London
The Best Places for Middle Eastern Food in London
Discover where to go for Middle Eastern food in London.
London's culinary scene shines particularly bright in the realm of Middle Eastern cuisine, a category where the city excels, thanks to its rich diversity and openness to cultural influences. The city has it all, ranging from traditional recipes to more modern interpretations. In this guide, we showcase the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London, highlighting places like Shuk, known for their stuffed pitas and warm hearty salads and Oren, serving sharing plates from a charcoal grill.
All restaurants featured in this article have been recommended by chefs, food writers and sommeliers on the World of Mouth app, so you can be sure that they are the real deal. Whether you're a Londoner or just visiting, discover London's best Middle Eastern restaurants below.
The Palomar
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34 Rupert St
34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN, UK
The Palomar is a Soho-based eatery that serves modern Jerusalem cuisine, influenced by the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. The restaurant features an open kitchen bar, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, and takes pride in its commitment to environmentally friendly practices, sourcing locally produced, sustainable ingredients. Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, The Palomar offers a considered wine list and a range of cocktails, beers, and spirits to complement their menu.
Recommended by
Great Israeli/Middle-Eastern diner just off Piccadilly Circus. Innovative cooking of traditional ingredients with some North African and Spanish influences. Small dining room in the back, but the bar seats next to the kitchen are where the action is.
NOPI
21-22 Warwick St
21-22 Warwick St, London W1B 5NE, UK
NOPI is a high-end dining spot known for its heartful Middle-Eastern cooking, inspired by the culinary prowess of Jerusalem-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere, with a charming interior featuring oriental influences, whitewashed walls, and solid wood furniture. The menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a fresh and diverse dining experience for all visitors.
Recommended by
Great lunch place!I had the polenta fries with truffle Mayo and the twice cooked whole baby chicken and it did not disappoint!
shuk;
Borough Market Kitchen, Jubilee Pl, Winchester Walk
Borough Market Kitchen, Jubilee Pl, Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG, UK
Shuk; is a popular spot in Borough Market for Tel Aviv street food, especially known for its stuffed pitas and warm, hearty salads. Their menu offers a variety of options, but the standout dishes are the sabich and fish tagine pita sandwiches, hummus platters, and a selection of small plates available in the evening. They also offer DIY meal kits for those who want to enjoy their delicious food at home.
Recommended by
Tasty Tel Aviv street food stall in Borough Market famous for stuffed pitas and warm hearty salads.Best known for their stuffed-to-burst pita sandwiches (the sabich and the fish tagine are personal favourites), Shuk; serves up the tastiest Tel Aviv street food in London. Great place to grab a sandwich or salad for lunch, but personally I prefer grabbing a seat in the evening when a selection of mouthwatering small plates are available to order. The hummus platters are standouts and perfectly accompanied by zingy, wholesome salads and delicious raw and cured meats dishes.
Berenjak Soho
27 Romilly St
27 Romilly St, London W1D 5AL, UK
Berenjak Soho is an Iranian restaurant known for its charcoal grill and authentic home-style Persian cuisine. The menu includes small mazeh style sharing plates, charcoal grilled kababs, and a variety of khoresht, rice, and salads. Customers highly recommend the sweetbreads on flatbread, praising the fantastic service and beautifully smokey ingredients.
Recommended by
Delicious Persian food Sweetbreads on a flatbread are imperative to eat. Fantastic service, beautifully smokey ingredients. So delicious.
OREN
89 Shacklewell Ln
89 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB, UK
OREN is a neighborhood restaurant-bar in Dalston, known for its Mediterranean inspired sharing plates cooked on a charcoal grill. The establishment, which was opened by chef Oded Oren in October 2019, also offers a variety of deli products and a wide range of natural and low intervention wines. Particularly recommended is the Lamb sweetbreads Zaatar, a testament to OREN's mastery in Israeli food.
Recommended by
A masterclass in Israeli foodBeautifully fresh food from the incredible Oren, this legend in the London food scene shows us how to use simple ingredients while showing off the unique food scene of Tel Aviv. Lamb sweetbreads Zaatar a MUST!
Bubala Soho
15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE, UK
Bubala Soho is a Middle Eastern restaurant known for its shareable dishes and unique personal touches, such as the use of local oil in their popular baba ganush. The menu offers a variety of dips and spreads like hummus with burnt butter, as well as other delights like skewers and baked halloumi with honey, all prepared in a small, open kitchen. This restaurant is particularly recommended for group visits, providing a flavorful feast to enjoy together.
Recommended by
Flavourful feast meant to share Bubala Soho is the younger sister to a popular Spitalfields restaurant. Starring middle-eastern dishes, often with a personal touch (locate oil on the baba ganush was a hit!), it’s a great place to visit with a bigger group. Most of the dishes are meant to share - though some are so great you’ll want to keep them for yourself. Go for a few of the dips or spreads, such as the aforementioned babag anush or hummus with burnt butter, add some skewers or baked halloumi with honey if on the menu. All dishes come from a small, open kitchen, occasionally blazing with fire.
