A Cautionary Tale for Allergy Sufferers: Avoid Dining at Zoya Grill and Lounge in King’s Cross

Navigating the culinary scene with food allergies is inherently challenging, and ensuring a safe dining experience relies heavily on transparent communication between diners and restaurant staff. Unfortunately, our recent visit to Zoya Grill and Lounge in King’s Cross served as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when this communication falters.

My partner, who has a documented nut allergy, decided to enjoy a meal at Zoya Grill and Lounge with his mother. From the outset, both during the booking process and upon arrival at the restaurant, he explicitly informed the staff about his allergy. He sought reassurance from the waiter that the dishes ordered were devoid of any nuts or traces thereof. Trusting these assurances, he took a bite of his curry—only to immediately suffer a severe allergic reaction.

What followed was an ordeal that no diner should have to face. He experienced intense discomfort, manifested by symptoms like vomiting and wheezing. Despite the gravity of the situation, initial interactions with the waitstaff were troublingly dismissive. It was only after requesting to speak with the manager that any empathetic response was forthcoming, and even then, the offer was merely to remove the offending dish from the bill.

This response, which fell woefully short of addressing the seriousness of the situation, left my partner exhausted and disheartened. Their decision to pay for his mother’s meal and promptly leave underscored the disappointment and frustration surrounding the staff’s trivial handling of what was a critical medical situation.

It’s important to acknowledge that Indian cuisine often features nuts. However, our experiences with other establishments, such as Dishoom, highlight that clear allergen menus and proactive warnings can create a safer environment for those with allergies. The lack of such measures at Zoya Grill and Lounge is particularly disappointing given the evident risk posed to patrons with similar dietary restrictions.

In sharing this experience, our goal is to inform those with nut allergies—and their loved ones—so they may carefully consider dining options in King’s Cross. Until Zoya Grill and Lounge demonstrates a commitment to better accommodating allergies, we strongly advise potential patrons to prioritize more allergy-conscious eateries to ensure their health and safety.