From Holborn to Harrods, here's where you can enjoy mansaf, mezze, and more.
London and the Middle East share a special relationship, and go together like pitta and hummus. Whether you love a shawarma or shakshuka, baklava or baba ghanoush, you're in luck. Here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London right now.
Akub
A Notting Hill favourite – Akub is a Palestinian restaurant that celebrates authentically made Middle Eastern food and rich flavours. Tucked away from the chaos of Portobello Road, it serves traditional dishes with a modern twist, made for sharing with loved ones. Indulge in their Arak-cured Seabass, crunchy Mansaf or Shish Barak with beetroot for a real feel of Palestine's essence. Don't forget to order the Dead Sea Chocolate Cake – it's to die for.
GO: Visit www.akub-restaurant.com for more information.
Al Waha
Al Waha in Westbourne Grove is a luxe Lebanese restaurant serving up delicious homemade dishes in a warm atmosphere. The Tender Foul Medames, Sauteed Chicken Liver and Shish Taouk are the top choices to try. Don't miss out on the Baklava and Lebanese wines for a truly memorable evening.
GO: Visit https://alwaharestaurant.shop for more information.
Bala Baya
Labelled as 'adventurous eating' by Chef Earn Tibi, Bala Baya lives up to the name. Bringing a taste of the Eastern Med to South London, combined with its Bauhaus architecture, own pita oven and house-made Gazoz, it's the place to be on a bustling Saturday night in the city. Unique dishes like their prawn baklava with karaifa, bitter lime syrup, pistachios and rose are not to be missed. And for something sweet, we think their Midnight Malabi with coconut, white rum, black tahini, morello cherry, and sesame brittle sounds divine.
GO: Visit www.balabaya.co.uk for more information.
Berber & Q
With a focus on live-fire cooking and seasonal, sharing plates, Berber & Q hosts a great night out. Combining mezze with smoked meats and charred vegetables makes for the perfect dinner, all inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Originating in 2015 in an old taxi repair shop under the railway arches of Haggerston, Berber & Q has created a hub for East Londoners and visitors alike. Try out their Harissa Hot Wings with Whipped Feta or their Sweet'n'sour Rhubarb.
GO: Visit www.berberandq.com for more information.
Berenjak
In the heart of Soho lies Berenjak, a Persian restaurant frequented by celebrities like Dua Lipa. Also present in Dubai, Sharjah, Riyadh and soon to be in Abu Dhabi, the FACT award-winning restaurant has a menu full of flavour from the East. Sample one of its Kabab dishes, dig into the Ghormeh Sabzi and the much-loved Baklava Ice Cream Sundae.
GO: Visit https://berenjaklondon.com for more information.
Coal Office
Found in the centre of Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross, this collaboration between Chef Assaf Granit and British designer Tom Dixon is one to try out. With unique interiors and an ever-changing menu, Coal Office always leaves guests wanting more. Try their Grilled Poussin with borscht or their Galician Octopus with vermouth, chickpeas, pomegranate and truffle.
GO: Visit https://coaloffice.com for more information.
Em Sherif
In the glorious Knightsbridge lies Em Sherif, a Lebanese concept from the Middle East that is now open in Harrods. It describes itself as traditional yet refined. With dishes including Fish Shawarma, Mint Kefta and Wagyu Hummus, you can taste the love in the food at the FACT award-winner, which is a modern take on such beloved Levantine dishes.
GO: Visit https://emsherifrestaurant.co.uk for more information.
Fairuz
Located in marvellous Marylebone, Lebanese restaurant Fairuz is the ideal spot for warming, homemade Middle Eastern food. The small and intimate space becomes filled with the scents of Lebanon – mint tea, sumac, za'atar and more. The creamy Aubergine Fatteh and Makloobeh are fan favourites, as both dishes are hard to find in London. Don't miss out on this cosy, well-loved spot.
GO: Follow @fairuz.london on Instagram for more information.
FKABAM
Right next to Highbury and Islington station is the Turkish-inspired, FKABAM (Formerly Known As Black Axe Mangal). With a regularly changing menu, diners are sure to be in for a surprise or two. Best known for their smoked meats, fried chicken and fluffy flatbreads, FKABAM ensures you'll leave stuffed to the brim with delicious and varied flavours from the Middle East. The Squid Ink and Smoked Cod Roe flatbread is a firm favourite of FACT's Editor-in-Chief.
GO: Visit www.blackaxemangal.com for more information.
Freej Swalieh
The Kuwaiti restaurant in upmarket Knightsbridge is the place for excellent ambience and flavoursome food. The Chicken Majbous and Swalieh Kapsa are particularly popular dishes, or head over for a glass of fresh mint tea and some baklava, with a view of the ever-glittering Harrods – expect a meal with real style.
GO: Visit www.freejswalieh.com for more information.
