Harden's survey result
Summary
“The garlic sauce is a symphony on your tongue when you have shish taouk or a mixed shawarma at 3am on the way home” from the café sections of this “long-standing favourite Lebanese chain” (you may need to ask for the wrap menu at the posh Beauchamp Place branch). When it comes to the main menu, “expect the usual staples” of Lebanese cuisine. Opened 40 years ago by Marouf and Houda Abouzaki, sites have come and gone over the years, especially over the pandemic. The original ‘Maroush I’ at 21 Edgware Road is closed as of September 2021, and its return seems very uncertain at this point, so we’ve marked it as closed, RIP. That leaves four in the stable currently open – the well-known Knightsbridge branch, a smaller Earl’s Court Café, and a very dramatic, vast new-build restaurant, wine bar and market that opened in the boonies of Park Royal in summer 2021 (a bold opening that deserves support), and the Maroush Express on Edgware Road. (Under the same ownership: the eccentric but excellent Crockers Folly in St John’s Wood – see also – plus the more grab-and-go Ranoush branches).
Summary
London’s longest-serving Lebanese group has served a “delicious and generous ensemble of mezze and mains” for almost four decades, remaining “admirably consistent over the years”. There are currently 14 branches under various names (including Ranoush, Beirut Express, Randa); and at the outlets actually branded as ‘Maroush’ the “decor is a bit 1980s” especially in the sedate main dining rooms. The better bets are the “casual” cafés at the original branch and in Beauchamp Place – “for a quick meal, you can’t go wrong”, especially from the bargain menu of wraps. For late-night live music and belly-dancing head to the original Edgware Road branch.
Summary
London’s longest-serving Lebanese group has served a “delicious and generous ensemble of mezze and mains” for almost four decades, remaining “admirably consistent over the years”. There are currently 14 branches under various names (including Ranoush, Beirut Express, Randa); and at the outlets actually branded as ‘Maroush’ the “decor is a bit 1980s” especially in the sedate main dining rooms. The better bets are the “casual” cafés at the original branch and in Beauchamp Place – “for a quick meal, you can’t go wrong”, especially from the bargain menu of wraps. For late-night live music and belly-dancing head to the original Edgware Road branch.
Summary
“The good-quality Lebanese food never disappoints” at this high-profile chain that has prospered for more than 30 years. “It’s very easy to fill up on the starters, which are always delicious” – and more “affordable” than the mains. For live music and belly dancing, head to the original Edgware Road venue. Top Tip: café sections at I and II offer an excellent menu of wraps at bargain prices.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Maroush?
Restaurant details
Opening hours
all day till 3.30 am
Last orders: 3.30 am
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