Marylebone, Middle Eastern Restaurant Guide

“Consistently very good food” results from the menu of small sharing plates at this modern Levantine duo in Marylebone and Shoreditch, created by Israeli-born cook Limor Chen and her husband Amir. There’s a “buzzy atmosphere without being too noisy” and a playlist that channels the Tel Aviv vibe.

“Different” and “interesting” Middle Eastern cooking wins praise for this grillhouse near Great Portland Street from influential husband-and-wife team Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich. It also attracts some criticism, though – the setting is “quite loud”, service can be “amateurish” and some diners “were not blown away by the meal: it was good, but not amazing”.

2023 Review: Initially launched as part of an invite-only private members’ club, John Javier’s small (34-cover) August 2022 newcomer in Fitzrovia is his first venture featuring Middle Eastern cuisine, zhushed up with – for instance – Asian seasonings, plus funky cocktails and wines. Expect Bedouin-style décor, DJs and live music.