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The Best Lebanese Restaurants in London

23/10/13 ᛫ 6 Comments

I have an addiction. It’s an addiction that has spiralled out of control in the last couple of years and I sure as hell don’t intend on giving up. This addiction I speak of is Lebanese food! The succulent meats, the endless dips, the warm flatbreads, the consumption of garlic without measure or judgement… Oh and oh the starters. Don’t even get me started on the starters.

Yep, it’s safe to say I am a Lebanese addict, which also sort of makes me a Lebanese expert too (every cloud). Due to this addiction I have sampled my fair share of the exotic cuisine and have made it my mission to seek out the best Lebanese restaurants in London. And here they are ladies and gentlemen…

1. Le Comptoir, South Kensington, 1-5 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2HE

I visited this restaurant last weekend with my sister and all the photos in this post were taken here. With both al-fresco tables on the lovely Thurloe Square and a bustling atmosphere in doors, this place is a perfect Lebanese lunch stop. We split a delicious hommous to share although they were a little meagre on the bread portion. But they made up for it with a knockout Shish Taouk chicken wrap and tasty salad. The ice are a great addition to the meal too.

Rating: 7/10

2. Sahara, 7-9 Stanmore Hill, Stanmore, Greater London, HA7 3DP

This place wins it for me by a country mile, although it is one of the hardest restaurants to get to if your staying in central London (but you want to work for your food right?). Based in Stanmore right at the end of the Jubiliee line, this place is understated, amazing value and above all, serves out of this world Lebanese. There is also a cool outdoor shisha area where you can get your smoke on and watch the world go by. I have very fond memories of this Sahara!

Rating: 10/10

3. Levant, Jason Court, 76 Wigmore St, London W1U 2SJ

Another one of my favourites, Levant is perfect for a evening Lebanese meal in central London. Wigmore Street is very central and adjacent to Oxford Street. The entrance is hard to find as it’s nothing but a door, but behind the door you step into an exotic Middle Eastern genies lamp with sumptuous décor and even more sumptuous food. The portions are generous, the waitresses are friendly and the place has a great party atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights with Belly dancers providing the entertainment. What more could you want!?

Rating: 8/10

4. Maroush VI Express, 68 Edgware Road London W2 2EG

No post on Lebanese food would be appropriate without a shout out for Edgware Road. The road is on a right angle to Oxford St and is the absolute mecca of Lebanese eateries in the whole of London. As the competition is so fierce, you could pretty much stroll into any establishment and pick up some high quality Lebo. But my favourite along here is Maroush Express. I love to grab a seat at the bar and watch the food being cooked in the open kitchens, but you can also sit at a table.

Rating: 7/10

5. Sahara, 7 St John’s Wood High Street, London, NW8 7NG

I have to mention this place because it’s the very first Lebanese restaurant I ever ate in! Now don’t get this confused with the other Sahara, their only similarity is the name. I came here on a date and returned many more times after that (with the same boy which was a plus). The food here is extremely fresh and flavoursome and they pride themselves on serving ‘healthy’ Lebanese food. The menu is a little more pricey than some of the others as it is slap bang in the middle of the salubrious St Johns Wood, but well worth a try if you’re in the area.

Rating: 7/10

6. Beirut Express, 65 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7 3JS

I used to attend Pilates classes in South Ken and every time I went I’d pick up a wrap from Beirut Express on my way home (probably undoing all the good I had done in Pilates!) You can eat in or take away at this low-key establishment, but you see everything made right in front of you (always a good sign). The hummus topped with lamb is incredible here, as is most of the stuff.

Rating: 8/10

7. Maison Touareg, 23-24 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DZ

Last but by no means least is my favourite Lebanese joint for pre or post theatre dining. Right in the heart of theatre land in the West End, this place serves a combination of Moroccan and Lebanese food. I love ordering lots of little sharing plates here to start and then going for a Moroccan tagine for mains. To say it’s in the West End, it’s not too expensive either. You can sit outside, smoke shisha and ogle the Belly dancer who frequently makes an appearance too.

So there you have it, the best Lebanese Restaurants in London. Can you recommend any other Lebanese restaurants for me? Have you been to any of my faves? Comment in the box below and let me know ☺

6 Comments

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Comments

  1. Ali says

    29th October 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Beirut Nights near Park Royal is by far one of the best lebanese restaurants in London. I live in walking distance from Sahara Lounge in Stanmore (the place that ‘won it’ for you) but prefer to drive 20 mins to Beirut Nights. The food is the best Lebanese I’ve had in London (and i’ve had a lot) and the atmosphere is awesome too. Very cool vibe. You’ve gotta try it!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      30th October 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Hi Ali, thanks for your comment and the recommendation! I have never heard of this place so will definitely try it out, especially if you think it’s better than Stanmore!

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Jess

      Reply
  2. Ayla says

    24th October 2013 at 1:21 pm

    I’ve never tried Lebanese food so will take your advice and try one of these places!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      24th October 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Hi Ayla! How are you? Thanks for commenting on my post 🙂 can’t believe you haven’t tried Lebanese before, you’re in for a treat! Give one of these places a go, you won’t be diss appointed. They are all all genuine recommendations! let me know what you think.

      Jess x

      Reply
      • Ayla says

        26th October 2013 at 8:23 am

        I know I’m terrible I definitely need to give it a try! I’ll let you know what I think! xx

        Reply

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Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

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