From Holborn to Harrods, here’s where you can enjoy mansaf, mezze, and more.
London’s Middle Eastern dining scene is as diverse as the region itself. Across the city, restaurants are serving everything from Palestinian sharing plates and Lebanese classics to Persian kebabs, Gulf comfort food, North African grills and Turkish-inspired tasting menus. Whether you’re after a casual shawarma, a celebratory spread or a refined restaurant inside Harrods, these are the Middle Eastern restaurants in London to know.
Akub
Tucked away from the bustle of Portobello Road, Akub brings Palestinian cooking to Notting Hill with warmth, confidence and plenty of flavour. The restaurant celebrates traditional Middle Eastern food through a contemporary lens, with dishes designed for sharing around the table. Highlights include Arak-cured seabass, crunchy mansaf and shish barak with beetroot, each offering a different expression of Palestine’s culinary identity. The setting feels elegant without losing its sense of generosity, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner with friends or family. Save room for the Dead Sea Chocolate Cake, a rich finish that has become one of the restaurant’s signatures.
Where: Akub, 27 Uxbridge Street, Notting Hill, London, W8 7TQ
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: www.akub-restaurant.com
Al Waha
A Westbourne Grove favourite, Al Waha is a Lebanese restaurant that has built its reputation on home-style cooking, warm service and an inviting dining room. The menu focuses on familiar flavours done well, from tender foul medames and sautéed chicken liver to juicy shish taouk served with all the trimmings. It is the kind of place that works for a long lunch, a family dinner or a relaxed evening over Lebanese wine. The atmosphere is smart but unfussy, while the food leans into comfort and generosity. Round things off with baklava and mint tea for a classic Lebanese finish.
Where: Al Waha, 5 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UL
When: Open daily from 5pm to 10pm
Contact: https://alwaharestaurant.shop
Aram
Set within Somerset House’s South Wing, Aram by Imad brings Syrian-inspired cooking to one of London’s most atmospheric cultural landmarks. The café, deli and restaurant is the latest concept from acclaimed Syrian-British chef Imad Alarnab, the restaurateur behind Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Soho. Drawing on the Eastern Mediterranean, from Syria and Turkey to Cyprus and Jordan, the menu moves from za’atar croissants and halva brownies to roasted aubergine salad and labneh with poached eggs. It is a soulful, generous addition to the Strand, rooted in food, culture and connection.
Where: Aram, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
When: Open daily from 8am to 8:30pm
Contact: www.arambyimad.co.uk
Bala Baya
Bala Baya brings the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean to South London with colour, confidence and a lively sense of theatre. Created by Chef Eran Tibi, the restaurant describes its style as “adventurous eating”, and the menu delivers on that promise. Set within a striking Bauhaus-inspired space, complete with its own pita oven and house-made Gazoz, Bala Baya is built for a bustling Saturday night. Dishes are bold and inventive, from prawn baklava with kadaif, bitter lime syrup, pistachio and rose to the Midnight Malabi with coconut, white rum, black tahini, morello cherry and sesame brittle.
Where: Bala Baya, Old Union Yard Arches, 229 Union Street, London, SE1 0LR
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm
Contact: www.balabaya.co.uk
Berber & Q
Set beneath the railway arches in Haggerston, Berber & Q is all about smoke, spice and sharing plates. The restaurant opened in a former taxi repair shop in 2015 and has since become a go-to spot for East Londoners seeking live-fire cooking with personality. The menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East, combining mezze with charred vegetables, smoked meats and punchy sauces. Order the Harissa Hot Wings with whipped feta, add something from the grill and lean into the relaxed, high-energy atmosphere. Seasonal dishes, including sweet and sour rhubarb, keep the menu feeling fresh.
Where: Berber & Q, 338 Acton Mews, London, E8 4EA
When: Open Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to 11pm
Contact: www.berberandq.com
Berenjak
Berenjak brings the energy of Tehran’s hole-in-the-wall kebab houses to the heart of Soho. The FACT award-winning Persian restaurant has earned a loyal following for its compact dining room, flavour-packed menu and lively atmosphere. Also found in Dubai, Sharjah and Riyadh, with Abu Dhabi on the way, the FACT award-winning concept continues to grow across the region and beyond. In London, the menu is built around kababs, flatbreads, dips and comforting Persian stews. Try the ghormeh sabzi, order from the kabab selection and finish with the much-loved Baklava Ice Cream Sundae, a sweet, playful ending to a satisfying meal.
