Let’s dive into London’s buzzing kosher scene and explore Middle Eastern cuisine in a whole new way. Picture silky hummus, mouth-watering stews, and recipes passed down through generations — all made with love and a little bit of culinary magic. These spots are where tradition feels like a warm hug, and every bite is a taste of history. So grab your fork, it’s time for some serious flavor! Bon appétit!
Let me tell you about Reubens — it's like the Jewish grandmother I never had decided to open a restaurant and personally make sure I never leave hungry. This classic deli-style setup offers comfort and nostalgia, with must-try dishes like crispy latkes and homemade chopped liver. Their legendary salt beef is so tender, it practically surrenders to your fork before you even touch it. I once tried to eat just a "small portion" and ended up looking like a competitive eater who'd lost all self-control. The vintage photos on the wall are basically a guilt trip — these generations of Jewish cooks are silently judging my ability to clean my plate. Challenge accepted, ancestors!
Average bill: £35-50 per person
In my decades of dining (and let’s be honest, eating is my profession), few places nail the communal vibe like Tish. I ordered the red lentil & sweet potato soup (£11) to thaw out after a walk where the northern wind seemed determined to freeze me solid. But after the first spoonful, I forgot all about it. The communal tables are where the magic happens — you're always just one conversation away from making a new friend or accidentally hearing the juiciest London gossip. Come for the food, stay for the stories you didn’t know you needed to hear.
Average bill: £45-70
This Notting Hill gem specializes in Moroccan-Jewish fusion cuisine, whisking you straight to North Africa with its exotic decor, intricate lanterns, and vibrant textiles. Taboon is my secret weapon for a standout night out. Nothing says "I’ve got it all together" like knowing how to tackle a mezze platter without looking like you’re about to devour the whole thing in one go. Their tagines are so good, I swear they’ve got a deal with culinary geniuses — or maybe a few friendly magic spirits. And the live music is just the right touch — enough to make you feel cultured, but not so loud that you can’t focus on the joy of every bite.
Average bill: £55-75 per person
Nestled in Edgware, this family-run establishment offers authentic Jewish comfort food. This place is my culinary comfort blanket. Their homemade recipes have been passed down through generations. Signature dishes include matzo ball soup, brisket, and traditional chopped herring. Their matzo ball soup is basically a warm hug in a bowl — I'm pretty sure it could cure anything from a cold to a broken heart. I once saw an elderly gentleman here who looked like he'd been coming to this exact spot for decades, and I aspire to that level of restaurant loyalty.
Average bill: £30-45 per person
Professional skepticism is my default mode, but Golders dismantles preconceptions with remarkable sophistication. Their take on kosher cuisine goes beyond a rich offering of traditional dishes, daring to craft bold, inventive flavors that surprise and delight. Take their classic hummus (£8.50), for example — a standout in its own right. Yet, for the adventurous palate, they offer creative variations like a mushroom-topped version or an American-inspired twist with ground beef, homemade BBQ sauce, and a fried egg. On a particularly hungry day, I decided to go all in. I savored their tender brisket served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes (£23), complemented by a cup of robust Turkish coffee. To finish, I couldn’t resist the indulgent chocolate fondant. It was one of those rare meals that leaves you wondering if you’ll need help just to leave the table.
Average bill: £40-60
As a seasoned restaurant critic, I've traversed countless culinary landscapes, but I was honestly surprised by how much I loved MAZAL in Camden. The whole place has this cool, Tel Aviv-inspired vibe with the walls lined with pop-art posters, and the shelves stocked with jars of pickles and fermented treats.
Their menu features all the classic Middle Eastern favorites — chicken and lamb shawarma, falafel, schnitzel, arayes, kebabs, malabi, and more. I tried pretty much everything, washing it down with a great beer or some Israeli wine, guided by my impeccable intuition — or, let’s be honest, the persuasive powers of my companions. After numerous visits, all I can say is: if you're craving delicious kosher street food with a twist, this place comes highly recommended.
Average bill: £35-55
Preservation techniques don’t always get the love they deserve, but this place gives them the respect they’ve earned. Here, traditional Jewish methods are taken to a whole new level, especially when it comes to the salt beef — proof that patience really does pay off. What sets this cozy spot apart is its almost scholarly approach to ingredients. Take the pickles, for example — these aren’t just sides; they’re like little flavor masterpieces, crafted with the precision of a dissertation. What’s more, the wine list is so extensive, I once spent more time deciding on a drink than actually eating. Worth every indecisive moment.
Average bill: £30-50