The restaurant brings modern Levantine spirit to London's most iconic department store.
Tucked away on the fourth floor of Harrods, Somewhere offers an escape – not just from the bustle of Knightsbridge, but from the familiar tropes of Middle Eastern dining that too often teeter into pastiche.
Originating in the Middle East, with outposts in Abu Dhabi, AlUla, Dubai and Riyadh, Somewhere in Harrods marks the brand's debut in the United Kingdom. And what better setting for its first European venture than London's most iconic department store?
The dining room offers a warm palette of earthy tones and rich textures, softly lit and steeped in mood, with plush velvet seating, brushed brass fixtures, and shelves dotted with curated bric-a-brac. A scattering of two- and four-top tables keeps the room feeling intimate, while a charming terrace beyond the main dining area overlooks Knightsbridge.
The design language is deliberate with whispers of heritage that have been carefully reimagined for a fashionable London crowd. There is a sense of calm despite the Harrods postcode. The service is polished and friendly, yet unobtrusive, and the largely Middle Eastern clientele gives the feeling of being transported – not quite to Beirut, Dubai, or Saudi Arabia, but somewhere...
The menu is an ode to the Middle East region, elevated with creative twists, yet it isn't bound by tradition. There's a playful confidence with elevated updates to classic dishes such as Beetroot Hummus, Short Rib Kebba and Shrimp rolled in crunchy kunafa.
Designed for sharing, portions are more than abundant, reflecting the generosity of Arab hospitality. We begin with a Lime Corn Salad (£21), in which charred corn meets the brine of green olives and the creaminess of feta, all resting on a bed of crisp greens. The acidity of the lime cuts cleanly through, making for a refreshing opener. More experimental is the Tabbouleh Kale Salad (£18), which swaps parsley for kale and bulgur for crispy shards of markook. It's not traditional, yet it's modern, textured, and surprisingly satisfying.
The Hummus Bar offers a range of options, from classic to creative. Guacamole Hummus, Truffle Hummus, and a £25 iteration topped with Black Angus Beef might raise eyebrows, though it's clear the dish is pitched more as a statement than a staple. There's also a Fatteh Bar featuring Chicken Jalapeño Fatteh and Wara'a Enab Fatteh. The Batata Harra Fries (£12), a fiery tangle of spiced potato tossed with red pepper, coriander, and garlic are not to be missed. They're punchy and ideal for sharing, taking the Lebanese classic and injecting it with a playful twist.
Among mains, the Shrimp Sayadiyah (£34) is a strong contender. Plump, well-cooked shrimp are served with a chunky yet robust tomato sauce and atop nutty rice and crispy onions. It's a dish that speaks to home cooking, though it's been plated like a mountain for maximum visual appeal.
The 'Pockets' section of the menu is filled with foodie fun. You'll find takes on Arayes and Shawarma, but it's the Wagyu Kabab Bao (£21) that delivers. Served in two pillowy buns, the grilled wagyu beef is paired with a sweet cranberry-sriracha glaze and onion shoestrings. It's sweet, spicy, and unapologetically indulgent.
Desserts are playful. Karak French Toast (£19), a nod to the Gulf's beloved chai, sees saffron- and cardamom-soaked brioche dusted with digestive biscuit crumbs. Elsewhere, a Kunafa Croissant and Cerelac Umm Ali inject a touch of nostalgia into the final course.
Drinks are a mix of mocktails, speciality teas and coffees, with karak tea featuring prominently. There's no alcohol licence, in keeping with the restaurant's heritage, but the menu never feels lacking as a result.
There's a casual confidence to the way things operate at Somewhere in Harrods, one that speaks to the Independent Food Company's experience in building brands with personality. Already known in the Middle East region for burger brand SALT, pizza and pasta joint Public, Japanese restaurant Kumo and Parker's (the latter of which has also opened in London), the group understands how to balance casual with comfort food.
The atmosphere, on a Thursday lunchtime, is buzzy but not boisterous. There's a mix of local diners and Gulf visitors, many of whom arrive already familiar with the brand from their travels in the Middle East.
Whether you're dropping in post-shopping spree or seeking a stylish spot for lunch or dinner, Harrods finally has somewhere worth lingering.
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