Comptoir Libanais

£8 - £20 / Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian options

1-5 Exhibition Rd, London

Opening hours

9AM-10PM

Sunday 9AM-9PM
Monday 9AM-10PM
Tuesday 9AM-10PM
Wednesday 9AM-10PM
Thursday 9AM-10PM
Friday 9AM-10PM
Saturday 9AM-10PM

Exceptional Lebanese Cuisine and Vibrant Atmosphere

From the moment I walked into Comptoir, the vibrancy of the setting captured my senses. Awash in the warm glow of Middle Eastern charm, the restaurant boasted interiors that celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Lebanon through decorative touches and an ambient buzz that seemed omnipresent despite being early in the afternoon. As I took a seat at one of their glossy wooden tables, I was promptly reminded of the restaurant's hectic allure - the rhythmic sprint of waitstaff balancing sizzling plates only heightened the theater of ongoing conversations and clinking dishware.

The food undeniably rose to the occasion of this engrossing setting. A highlight was the mezzes—wonderfully diverse and authentically executed from creamy hummus that wooed my palate with its subtle tang to crisply fried falafels adding nutty richness to each bite. Despite the midday rush, the service was commendably attentive without incurring significant delays. The bright baroque flavors were mirrored by refreshingly crafted beverages, like the homemade lemonade with an inviting briskness, perfectly complementing the dishes laid out. For a moment, seated near people gliding past the bustling streets of South Kensington, it felt more like dining alfresco in a far-flung Lebanese souk than in central London. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an enticing journey filled with aromatic passport stamps etched through post-lunch satisfaction. — Clarissa Cuisinier