chicken.
The mains range from the Turkish classic adana kofta (£19.50), chicken shish (£19.50), and mixed shish (£22.50) to sea bass fillet (£21.50), salmon skewered with mushrooms and peppers (£20) and moussaka (£16.50). There’s also a range of salads and sides include chips, rice, yogurt and Turkish bread.
There is a vast drinks menu too and I love that it includes delicious Turkish wine. My partner had a couple of beers and I had a nice glass of red. Wine is from £6.50 per glass. Alcoholic beer from £4.95.
What I love about this food is that it’s great for sharing. For starters we had halloumi – huge succulent golden chunks grilled to perfection. Blackberries, and a slice of orange was a nice touch, the tangy citrus juice complimenting the salt of the halloumi, and the dish was adorned with fresh and colourful garnishes, including juicy and tangy pomegranate seeds across the starters.
The babaganoush was smooth in texture. Make sure you order bread for prime dunking. We were also treated to tacos deep filled with lamb and a huge serving of sour cream, a Persian classic. The Shepherd’s salad – a zingy and cooling mix of tomato, cucumber, onion and parsley, was a delight. This was a generous spread of starters and we couldn’t fathom fitting in more, but somehow did.
Our dining time was spacious and relaxed. We had time to savour the depth of flavour, and chat to Yaya. Yaya moved to the UK in 2011 to work at a Turkish restaurant Ottoman in Lewes Road in 2011. He soon became a head chef in St James Street and opened Shayan in 2014. His hopes for Yazz, which means summer or to note a memory, include a space celebrating community, creativity and connection. He hopes people will feel at home at the restaurant, while enjoying the richness of Persian culture. He has hoped for another restaurant in the future – in Brighton or London. His passion for food is evident.
Next up, we enjoyed freshly cooked chicken shish and lamb shish and shared both. The chicken melted in my mouth and the lamb was delicately flavoured and tender. This was complimented by a well grilled and tasty tomato and peppers, plus perfectly flavoured rice and a salad garnish.
It’s worth noting here that Yazz Bistro Kitchen has an abundant breakfast, brunch and lunch menu also, as well as a range of coffees so is the perfect spot to meet with friends.
We will be back to see Yaya and try more delights from this menu designed with love, passion and experience.
Yazz Bistro Kitchen is open seven days a week at 35 Montpelier Road, Hove.
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