Hiba Express
In the centre of Holborn, you'll find the family-run Lebanese and Palestinian restaurant, Hiba Express. Thankfully, it has several branches to satisfy its ever-growing and loyal customers. The juicy Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a must-try meal, but for a sweet treat (and a taste of the Levant), try the Knafeh Nabulsi with a cup of their Palestinian coffee—the perfect end to a perfect meal.
GO: Visit www.hiba-express.co.uk for more information.
Honey & Co.
With a plethora of branches and a steadily rising reputation, Honey & Co. have got you covered for the perfect lunch spot to dine at. Sip on a Fig leaf vodka spritz, followed by Pomegranate Molasses Chicken with cracked wheat salad, currants & pistachios, and a steaming side of Roast Potatoes immersed with chive butter. Wash it all down with a glass of seasonal wine - sit back and relax in any of their welcoming, bright spaces.
GO: Visit https://honeyandco.co.uk for more information.
Imad's Syrian Kitchen
Coming in with one MICHELIN Star is Syrian refugee chef Imad Al Arnab's restaurant. Tucked away in Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street (and next to the delicious Darjeeling Express), Imad's Syrian Kitchen is the place to dine for any special occasion – or just a weeknight dinner. Indulge in the Amarah or feast on the Baba Ghanoush, and know that whatever you choose, it'll be something to write home about.
GO: Visit www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk for more information.
Ishbilia
Taking up a prime spot in Knightsbridge is the popular Lebanese fine-dining spot Ishbilia. Enjoy authentic and lovingly-made traditional dishes, on the outdoor terrace or inside on the beautiful white tablecloths. With attentive service and flavourful dishes, you won't be disappointed after a meal here, especially once you've tried more than one of the seven types of creamy hummus.
GO: Visit http://ishbilia.com for more information.
Kebab Queen
In the middle of Covent Garden, Kebab Queen is an intimate, 10-seater basement restaurant serving elevated Turkish dishes in a no-plates setting. Indulge in the seven-course tasting menu, featuring skilfully reinvented traditional dishes. Disrupting the typical way to enjoy fine dining, Kebab Queen will provide you with a fun and incredibly delicious night out.
GO: Visit www.eatlebab.com for more information.
Somewhere Café
Having found success in Abu Dhabi, AlUla, Dubai and Riyadh, this Middle Eastern café has opened its first UK location inside the luxurious Harrods. Enjoy delicious dishes in a serene setting. Designed to whisk you away on a culinary journey of the region, the menu includes mezze with a terrific twist, including tender Tahini-topped Beef Shawarma with beetroot rice. Dishes also include Kale Tabbouleh with fresh tomato, pomegranate and crispy Lebanese markouk bread. End with the French Coffee Baklava – a chocolate basbousa pudding with coffee ice cream, chocolate filo and a hazelnut and tahini peanut butter sauce.
GO: Visit www.harrods.com for more information.
T by Tamara
A Palestinian hotspot in the gorgeous Marylebone, T by Tamara wants to bring authentic elevated cuisine to London. Particular dishes to note are the Beid and Lahme, Mushkhan Naan, Sumac Egg Sandwich and their take on Dubai chocolate in the form of a croissant. Oh, and they also offer catering services – so if you want to bring a taste of the Middle East to your home, look no further.
GO: Visit https://tbytamara.co.uk for more information.
The Barbary
Tucked away in Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, The Barbary serves up delectable food inspired by the fragrant flavours of North Africa. Centring their menu on slow-cooked and raw dishes. Paired with a curated wine list focusing on natural and low-intervention bottles, The Barbary is not one to miss. Don't forget to try their seabass with Chermoula Yoghurt, and their indulgent Olive Oil Chocolate Mousse to finish.
GO: Visit www.thebarbary.co.uk for more information.
The Palomar
The Palomar is run by two Israeli nightlife entrepreneurs, and can be found in the heart of Soho. Influenced by the varied cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant, they provide the ideal spot for a date night, special occasion or a catch-up with friends. The menu showcases Jerusalem-inspired cuisine. Its 50-day-aged pork chop with Roasted Grape and Bronze Fennel is certainly a dish to write home about, and for a palate cleanser, end with the blood orange and Campari sorbet. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand under their belt since 2014, The Palomar is a place to add to your list.
GO: Visit https://thepalomar.co.uk for more information.
Villa Mamas
This Chelsea branch is Villa Mamas' original outpost of the restaurant, which is now open in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Riyadh. It offers a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Persian cuisines, blending seasonal ingredients to create fully halal dishes that delight the senses. Be sure to try out the Chicken Mathrooba, Eggplant Explosion or the Seabass Sayadieh for a real taste of Bahrain and the Gulf.
GO: Visit https://villamamas.com for more information.
Yasmin
In the lively Soho, this Turkish-inspired rooftop restaurant overlooks the city while providing a Middle Eastern oasis to escape it. With a menu inspired by Chef Tom Cenci's time living in Istanbul, it takes you on a trip around the country. Dishes include Harissa Biftek, Sumac Smoked Duck and Whipped Sheep's Cheese, which will be sure to fill you to the brim.
GO: Visit www.yasminsoho.com for more information.