Where: Berenjak, Various locations across London
Contact: https://berenjaklondon.com
Coal Office
Coal Office brings together the culinary flair of Chef Assaf Granit and the design eye of Tom Dixon in the heart of Coal Drops Yard. The King’s Cross restaurant pairs dramatic interiors with an ever-changing menu inspired by the flavours of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It is a restaurant that feels creative from the moment you step inside, with dishes that are generous, colourful and full of texture. Highlights include grilled poussin with borscht and Galician octopus with vermouth, chickpeas, pomegranate and truffle. The result is a stylish dining experience that feels right at home in one of London’s most design-led districts.
Where: Coal Office 2 Bagley Walk, London, N1C 4PQ
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10pm
Contact: https://coaloffice.com
Em Sherif
Located inside Harrods, Em Sherif brings one of the Middle East’s most recognisable Lebanese dining names to Knightsbridge. The FACT award-winning restaurant serves a refined take on Levantine cooking, balancing tradition with a sense of occasion. The dining room feels suitably elegant for its luxury department store setting, while the menu moves through generous mezze, grills and contemporary signatures. Dishes such as Fish Shawarma, Mint Kefta and Wagyu Hummus showcase the restaurant’s ability to reinterpret familiar flavours without losing their soul. Whether visiting for lunch during a shopping trip or dinner in Knightsbridge, Em Sherif delivers Lebanese hospitality with polish and presence.
Where: Em Sherif, Harrods, 87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
When: Open daily from 12pm to 9pm
Contact: https://emsherifrestaurant.co.uk
Fairuz
Fairuz brings Lebanese comfort food to Marylebone in a setting that feels small, intimate and full of character. The restaurant captures the aromas of Lebanon, from mint tea and sumac to za’atar and freshly cooked dishes arriving at the table. It is a cosy neighbourhood spot built around warmth rather than spectacle, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner or a casual catch-up. The creamy aubergine fatteh is a favourite, while the makloubeh offers a harder-to-find taste of traditional home cooking in London. Fairuz is the kind of restaurant that keeps things simple, soulful and deeply satisfying.
Where: Fairuz, 3 Blandford Street, London, W1U 3DA
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: @fairuz.london
Freej Swaileh
Freej Swalieh brings Kuwaiti cooking to Knightsbridge, offering a taste of the Gulf just moments from Harrods. The restaurant combines a smart setting with comforting dishes that lean into rice, spice and slow-cooked flavour. The Chicken Majbous and Swalieh Kapsa are among the most popular plates, both offering the kind of deeply satisfying food associated with family gatherings and Gulf hospitality. The restaurant also works well for a lighter visit, with fresh mint tea and baklava providing a sweet pause in one of London’s most glamorous neighbourhoods. For those seeking Kuwaiti food in the capital, Freej Swalieh is a strong choice.
Where: Freej Swaileh, 86 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1ER
When: Open daily from 9am to 11pm
Contact: www.freejswalieh.com
Hiba Express
In the heart of Holborn, Hiba Express offers Lebanese and Palestinian food with a family-run feel. The restaurant has several branches across London, but the appeal remains rooted in generous portions, familiar flavours and reliable comfort. The shawarma with garlic sauce is a go-to order, delivering everything you want from a quick, satisfying Middle Eastern meal. For something sweeter, the Knafeh Nabulsi brings a taste of the Levant, especially when paired with Palestinian coffee. Hiba Express works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a low-key dinner, proving that good Middle Eastern food does not need to be complicated.
Where: Hiba Express, 113 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6JJ
When: Open daily from 11am to 11pm
Contact: www.hiba-express.co.uk
Honey & Co.
Honey & Co. brings its signature Middle Eastern warmth to Great Portland Street, offering a bright and welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu celebrates the flavours of the region with generous plates, fragrant spices and a strong sense of seasonality. Start with mezze before moving on to dishes such as pomegranate molasses chicken with cracked wheat salad, currants and pistachios, or comforting roast potatoes with chive butter. The drinks list includes spritzes, wines and refreshing soft options, while the cakes and desserts remain a major draw.
