Shaka Zulu

Reviews

• Melly M.

  star star star star star 11 September 2026

  When I first moved to London I had an extensive list of big name restaurants I wanted to try but like most Londoners, I discovered and came to rely on smaller, more local options. So years later, I'd still not been to Shaka Zulu and my constantly dwindling finances meant that wasn't likely to change. However, my friend Tasha has a Taste Card so we decided to go this past Thursday.
  
  Tasha is late for everything so although I was running behind schedule, I didn't think it would matter. Tasha was already there and seated by the bar however, with two Cape Towner cocktails ready. Earlier in the day, I'd been on the Shaka Zulu website and there was a voucher for a 2-4-1 cocktail deal before 8pm so we both signed up - there's four cocktails to choose from and at £11 each, it's a good deal! Don't forget to show your confirmation email at reception as they have to print you a ticket to exchange at the bar. We had two lots of the Cape Towners (gin based) and they were delicious.
  
  Our table was for 7pm and at 7:30, we were still waiting with our buzzer. My friend went to quiz the hostess and discovered that we'd basically been forgotten about. However, we were showed to a table shortly after. The restaurant itself is absolutely huge so can handle a big capacity, although it was relatively quiet on this occasion. When we had arrived there was a bit of a din as there was an event - the pre Christmas party showcase (complete with Christmas tree in June!) which was odd!
  
  The Taste Card will get you 50% off mains and starters (not any of the large sharing platters) so we decided to push the boat out. I knew exactly what I was going to order, having decided a week before hand. I wanted crocodile and I wanted zebra and nothing would stand in my way.
  
  For starters, we both opted for the harissa crocodile (I'd been put off the croc cigars from having read Yelp reviews of them not being very crocodiley). This dish was served cold with a iceberg lettuce garnish. I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to being served iceberg at restaurants and dinner parties but the croc was so flipping lovely that I didn't care! It was my first ever crocodile meal and it tasted just like I thought - sort of... Fresh watery? Hard to describe but truthfully very, very nice!
  
  Next came the main - my zebra! I love pigs as pets and also as food and definitely now file zebra under the list of animals that cause happiness whether dead or alive! The waitress asked how I wanted this cooked and I wasn't sure, having never had this particular meat. She recommend medium rare and it was perfect this way. I didn't particularly care for the thinly shredded potato that came as the accompaniment (we ordered some kale and peri peri fries to share which were yum) but the zebra was amazing! It had a light, creamy taste and I'd had been happy paying full price (£28) for this dish.
  
  We finished up with some chocolate tart which was nice but not particularly special or interesting. When the bill arrived, we saved about £80 with the Taste Card - it came to £50 each, with the puds being full price. We also had one glass of house red which really suited all the food. We then decided to do the rest of our drinking round the corner at 55.
  
  The atmosphere in the restaurant was generally quite good but I would have preferred some more obviously African music. The music itself felt quite generic in comparison to the amazing decoration in the place and all the beautiful carving detail (including in the seats, which are heavy and pretty).
  
  Shaka Zula definitely didn't disappoint. Although for the full price, it's definitely going to remain a rarity for me. The general exotic feel and grandeur is quite exciting and very much encapsulates the sort of events you think you'll attend all the time before realising the expense of London as an adult. I'd love to go back again soon (maybe with my parents who might splash out for one of those platters...) but on the advice of the bank manager, I'll still be relying on those cheaper local options....

• Taylor R.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 4 September 2026

  HORRIBLE !!!!! It is my first time in London and my family and I were treated very unfair. The bathroom attendants were rude and money hungry. My cousin was attacked by one of the bathroom attendants because he didn't tip him £2.00. The drinks are over priced !!! £5.00 FOR  1/2 OF A SHOT YOU HAVE TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME !!!! They played afro beats alll night long.  Like who wants to listen to one genre of music all night long. I do not recommend anyone to come here.

• J E.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 30 August 2026

  This place is totally empty tonight and they won't let you make a reservation.  Yet they require a reservation and say they are booked.  Both their website and open table are open, but once you come here, if you are middle eastern, they refuse to seat you.  Racist, and rude.  And about to go bankrupt.  Avoid at all cost this ghostly place.  View the photo of their embarrassingly empty restaurant.   They must be so humiliated

• Amy H.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 August 2026

  First walking in it's got a great atmosphere, you really feel like you have been transported to Africa. However, food was a slight disappointment - mainly just overcooked and hard to chew meat which was getting cold a little bit too.
  
  Also, if you are looking for a place to catch up with friends, this is not the place to be - the music was so loud you can hardly hear each other across the table.
  
  Judging by the food, I would only rate this place 2*, but added in the whole decorations and atmosphere maybe this is a 3* experience - still not worth going a long way out to go again tho.

• P I.

  star star star star star 24 August 2026

  Took my mum here & had a great time!! The place is awesome. The detail that went into this restaurant is really fantastic. 10 ft statues, African carvings & furniture. Makes for a wonderful night out. Took tons of pics. Bought the groupon deal which is a really good offer & the food was super tasty. Great portions considering it was a deal. My mum was very pleased. Would recommend it 100%!