Nazende Mediterranean Oven

In the heart of Brighton City Centre, Nazende Mediterranean Oven takes its name from a word that speaks of charm, finesse and kindness. It nods to “Nazende Sevgilim,” the 1949 song by Azerbaijani composer Reşit Bekirof, and carries its sentiment forward: a place where love, elegance and thoughtfulness shape every plate and every moment at the table.

The cooking leans into the sunlit flavours of the Mediterranean. Bowls of lentil soup are gently spiced and comforting, while calamari arrives crisp and golden with tartar sauce. Classic dips invite leisurely beginnings — cool, garlicky tzatziki and silky houmous dressed with olive oil and lemon. From the grill, chicken shish and lamb shish arrive tender and well-seasoned, a simple pleasure elevated by good ingredients and careful timing.

House specials add a homely flourish: Izmir kofte with tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, served with rice, and lamb tandir, slow-cooked with vegetables until yielding and fragrant. Freshness runs through the salads, from grilled halloumi salad to a bright Greek salad with feta and olives, making an easy counterpoint to the richer plates.

True to its name, Nazende favours warmth and grace over fuss, offering a calm, convivial pause from the city’s buzz. Gather friends, take your time, and let the meal unfold. Book a table and follow the melody — supper here has a way of sticking in the head like a favourite chorus.