Where: Honey & Co, 216 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 5QW
When: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 10pm
Contact: www.honeyandco.co.uk
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Set inside Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen brings the story and cooking of Syrian chef Imad Al Arnab to the centre of London. The FACT award-winning restaurant is warm, colourful and deeply personal, making it a strong choice for both special occasions and spontaneous weeknight dinners. The menu celebrates Syrian flavours through dishes designed for sharing, from baba ghanoush and flatbreads to heartier plates such as the Amarah. There is a sense of generosity running through the room, matched by food that feels comforting, vibrant and full of care. It is one of Soho’s most heartfelt Middle Eastern dining experiences.
Where: Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, Soho, London, W1B 5PW
When: Open daily from 8:30am to 9:30pm
Contact: www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk
Impala
Impala brings fire, flavour and serious restaurant pedigree to Dean Street in Soho. From chef Meedu Saad and the Super 8 group, the restaurant draws on North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, with Saad’s Egyptian heritage running through the menu. The cooking centres on a charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, resulting in bold, shareable dishes such as beef tartare with Tunisian harissa, langoustine kibbeh, grilled short ribs and dry-aged duck with black lime and molasses. The room feels moody and energetic, with an open-kitchen buzz and a drinks list that travels from Lebanon to Greece and beyond.
Where: Impala, 13 – 14 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 3RS
When: Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 10:30pm
Contact: www.impalasoho.com
Ishbilia
Ishbilia has long been a Knightsbridge favourite for Lebanese fine dining. The restaurant offers traditional dishes in a smart setting, with white tablecloths, attentive service and an outdoor terrace that works beautifully in warmer weather. The menu is extensive, making it ideal for groups who want to order widely and share. Mezze is a highlight, particularly the hummus selection, with seven varieties for those who take their chickpeas seriously. Grills, salads, and classic Lebanese mains round out the experience. Elegant without feeling cold, Ishbilia remains a reliable address for a polished Lebanese meal in one of London’s most upscale neighbourhoods.
Where: Ishbilia, 8 – 9 William Street, London, SW1X 9HL
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: http://ishbilia.com
Kebab Queen
Hidden beneath Covent Garden, Kebab Queen turns the humble kebab into a theatrical fine-dining experience. The intimate basement restaurant seats just ten guests and serves an elevated Turkish-inspired tasting menu with no plates, bringing diners close to the chefs and the action. The seven-course menu reinvents familiar flavours through technique, humour and a sense of surprise. It is disruptive, playful and far removed from the usual idea of a kebab shop, making it ideal for diners who want something memorable. With its counter-style setting and creative approach, Kebab Queen offers one of London’s most unusual Middle Eastern-inspired dining experiences.
Where: Kebab Queen, Inside Le Bab, 4 Mercer Walk, London, WC2H 9FA
When: Open Wednesday to Saturday from 7:30pm to 11pm
Contact: www.eatlebab.com
Logma
Logma brings Iranian-Iraqi cooking to Hackney with the warmth of a supper club and the buzz of one of London’s most talked-about new cafés. Founded by Ziad Halub and Farsin Rabiee, the concept began as intimate dinner parties before becoming a permanent bistro on Goldsmiths Row. By day, the crowds come for its stacked sourdough sesame pita sandwiches, filled with options such as kofte or aubergine, pickles and punchy sauces. By night, Logma Lates returns to its supper club roots with a changing dinner menu, communal energy and dishes inspired by the founders’ Iranian and Iraqi heritage.
Where: Logma, 81 Goldsmiths Row, London, E2 8QR
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm
Contact: www.logmaldn.com
Manghal II
Mangal II is a Dalston institution that has evolved from a classic Turkish ocakbasi into one of London’s most exciting contemporary Turkish restaurants. Now run by chef Ferhat Dirik, the family-owned spot still centres on the grill, but the menu pushes far beyond the expected kebab-house staples. Dishes change with availability and seasonality, bringing together smoke, spice, sourdough pide, grilled meats, clever vegetable plates, natural wines and craft beers. The result is a restaurant that honours Turkish cooking while giving it a distinctly London edge. Lively, confident and full of character, Mangal II remains one of the city’s essential Middle Eastern tables,
Where: Manghal II, 4 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 7XN
When: Open Wednesday to Monday from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: https://www.mangal2.com
Noreen
Tucked into St Christopher’s Place in Marylebone, Noreen brings the warmth of Arabia and the Levant to central London. The kitchen is led by Chef Mehdi Hani, whose Syrian-Lebanese heritage informs a menu of contemporary Middle Eastern cooking. Dishes move from vibrant mezze and tear-and-share flatbreads from the tanoor oven to meats and seafood cooked over the minqala grill. Slow-cooked rice dishes add further depth, while the drinks programme, created with Mr Lyan Studio, leans into regional ingredients and storytelling. Refined but relaxed, Noreen is built for sharing.
