A wider crowd can now experience the bold flavours of Zhug in Hockley
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10:07, 8 JUL 2026
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Locals know the secret of Zhug with its colourful dishes and big bold flavours. What started as an underrated neighbourhood restaurant has grown into a popular independent food spot known for fresh ingredients, generous portions and dishes made for sharing.
Now the firm favourite has spread its wings to open a second site, this time in the middle of one of Nottingham’s busiest food and drink destinations.
The Mediterranean/Middle Eastern street food restaurant has been wowing its loyal following since opening in Bramcote Lane, Wollaton, five years ago.
And because of this, Zhug’s new Hockley restaurant feels less like the launch of an unknown newcomer and more like the arrival of a Nottingham favourite that has earned its place in the city centre.
For those discovering the restaurant for the first time, the family-run business offers something different from the chains commonly found elsewhere in Nottingham.
The new location is the former Botti Di Mamma, in Broad Street, opposite Broadway Cinema.
The menu mirrors the options at Wollaton, with warm pittas, homemade hummus, crispy falafel, halloumi, gyros, Lebanese-style chicken and colourful mezze plates, alongside favourites such as roasted cauliflower and freshly prepared salads.
Zhug is named after a green hot sauce originating from Yemeni cuisine flavoured with coriander, cardamom, cumin, parsley, and the heat of chilli peppers. Ten percent of the population have a gene that makes coriander taste like soap but it’s easily avoidable if you choose carefully.
Owner Suda Sharma said: “So many customers asked us to open in the city so we thought why not? We get people from all over.
“We’ve chosen all the most successful dishes. All of these are really good sellers. It’s a mixture of flavours from around the Mediterranean sea. Hopefully in the winter we’ll do a tagine from Morocco.
“We really wanted to be on this road. Zhug is about being inclusive. We do gluten-free, we do vegan, we do halal and we love the idea of it being Pride road.
“My philosophy has always been that you should be able to sit down at the table and have a meal together, irrespective. We’ve got lots of options. Sit together and enjoy together.”
Rather than following a traditional formal dining format, Zhug focuses on relaxed, flavour-packed food that can work just as well for a quick city-centre lunch as it does for an evening meal or a catch-up with friends.
Wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks are sold to accompany the plates which also include falafel, chicken wings and za’atar potatoes.
The Hockley restaurant retains the open-kitchen feel Zhug has become known for, allowing diners to see dishes being freshly prepared while adding to the energy and atmosphere of the space, which took nine months to transform.
Seating for around 70 is spread over two floors and outside as well. The stripped back redbrick walls, olive trees and wooden furniture create a natural laid-back feel, while the addition of former church pews are a more unusual addition.
Zhug owner Suda Sharma 1 of 9ShareComments
Zhug owner Suda Sharma
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The new restaurant in Broad Street 2 of 9ShareComments
The new restaurant in Broad Street
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Inside has olive trees and stripped back red bricks3 of 9ShareComments
Inside has olive trees and stripped back red bricks
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As well as 38 seats on the ground floor, there are more downstairs and outside4 of 9ShareComments
As well as 38 seats on the ground floor, there are more downstairs and outside
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The food is served from an open kitchen 5 of 9ShareComments
The food is served from an open kitchen
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Secret Garden mocktail with elderflower, mint, lime and soda 6 of 9ShareComments
Secret Garden mocktail with elderflower, mint, lime and soda
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Gyros chicken pitta and halloumi fries 7 of 9ShareComments
Gyros chicken pitta and halloumi fries
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Hummus with a swirl of zhug and handmade warm fluffy pitta 8 of 9ShareComments
Hummus with a swirl of zhug and handmade warm fluffy pitta
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Roasted cauliflower is a satisfying vegan dish 9 of 9ShareComments
Roasted cauliflower is a satisfying vegan dish
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Nottingham City Centre
Wollaton
Eating Out in Nottingham
food&drink