Ashtead, Lebanese Restaurant Guide

2024 Review: “The best Middle Eastern for miles” – a smart operation, handy for Hampton Court Palace, that offers “bold flavours a world away from many Lebanese places”; there is “lots on offer to explore – if anything perhaps too much”, and also a newer offshoot, Mezzet Dar, a couple of doors down, that turns out Spanish and Lebanese-inspired tapas.

“Lovely, reassuringly fresh Lebanese food” is the straightforward explanation for the popularity of this “good-value” Tooting café.

Covid-19 was not kind to Marouf & Houda Abouzaki’s long-established Lebanese chain, and none of its Maroush-branded branches now survive in its original Edgware Road heartland (not counting their Ranoush and Beirut Express branches which do still operate there). Of its longstanding outlets, only Maroush II – the seasoned Beauchamp Place café/restaurant a short walk from Harrods – now remains with its dated, once-glam interior; and it’s still “always consistent with the quality of the food” (although rather than the full restaurant menu, some feel “the best option is to grab a shawarma” from the sandwich selection in the café). The Abouzakis have far from given up, though, with the 2021 opening of “a very modern canteen, located in the middle of the Park Royal industrial estate”, which is well-rated by those who’ve made the trip.

2021 Review: Surprisingly little feedback on this posh Lebanese, swankily located near Belgrave Square – the London outpost of a well-known, Beirut-based chain with 18 branches in the Arab world. Such as we have suggests it’s good all-round, but doesn’t set the world on fire.

In smart premises in the town centre, Lebanese chef Jad Youssef’s homage to Beirut soul food is “always buzzy and fun”, turning out “fantastic and flavourful” sharing plates with an accent on charcoal grills and some standout dishes including his ‘Sawda Djej’ (chicken liver in pomegranate molasses), which was voted one of ‘The Best 100 dishes in London’ by the Time Out crew.

“Some of the best Lebanese food around W4”, “miles away from the usual formula” can be enjoyed at this Chiswick High Road outfit with a “great owner from Beirut”. It’s “also a fab cake/dessert shop during the day”, which makes it “great for either brunch or dinner”.