Where: Noreen, 28 – 32 St Christopher’s Place, London, W1U 1NU
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: www.noreen-london.com
Somewhere Café
After finding success in Abu Dhabi, AlUla, Dubai and Riyadh, Somewhere Café has opened its first UK location inside Harrods. The Middle Eastern café brings a serene setting and a menu designed to take diners on a journey through the region. Expect mezze with a twist, including tahini-topped beef shawarma with beetroot rice and kale tabbouleh with tomato, pomegranate and crispy Lebanese markouk bread. The desserts are equally distinctive, especially the French Coffee Baklava, served as a chocolate basbousa pudding with coffee ice cream, chocolate filo and hazelnut and tahini peanut butter sauce. It is Harrods dining with a regional accent.
Where: Somewhere, Harrods, 87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
When: Open daily from 12pm to 9pm
Contact: www.harrods.com
T by Tamara
T by Tamara brings elevated Palestinian cuisine to Marylebone, combining heritage flavours with a contemporary café sensibility. The restaurant is stylish but approachable, with a menu that works across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dishes to note include Beid and Lahme, Mushkhan Naan and the Sumac Egg Sandwich, each offering a different take on Palestinian comfort food. For something sweeter, the Dubai chocolate-inspired croissant taps into one of the region’s biggest dessert trends. T by Tamara also offers catering, making it possible to bring its Middle Eastern flavours into homes and events across London. It is a fresh addition to the capital’s Palestinian dining scene.
Where: T by Tamara, 17 Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BF
When: Open Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 5pm
Contact: https://tbytamara.co.uk
The Barbary
Tucked away in Neal’s Yard, The Barbary serves food inspired by the fragrant flavours of North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Covent Garden restaurant is compact, lively and centred around counter dining, creating a sense of energy from the moment you arrive. The menu focuses on raw dishes, slow-cooked plates and bold seasoning, matched with a curated wine list that leans into natural and low-intervention bottles. Try the seabass with chermoula yoghurt, then finish with the olive oil chocolate mousse for something rich and memorable. The Barbary remains one of London’s most charismatic restaurants for spice-led cooking.
Where: The Barbary, 16 Neal’s Yard, London, WC2H 9DP
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10pm
Contact: www.thebarbary.co.uk
The Palomar
The Palomar sits in the heart of Soho and remains a lively choice for Jerusalem-inspired cuisine. Influenced by the cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant, the restaurant works well for date nights, celebrations and catch-ups that call for atmosphere. The menu is bold and varied, moving between small plates, rich mains and bright desserts. The 50-day-aged pork chop with roasted grape and bronze fennel is a standout, while the blood orange and Campari sorbet makes for a refreshing finish. With its counter seats, energetic dining room and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, The Palomar continues to draw a loyal crowd.
Where: The Palomar, 34 Rupert Street, London, W1D 6DN
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm
Contact: https://thepalomar.co.uk
Villa Mamas
Villa Mamas’ Chelsea branch is the original outpost of the Bahraini restaurant, which has since expanded to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Riyadh. The London restaurant serves a fully halal menu that blends Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Persian influences with seasonal ingredients. It is a warm, relaxed spot that feels rooted in home cooking while still offering plenty of restaurant polish. Signature dishes include Chicken Mathrooba, Eggplant Explosion and Seabass Sayadieh, each bringing a taste of Bahrain and the Gulf to the capital. For diners looking beyond the usual Levantine staples, Villa Mamas offers something distinctive, comforting and full of flavour.
Where: Villa Mamas, 25 Elystan Street, London, SW3 3NT
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10pm
Contact: https://villamamas.com
Yasmin
Set above the streets of Soho, Yasmin is a Turkish-inspired rooftop restaurant with views across the city and a menu shaped by Chef Tom Cenci’s time in Istanbul. The space feels like a Middle Eastern escape in the middle of London, pairing skyline views with relaxed, atmospheric dining. The menu travels across Turkey through smoky, spiced and richly textured dishes. Highlights include Harissa Biftek, Sumac Smoked Duck and Whipped Sheep’s Cheese, all designed to be shared over drinks. Whether visiting for dinner or a rooftop catch-up, Yasmin brings warmth, flavour and a sense of occasion to Soho.
Where: 1 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5LR
When: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: www.yasminsoho.com