Top 10 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in London 2026

Last Updated On 06.10.2026

London’s Middle Eastern dining scene extends far beyond hummus, falafel and shawarma. Across the capital, diners can experience Palestinian home-style dishes, Syrian sharing plates, Persian charcoal grills, traditional Lebanese mezze and contemporary Eastern Mediterranean cooking.

Choosing between the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London depends on the type of cuisine, budget, neighbourhood and dining experience required.

Some restaurants are ideal for an inexpensive lunch, while others suit celebrations, business dinners or long meals built around sharing plates.

This updated guide compares 10 established options across London, including their culinary focus, typical price level and the occasions they suit best.

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in London at a Glance

1. Akub

Address: 27 Uxbridge Street, London W8 7TQ
Best for: Palestinian cuisine, celebrations and leisurely dinners

Akub is one of the strongest choices for diners who specifically want to explore Palestinian cooking rather than a broader interpretation of Middle Eastern food. Located close to Notting Hill, the restaurant combines traditional Palestinian flavours with seasonal ingredients and a polished contemporary presentation.

Its menu is designed around sharing, making it particularly suitable for couples and small groups who want to order several dishes rather than individual mains. Ingredients such as sumac, za’atar, tahini, labaneh, pomegranate and olive oil appear throughout the menu, alongside influences from traditional dishes such as musakhan and fatteh.

The restaurant’s setting also distinguishes it from casual shawarma and grill restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined enough for birthdays, dates and other occasions.

Akub is best approached as a destination restaurant rather than somewhere for a quick meal. Diners who want to understand Palestinian cuisine through a more carefully structured menu are likely to get the most from it.

2. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen

Location: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Best for: Syrian food, sharing meals and central London lunches

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen brings a distinct Syrian identity to one of central London’s busiest dining districts. Rather than offering a generic Middle Eastern menu, it focuses heavily on Syrian flavours, recipes and family-style eating.

Mezze dishes encourage diners to share several smaller plates before moving on to dishes based around lamb, chicken, aubergine, grains and vegetables. Syrian breakfast influences can also introduce dishes such as ful, fatteh and shakshuka to diners who usually associate Middle Eastern restaurants mainly with evening meals.

The Kingly Court location makes the restaurant particularly convenient for people shopping or working around Soho, Oxford Circus and Regent Street.

Groups benefit most from the menu because ordering several dishes allows everyone to experience a wider range of flavours. Vegetarians are also well served by vegetable, pulse and grain-based dishes.

For anyone specifically interested in Syrian food in central London, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen provides a more focused experience than a general Lebanese grill or mezze restaurant.

3. Berenjak

Address: 27 Romilly Street, London W1D 5AL
Best for: Persian cuisine, charcoal-grilled meats and lively dinners

Berenjak is a strong option for anyone wanting to understand how Persian cuisine differs from the Levantine cooking found at many other Middle Eastern restaurants in London.

Its menu is influenced by the traditional kabab houses of Tehran. Charcoal cooking is a major part of the experience, with grilled meats served alongside rice, flatbreads, herbs, pickles and Persian accompaniments.

Diners can begin with smaller mazeh-style plates before moving on to kababs or traditional dishes.

Persian cuisine places considerable importance on rice, fresh herbs, saffron, dried lime and carefully balanced sour and savoury flavours, giving Berenjak a noticeably different character from Lebanese and Palestinian restaurants.

The Soho location contributes to a lively evening atmosphere, so it works particularly well for dinners with friends or couples who want somewhere energetic rather than formal.

Anyone interested in exploring the cuisine further can compare other Persian restaurants in London.

4. Bubala

Locations: Soho, Spitalfields, Covent Garden and King’s Cross
Best for: Vegetarians, vegans and vegetable-focused sharing menus

Bubala demonstrates that a Middle Eastern-inspired meal does not need meat to feel substantial. Its menus place vegetables, pulses, grains, breads, sauces and spices at the centre of the experience rather than treating vegetarian dishes as alternatives to the main menu.

That approach makes Bubala particularly useful for mixed groups containing vegetarians or vegans. Instead of one person having limited options, the whole table can share a menu designed around plant-based ingredients.

The dishes draw inspiration from flavours found across the Middle East and Mediterranean, with tahini, herbs, chilli, fermented ingredients and grilled vegetables frequently shaping the food.

Its multiple central locations also make Bubala practical for work lunches, evening meals and informal celebrations.

Diners expecting a traditional Lebanese or Palestinian restaurant should be aware that Bubala takes a more contemporary approach. It is best suited to those who enjoy creative small plates and sharing rather than large individual grilled-meat dishes.

