Imagine a chorus of bold flavors: the smoky scent of charred lamb, the citrusy punch of sumac, and the velvety embrace of rich dips — each one a note in a centuries-old melody. If this sensory harmony calls to you, all you need is my curated list of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London, where the vibe ranges from the buzz of a lively souk to the comforting warmth of a family table.
I have a thing for restaurants with real character — the kind that isn’t just about sleek design or a well-executed menu. It’s about something deeper, something you might call soul. At Akub, you feel it instantly. The space is stylish yet inviting, transporting you to the heart of Palestinian culture that, here, proudly stands on its own, refusing to blend into the broader Middle Eastern umbrella.
Chef Fadi Kattan isn’t just running a restaurant; he’s telling a story — one that starts in his grandmother’s kitchen and lands on your plate with a quiet kind of brilliance. Pile the table with a variety of mezze, fragrant dips, and freshly baked bread that disappears too fast. Then, do yourself a favor and get chicken musakhan — extremely tender and aromatic. The wine list plays it safe with French staples, but I took an adventurous detour into Palestinian terroirs. No regrets.
Bukjet musakhan — £29
Walk into Berenjak in Soho, and it will hit you like a sensory ambush — the crackle of the grill, the fire-fueled heat, that unmistakable smoky aroma curling through the air. Grab a bar stool at the counter for a prime view of the action or squeeze your way into the snug space adorned with greenery, patterned tiles, and walls packed with framed memories.
They claim to draw inspiration from Tehran’s hole-in-the-wall eateries, and frankly, they’ve nailed it — this is a place where you sit close, talk loud, and eat well. So, I grabbed a good company ready to indulge in the lavish Feast menu, featuring Persian classics like black hummus, black truffle olivieh, skewers of extremely tender kebabs, all served with saffron-drenched rice that is, quite honestly, flawless. Freshly baked seeded sourdough is downright disarming — no matter how full you are, you’ll still find yourself reaching for another piece, and a glass of red wine is absolutely essential to balance it all out.
Feast menu — £48
At Bubala, you can broaden your veggie horizons with a creative spin on Middle Eastern recipes that go far beyond the usual suspects, like hummus and falafel. Honestly, I came here with professional disinterest, thinking that I’ve seen every possible way to dress up a carrot. Turns out, I haven’t. I was highly impressed with bold flavors, inventive dishes, and the whole experience reminding me that meatless dining can be genuinely exciting.
Dive straight into the Bubala Knows Best tasting menu — it’s a guaranteed tableful of mood-boosting treats. The ever-predictable hummus makes an appearance (delicious, though), but it’s the more unexpected hits that steal the show: oyster mushroom skewers and humble swede given a nice upgrade with burnt apple and jalapeño shatta. The wine list is just as offbeat, with options worth exploring: think orange Macabeo from Spain or a sparkling blend from England.
Degustation menu — £46
The first thing you should know about Bala Baya is that it’s an expert in bold, flavor-packed dips and sauces. The Southwark railway arches are no strangers to hidden foodie treasures, and Bala Baya is one of their loudest, liveliest gems — a must for anyone even remotely interested in Israeli cooking. It brings the buzzing café culture of Tel Aviv straight to London, dishing out sharing plates that cater to both meat lovers and devout vegetarians.
I went all in with the tasting menu — a full-blown feast featuring canoed whole sea bass drenched in herbs, beef carpaccio laced with green harissa and blueberry jam, and decadent burnt babka with citrusy crème anglaise. Their freshly baked pita is everything you want it to be — warm, pillowy, and perfect for mopping up every last bit of goodness. I happily spiked my homemade soda with a generous pour of gin and enjoyed the upbeat vibe.
Sharing menu — £58
It’s the kind of spot where you gather your fun-loving friends, order pretty much everything on the menu, and linger long enough to ponder if one more glass of wine is a good idea. The setting has a lively, modern vibe, with small wooden tables, whitewashed brick walls, and bold artwork. Chef Civan Er’s cuisine is authentically Turkish (yes, it goes way beyond kebabs) and the presentations are creative and original.
At the core, it’s open-fire cooking paired with ever-changing seasonal ingredients, so there’s always something new to look forward to. Among highlights are house-cured pastırma, spicy organic lamb, and beef dumplings served with double-fermented yoghurt. But it’s not just the meat that’s worthy of attention. Vine leaf tempura with chickpeas and chestnut mushrooms, as well as smoky aubergine with dried figs, are divine creations I’d return for.
Tasting menu — £116
Imad at Kingly Court serves up authentic Syrian flavors, brought to life by chef-owner Imad Alarnab, who’s got a story that’s anything but easy. Yet, every time I see him, he’s got that heartwarming, radiate smile that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. The space itself feels like an inviting home — bright and warm, with fun patterned tiles underfoot and the rustic vibe that ties everything together.
If you’re starting your day here, the breakfast is top-tier — choose from shakshuka, shawarma Benedict, poached eggs with labneh, or scrambled eggs with avocado and halloumi, and don’t forget to pair it with a cup of cardamom coffee. If you’re in for dinner, you honestly can’t go wrong. I have to give credit to deceptively simple falafel — it turned out to be something special, unlike any I’ve had before. Shish tawook and baba ganoush are also don’t-miss dishes of the night.
Express lunch — £23
