Sohaila

Hidden Gem with Outstanding Vegetarian Options

Nestled unassumingly amidst the vibrant tangle of streets in Shoreditch, Sohaila beckons with quiet elegance offset by a dining experience that verges on the magical. Upon stepping inside, you are gently enveloped by an atmosphere that lulls with its cosy yet boisterous aura; an intricately warm embodiment of Lebanese-inspired fare with an unexpected modern twist. Alexandros and his team emerge as the amiable shepherds of this gastronomic domain, offering warmth and attentiveness that adroitly sidestep intrusion while making you feel special from entrée to goodbye.

The dishes—each plated to echo the restaurant's artful restraint—express immense richness concealed within their understated small portions. The labneh, airy as a dream with a fiery companion of chili butter, sprawls decadently alongside the luxuriously spiced chickpea hummus, its secret hint of cinnamon a telling stroke of culinary brilliance. Meanwhile, indulgent treats like the Almond Sfouf offer the evening’s encore, wrapping up the Sohaila embrace. True, the price points blink amber, at times teetering towards extravagant, but such is the nature of enchantment—it demands worthy tribute. Fret not over value propositions, for Sohaila weaves more than food; it registers uncanny hospitality, wine selections that narrate stories of patronage, and an inherent promise of social good. This gem, quite literally, transforms indulgence into impact, ensuring your visit lingers not only on your palate but etched within your conscience. — Clarissa Cuisinier