5. Ishbilia

Address: 8-9 William Street, London SW1X 9HL
Best for: Business dinners, celebrations and formal Lebanese dining

Ishbilia represents the more formal end of Lebanese dining in London. Its Knightsbridge location, extensive menu and polished service make it better suited to planned dinners than quick lunches.

The meal traditionally begins with a selection of cold and hot mezze. Diners can combine familiar dishes such as hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh and fattoush with pastries, grilled meats and more substantial Lebanese specialities.

Ordering multiple mezze is one of the best ways to experience the restaurant because Lebanese dining is built strongly around sharing.

Ishbilia can work particularly well for business entertaining, family celebrations and larger dinners where guests want plenty of choice.

Dinner comes with a higher expected spend than many casual restaurants, and current restaurant policies should be checked when reserving, particularly for evening visits and families with young children.

Those comparing similar establishments can also explore other Lebanese restaurants in London.

6. Hiba Street

Address: 10 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RD
Best for: Affordable lunches, takeaway and casual dining

Hiba Street provides a more accessible option for people who want Middle Eastern food in central London without the cost or time commitment of a formal restaurant.

Its menu combines Palestinian and Lebanese influences, covering shawarma, grilled meats, falafel, salads, mezze and wraps. This gives diners flexibility to choose anything from a quick lunch to a more complete meal with several dishes.

The restaurant is particularly useful for office workers and visitors around Fitzrovia, Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street.

Vegetarians and vegans also have several realistic meal options rather than just side dishes. Pulse-based dishes, salads, falafel and Palestinian specialities can easily be combined into a filling meal.

Hiba Street is not trying to provide the same experience as Akub or Ishbilia. Its strength is convenience, relatively affordable pricing and familiar street-food-style dishes that can be eaten quickly or taken away.

7. Maroush

Locations: Multiple London branches
Best for: Groups, traditional Lebanese food and late-night meals

Maroush has been part of London’s Lebanese restaurant scene for decades and remains useful because it operates across several locations and dining formats.

The menus generally cover the classic structure expected from Lebanese dining, including cold mezze, hot mezze, grilled meats, salads, shawarma and breads. This variety makes Maroush particularly effective for groups because diners with different preferences can usually find suitable dishes.

One person might focus on hummus, tabbouleh and vegetable mezze while another orders lamb or chicken from the grill.

Selected locations also remain useful for later dining, particularly compared with restaurants whose kitchens close earlier in the evening.

Maroush can therefore suit tourists, groups of friends, families and people looking for a substantial meal after an evening in central London.

Opening times, menus and services vary between branches, so diners should check the specific location rather than assuming every Maroush restaurant operates identically.

8. Al Waha

Address: 75 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UL
Best for: Traditional Lebanese mezze, grilled meats and relaxed dinners

Al Waha is a strong West London option for diners who value traditional Lebanese dishes without needing the more formal environment associated with some Knightsbridge restaurants.

Its menu follows a classic progression from cold and hot mezze to charcoal-grilled meat, chicken and seafood. Groups can build a meal gradually by ordering several starters before sharing larger dishes.

This format makes Al Waha particularly suitable for people trying Lebanese food for the first time. Familiar dishes such as hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh and grilled meats can sit alongside less familiar regional specialities.

Its Westbourne Grove address also places it conveniently for Bayswater, Notting Hill and nearby parts of Paddington.

Pricing generally falls into the middle range for London dining. Sharing mezze can help keep the meal affordable, while ordering numerous starters, grills and drinks naturally increases the bill.

The restaurant suits relaxed family meals and dinners where traditional cooking matters more than fashionable presentation.

9. Chamisse

Address: 55 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8PP
Best for: Casual dinners, office lunches and Lebanese takeaway

Chamisse occupies a useful central location for diners around Holborn, Bloomsbury, Chancery Lane and King’s Cross.

The menu offers a broad selection of traditional Lebanese dishes, allowing customers to construct either a quick meal or a longer mezze-based dinner. Cold starters, hot mezze, grilled meats and salads form the core of the offering.

Its comparatively relaxed atmosphere can make it easier for informal meals than restaurants aimed primarily at special occasions.

The location is particularly useful for office workers seeking lunch in this part of central London, while takeaway and delivery provide alternatives for customers who do not want a sit-down meal.

Chamisse also works well for groups because the mezze format encourages dishes to be ordered for the table rather than individually.

For diners who simply want dependable Lebanese food in a convenient central location, without requiring an elaborate dining experience, it is one of the more practical choices in the list.

10. Bala Baya

Address: Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches, 229 Union Street, London SE1 0LR
Nearest station: Southwark
Best for: Brunch, groups, celebrations and contemporary sharing dishes

Bala Baya provides one of the more contemporary experiences among the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London.

