Middle Eastern Food in London: A Flavourful Culinary Journey

London’s culinary landscape is a rich tapestry woven with flavours from across the globe, and among the most vibrant and diverse is Middle Eastern cuisine. From the smoky allure of grilled meats to the rich spices in stews and the delicacy of fresh mezze, London has embraced Middle Eastern food with passion and creativity.

Whether you’re craving Lebanese, Persian, Turkish, Syrian, or Palestinian dishes, the capital offers a range of authentic and contemporary eateries that capture the essence of this diverse region. Here’s your complete guide to discovering Middle Eastern food in London.

A Growing Love for Middle Eastern Cuisine

Over the past decade, Middle Eastern food has risen from niche to mainstream in London’s culinary scene. With a focus on shared plates, slow-cooked meats, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, these dishes resonate with Londoners’ growing appetite for bold yet healthy flavours.

From humble falafel wraps to luxurious Persian saffron rice, Middle Eastern cuisine offers something for every palate, dietary preference, and occasion.

Popular Middle Eastern Dishes to Try in London

Before we dive into specific places, here are some must-try Middle Eastern dishes available across the city:

• Falafel – Deep-fried chickpea balls, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
• Shawarma – Thin slices of marinated meat cooked on a rotating spit, served in flatbreads.
• Hummus – Creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon juice and garlic.
• Kebabs – From Turkish köfte to Persian koobideh, grilled skewers are a staple.
• Fattoush and Tabbouleh – Refreshing herb and salad mixes.
• Moutabal/Baba Ganoush – Smoky aubergine dips.
• Manakish – Levantine flatbreads often topped with za’atar, cheese or meat.
• Baklava – A sweet pastry layered with nuts and drenched in syrup or honey.
• Knafeh – A traditional dessert of cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup.

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in London

1. The Palomar – Soho

Blending flavours of modern-day Jerusalem, The Palomar is a vibrant space offering contemporary Middle Eastern dishes. Expect an open kitchen, shared plates and a buzzing atmosphere. Their chopped liver, kubaneh bread, and octo hummus are cult favourites.

📍 34 Rupert Street, Soho, W1D 6DN
💷 £££
🌱 Veggie-friendly options available

2. Honey & Co – Bloomsbury

Run by Israeli couple Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich, Honey & Co serves soulful Middle Eastern comfort food. Don’t miss their slow-cooked lamb shoulder, labneh, and rosewater-scented desserts.

📍 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, WC1N 3LW
💷 ££
🍰 Known for their outstanding cakes and pastries

3. Oren – Dalston

Tel Aviv-inspired dishes with a London twist. Oren offers fresh, seasonal Middle Eastern plates such as charred aubergine, harissa prawns, and home-baked challah.

📍 89 Shacklewell Ln, Dalston, E8 2EB
💷 ££
🍷 Excellent wine list featuring Israeli and Lebanese selections

4. Arabica – Borough Market & King’s Cross

Located near Borough Market and also in King’s Cross, Arabica offers Lebanese, Palestinian and Levantine fare. The lamb kibbeh, baba ganoush, and house hummus are must-haves.

📍 Borough Market & King’s Cross
💷 ££
🥙 Great for mezze-style dining

5. Ishbilia – Knightsbridge

For a more traditional Lebanese experience, Ishbilia in Knightsbridge is a long-established favourite. The restaurant is loved by locals and Middle Eastern expats alike.

📍 8-9 William St, Knightsbridge, SW1X 9HL
💷 £££
🎩 Smart setting with warm hospitality

6. Berenjak – Soho

Inspired by Tehran’s kabab houses, Berenjak serves Persian dishes in a cosy, modern setting. Try their koobideh kebab, saffron rice tahdig, and mast o khiar.

📍 27 Romilly Street, Soho, W1D 5AL
💷 ££
🔥 Coal-grilled meat is a highlight

Street Food & Casual Middle Eastern Eats

London’s street food scene also celebrates Middle Eastern flavours:

• Pilpel (Various locations): Great for quick falafel wraps and mezze boxes.
• Berber & Q (Haggerston): Grilled meats and bold North African-Middle Eastern fusion.
• Yalla Yalla (Soho): Lebanese street food – ideal for a fast, flavoursome bite.
• Koshari Street (Covent Garden): Egyptian comfort food at its best.

Middle Eastern Bakeries & Sweet Shops

Sweet lovers can indulge in traditional desserts and pastries at:

• Honey & Smoke Bakery (Bloomsbury) – Baklava, pistachio cakes and semolina treats.
• Fanoos Bakery (Kensington) – Persian breads, biscuits and sweets.
• Green Valley (Marble Arch) – Lebanese patisserie counter plus deli.
• Noura (Knightsbridge) – Upscale Middle Eastern patisserie.

Halal-Friendly Options

Many Middle Eastern eateries across London offer halal meat, especially those with Lebanese, Palestinian, or Persian menus. Notable halal-friendly restaurants include:

• Ishbilia
• Comptoir Libanais (various locations)
• Al Arez (multiple locations)
• Maroush Express (Edgware Road)

Always check with the staff for halal certification if needed.

Vegan & Vegetarian Middle Eastern Food in London

Middle Eastern cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based dishes, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Favourites include:

• Hummus
• Fattoush
• Tabbouleh
• Falafel
• Mujaddara (rice and lentils)
• Stuffed vine leaves (warak enab)

Many restaurants like Honey & Co, Oren, and The Barbary cater to plant-based diets with flair and flavour.

Middle Eastern Food Markets & Shops in London

To bring Middle Eastern flavours into your own kitchen, head to:

• Green Valley (Marble Arch): An emporium of spices, dates, meats, and sweets.
• Persepolis (Peckham): Iranian deli, shop and café rolled into one.
• Damas Gate Supermarket (Edgware Road): Great for fresh halal meat and rare ingredients.
• Lebanese Butcher & Deli (Ealing): Homemade spices, pickles, and pastries.

Final Thoughts

London is truly a melting pot for Middle Eastern food lovers. From sophisticated dining rooms in Mayfair to buzzing street stalls in Camden, the capital offers every style of experience – whether you’re seeking the comfort of home-cooked dishes or the excitement of new flavour profiles.

Whether you’re indulging in baklava with mint tea or loading up a warm pita with grilled lamb and creamy hummus, Middle Eastern food in London is a celebration of hospitality, heritage, and bold, honest food.