If you’re popping your head into Miznon for a quick bite of hummus and falafel, prepare for a shock. The first sign that something is afoot comes via a raw tomato, which sits proudly on your table (for no reason other than that Miznon head honcho Eyal Shani really loves tomatoes). Jaunty music blares from above, and with the occasional, enthusiastic shouts from the kitchen, the sensory overload might be a little overwhelming if you were just expecting a quiet bite to eat.
The lovely emerald green awning matches some of the tiling inside, and there are patterned floor tiles around the bar too, which all help give Miznon a homely vibe. Elsewhere, the restaurant feels incredibly rustic, right down to the brown butcher’s paper that covers the tables. If that sounds odd, stick around - there’s some method to the madness.
This eccentricity might feel a bit silly if the food wasn’t good, but the food is good. It’s really good, actually. You’ll need some advice on the menu, bits of which need translating despite being written in English. Guided by helpful staff, we dove into the cheeseburger pita (a delicious Miznon staple that comes with burger, pickles, burger sauces and a fried cheese crown over the top), and the cottage pie pita (a London special). Dressed green beans arrived, and were gleefully dumped straight onto our paper-lined table by our server. Encouraged to do the same, soon our ‘bag of meat’ (gorgeous braised beef with caramelised onions) joined the beans on the table. Miznon is exuberant and messy, but it’s also fun, and delicious. Case in point, that cottage pie pita, which is impossible to eat without making yourself look silly, but boy is it tasty.
Drinks revolve around cocktails made in-house, which combine juice blends and different spirits. Staff are happy to give recommended combos and they’re very easy drinking. We left happy, very full, and sure that we’ll be back to try more of the menu.