Located in a railway arch near Southwark, the restaurant combines Eastern Mediterranean influences with a modern London dining style. Food is built for sharing, while freshly prepared breads and dishes from the restaurant’s pita oven form an important part of the experience.

The menu moves beyond the conventional combination of mezze followed by mixed grills. Diners can instead expect creative vegetable dishes, meats, breads, sauces and seasonal plates designed to be ordered together.

Bala Baya is also distinctive because it works across different occasions. Brunch gives it a daytime appeal, while dinner suits groups, dates and celebrations.

The final bill can rise quickly when several larger plates and drinks are shared, making it less appropriate for diners specifically seeking cheap Middle Eastern food.

For those wanting modern Eastern Mediterranean flavours rather than strictly traditional Lebanese or Palestinian cooking, Bala Baya offers a noticeably different experience.

Which London Areas Are Best for Middle Eastern Food?

West London remains particularly strong for Lebanese and wider Arab cuisine. Edgware Road, Bayswater, Paddington, Notting Hill and parts of Knightsbridge contain everything from casual shawarma shops to formal restaurants.

Soho, Carnaby and Fitzrovia provide a more varied central selection, including Persian and Syrian restaurants alongside casual Middle Eastern food.

Other areas worth considering include Green Lanes, Dalston, Shepherd’s Bush, Kilburn, Camden, Ealing, Putney and Tooting. Expanding the search beyond central London also introduces more Turkish, Kurdish, Afghan and Persian restaurants.

How Much Does Middle Eastern Food Cost in London?

Budget diners can still find wraps, falafel, shawarma and lunch meals for roughly £10 to £15 at casual restaurants.

A typical sit-down dinner involving mezze and a main is more likely to cost around £25 to £45 per person before drinks. Premium restaurants and special-occasion venues can exceed £50 per person once multiple sharing plates, drinks and service charges are included.

Sharing mezze, choosing lunch menus and checking restaurant set menus can help control the overall cost.

What About Halal, Vegetarian and Vegan Options?

Middle Eastern cuisine naturally provides plenty of vegetarian dishes because pulses, grains, vegetables, tahini, herbs and salads play major roles in many regional cuisines.

Bubala is the clearest vegetarian-focused restaurant in this list, while Hiba Street, Maroush, Al Waha and Chamisse also provide numerous meat-free choices.

Halal diners should not assume that every Middle Eastern restaurant follows the same meat sourcing or alcohol policy. Requirements should be confirmed directly with individual restaurants before visiting. Diners who prioritise this can also compare the best halal restaurants in London.

What Should First-Time Diners Order?

A sharing meal is usually the best introduction. Instead of relying only on hummus and falafel, consider trying dishes such as musakhan, fatteh, kibbeh or maqluba.

At Persian restaurants, look for koobideh, saffron rice, herb-heavy stews and tahdig. Lebanese restaurants are ideal for combining several mezze with charcoal-grilled meat or seafood.

For dessert, knafeh provides a classic sweet finish and is particularly associated with Levantine and Palestinian food traditions.

Final Thoughts

The best Middle Eastern restaurants in London offer very different experiences rather than variations of one cuisine. Akub highlights Palestinian cooking, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen focuses on Syrian traditions and Berenjak provides a distinctly Persian experience.

Bubala stands out for vegetable-led dining, while Ishbilia, Maroush, Al Waha and Chamisse cover different sides of London’s long-established Lebanese restaurant scene.

Hiba Street is especially useful for affordable central meals, while Bala Baya appeals to diners wanting a contemporary Eastern Mediterranean approach.

Choosing by regional cuisine, budget, neighbourhood and occasion will usually produce a better meal than simply selecting the highest-rated restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Areas for Middle Eastern Restaurants in London?

Edgware Road, Bayswater and West London remain strong for Lebanese and Arab restaurants. Soho, Carnaby and Fitzrovia offer more varied central choices, while Green Lanes, Dalston, Shepherd’s Bush and other neighbourhoods widen the search into Turkish, Kurdish, Afghan and Persian food.

Which Middle Eastern Restaurants in London Are Good for Vegetarians?

Bubala is the clearest vegetable-led choice. Hiba Street, Maroush, Al Waha and Chamisse also have substantial mezze selections that can work well for vegetarians.

Which Options Work for Late-Night Dining?

Maroush is the strongest option in this list for genuinely late service at selected branches. Always check the exact branch hours before travelling because closing times differ by location and day.

Can You Get Middle Eastern Food in London for Under £15?

Yes. Casual venues can offer wraps, lunch deals, falafel and smaller dishes below £15. Hiba Street is one of the most practical central examples, while full sit-down meals usually cost more.