Kebab Queen
4 Mercer Walk
4 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA, UK
Kebab Queen is a hidden gem offering a unique fine dining experience, where traditional kebabs are elevated to culinary masterpieces with Persian and Iranian influences. This underground restaurant, accessible through the kitchen of their main establishment, provides an intimate setting with only ten seats, an open kitchen, and a no-plate serving style. The menu, prepared at your table and designed to be eaten with hands, features upscale dishes like duck and scallops, making Kebab Queen a memorable destination for a special occasion.
Recommended by
Secret underground restaurant that will blow your mind. Fine dining ‘Kebab’ tasting menu - 10 seats & great conceptLe Bab is an up and coming group of restaurants that have truly revolutionsed what kebabs really mean to the british consumer. These are not sloppy late night binge eats but instead upscale creative dishes with persian, iranian influences. Kebab queen is their secret restaurant, hidden underground of their main reataurants, you have to walk through their kitchen. Opening through dining room door to swanky music, an open kitchen with ten seats & low lighting. An incredible wine list & even better menu. Dishes included duck & scallops. All prepared at table in front of you, placed direcly on the table (no plates are used) and to be eaten with your hands. A great date night - a proper special place
The Barbary
16 Neal's Yard
16 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP, UK
The Barbary is a vibrant restaurant located in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, offering a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Barbary Coast. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes cooked in the purest way, from grilling on coals to baking in ancient clay ovens, reflecting the flavors from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East. The restaurant provides an engaging dining experience, with popular dishes including breads, dips, grilled meat, and seafood such as their acclaimed 'cigars' and chicken shawarma.
Recommended by
North-African inspired counter dining in a buzzy spotThe Barbary flys a little bit under the radar I think, but this small, loud and buzzy restaurant in Neal's Yard is great fun. Take a seat at the counter and dive into breads and dips and delicious grilled meat and seafood - the 'cigars' and the chicken shawarma are ace.
The Counter
108 Golborne Rd
108 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS, UK
"The Counter" is a chef-driven restaurant with a focus on open-fire charcoal grilling, offering a contemporary 'ocakbasi' experience. The menu is product-oriented and seasonal, featuring dishes cooked on the open-fire charcoal grill using various Middle Eastern grilling methods. Notable dishes include head cheese, tongue, lamb liver skewers, vine leaves, hummus with crispy pastrami, and desserts like semolina cake and rice pudding.
Recommended by
Contemporary ocakbasi from Kemal DemirasalLooking for a meat fix? The offal is where it's at, at this contemporary ocakbasi from Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal, with the head cheese, tongue, and lamb liver skewers as stand outs. The vine leaves, hummus with crispy pastrami (great, salty touch) and desserts (semolina cake, and rice pudding) are also not to be missed. Interesting use of ferments too, especially in the drinks. A neighbourhood restaurant that's worth travelling for.
The Palomar
34 Rupert St
34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN, UK
The Palomar is a Soho-based eatery that serves modern Jerusalem cuisine, influenced by the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. The restaurant features an open kitchen bar, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, and takes pride in its commitment to environmentally friendly practices, sourcing locally produced, sustainable ingredients. Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, The Palomar offers a considered wine list and a range of cocktails, beers, and spirits to complement their menu.
Recommended by
Great Israeli/Middle-Eastern diner just off Piccadilly Circus. Innovative cooking of traditional ingredients with some North African and Spanish influences. Small dining room in the back, but the bar seats next to the kitchen are where the action is.
NOPI
21-22 Warwick St
21-22 Warwick St, London W1B 5NE, UK
NOPI is a high-end dining spot known for its heartful Middle-Eastern cooking, inspired by the culinary prowess of Jerusalem-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere, with a charming interior featuring oriental influences, whitewashed walls, and solid wood furniture. The menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a fresh and diverse dining experience for all visitors.
Recommended by
Great lunch place!I had the polenta fries with truffle Mayo and the twice cooked whole baby chicken and it did not disappoint!
shuk;
Borough Market Kitchen, Jubilee Pl, Winchester Walk
Borough Market Kitchen, Jubilee Pl, Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG, UK
Shuk; is a popular spot in Borough Market for Tel Aviv street food, especially known for its stuffed pitas and warm, hearty salads. Their menu offers a variety of options, but the standout dishes are the sabich and fish tagine pita sandwiches, hummus platters, and a selection of small plates available in the evening. They also offer DIY meal kits for those who want to enjoy their delicious food at home.
Recommended by
Tasty Tel Aviv street food stall in Borough Market famous for stuffed pitas and warm hearty salads.Best known for their stuffed-to-burst pita sandwiches (the sabich and the fish tagine are personal favourites), Shuk; serves up the tastiest Tel Aviv street food in London. Great place to grab a sandwich or salad for lunch, but personally I prefer grabbing a seat in the evening when a selection of mouthwatering small plates are available to order. The hummus platters are standouts and perfectly accompanied by zingy, wholesome salads and delicious raw and cured meats dishes.
Berenjak Soho
27 Romilly St
27 Romilly St, London W1D 5AL, UK
Berenjak Soho is an Iranian restaurant known for its charcoal grill and authentic home-style Persian cuisine. The menu includes small mazeh style sharing plates, charcoal grilled kababs, and a variety of khoresht, rice, and salads. Customers highly recommend the sweetbreads on flatbread, praising the fantastic service and beautifully smokey ingredients.
Recommended by
Delicious Persian food Sweetbreads on a flatbread are imperative to eat. Fantastic service, beautifully smokey ingredients. So delicious.
OREN
89 Shacklewell Ln
89 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB, UK
OREN is a neighborhood restaurant-bar in Dalston, known for its Mediterranean inspired sharing plates cooked on a charcoal grill. The establishment, which was opened by chef Oded Oren in October 2019, also offers a variety of deli products and a wide range of natural and low intervention wines. Particularly recommended is the Lamb sweetbreads Zaatar, a testament to OREN's mastery in Israeli food.
Recommended by
A masterclass in Israeli foodBeautifully fresh food from the incredible Oren, this legend in the London food scene shows us how to use simple ingredients while showing off the unique food scene of Tel Aviv. Lamb sweetbreads Zaatar a MUST!
Bubala Soho
15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE, UK
Bubala Soho is a Middle Eastern restaurant known for its shareable dishes and unique personal touches, such as the use of local oil in their popular baba ganush. The menu offers a variety of dips and spreads like hummus with burnt butter, as well as other delights like skewers and baked halloumi with honey, all prepared in a small, open kitchen. This restaurant is particularly recommended for group visits, providing a flavorful feast to enjoy together.
Recommended by
Flavourful feast meant to share Bubala Soho is the younger sister to a popular Spitalfields restaurant. Starring middle-eastern dishes, often with a personal touch (locate oil on the baba ganush was a hit!), it’s a great place to visit with a bigger group. Most of the dishes are meant to share - though some are so great you’ll want to keep them for yourself. Go for a few of the dips or spreads, such as the aforementioned babag anush or hummus with burnt butter, add some skewers or baked halloumi with honey if on the menu. All dishes come from a small, open kitchen, occasionally blazing with fire.
Kebab Queen
4 Mercer Walk
4 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA, UK
Kebab Queen is a hidden gem offering a unique fine dining experience, where traditional kebabs are elevated to culinary masterpieces with Persian and Iranian influences. This underground restaurant, accessible through the kitchen of their main establishment, provides an intimate setting with only ten seats, an open kitchen, and a no-plate serving style. The menu, prepared at your table and designed to be eaten with hands, features upscale dishes like duck and scallops, making Kebab Queen a memorable destination for a special occasion.
Recommended by
Secret underground restaurant that will blow your mind. Fine dining ‘Kebab’ tasting menu - 10 seats & great conceptLe Bab is an up and coming group of restaurants that have truly revolutionsed what kebabs really mean to the british consumer. These are not sloppy late night binge eats but instead upscale creative dishes with persian, iranian influences. Kebab queen is their secret restaurant, hidden underground of their main reataurants, you have to walk through their kitchen. Opening through dining room door to swanky music, an open kitchen with ten seats & low lighting. An incredible wine list & even better menu. Dishes included duck & scallops. All prepared at table in front of you, placed direcly on the table (no plates are used) and to be eaten with your hands. A great date night - a proper special place
The Barbary
16 Neal's Yard
16 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP, UK
The Barbary is a vibrant restaurant located in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, offering a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Barbary Coast. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes cooked in the purest way, from grilling on coals to baking in ancient clay ovens, reflecting the flavors from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East. The restaurant provides an engaging dining experience, with popular dishes including breads, dips, grilled meat, and seafood such as their acclaimed 'cigars' and chicken shawarma.
Recommended by
North-African inspired counter dining in a buzzy spotThe Barbary flys a little bit under the radar I think, but this small, loud and buzzy restaurant in Neal's Yard is great fun. Take a seat at the counter and dive into breads and dips and delicious grilled meat and seafood - the 'cigars' and the chicken shawarma are ace.
The Counter
108 Golborne Rd
108 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS, UK
"The Counter" is a chef-driven restaurant with a focus on open-fire charcoal grilling, offering a contemporary 'ocakbasi' experience. The menu is product-oriented and seasonal, featuring dishes cooked on the open-fire charcoal grill using various Middle Eastern grilling methods. Notable dishes include head cheese, tongue, lamb liver skewers, vine leaves, hummus with crispy pastrami, and desserts like semolina cake and rice pudding.
Recommended by
Contemporary ocakbasi from Kemal DemirasalLooking for a meat fix? The offal is where it's at, at this contemporary ocakbasi from Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal, with the head cheese, tongue, and lamb liver skewers as stand outs. The vine leaves, hummus with crispy pastrami (great, salty touch) and desserts (semolina cake, and rice pudding) are also not to be missed. Interesting use of ferments too, especially in the drinks. A neighbourhood restaurant that's worth travelling for.
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