Fitzrovia, Middle Eastern Restaurant Guide

“Delicious Middle Eastern dishes” emerge from the grill at this venture near Great Portland Street from ‘Honey & Co’ (see also) foodie power-couple, Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich. “The combination of flavours is exceptional”, and “the portions always go further than you’d expect”. True to its Levantine origins, it’s not a grand place: “the dining room feels like a parish hall”.

This 10-year-old group with six sites offers a “good-value and tasty” take on the Middle Eastern kebab, served with a “modern twist” alongside “noteworthy cocktails”. “A seat at the counter is fun” at the original Kingly Court branch in Carnaby Street, which has a ‘fine dining’ option downstairs, Kebab Queen (see also).

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.

“Don’t worry you won’t miss the meat!” – “Bubala really seems to tap into what modern dining and modern food is about”; “the depth of flavour is unbeatable” at these “fantastic Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian restaurants” in Soho and Shoreditch. “You definitely feel you’re in a hip part of town once the waiting staff arrive at your table and plentiful food arrives quickly”. “An excellent choice if you want something plant-based and memorable” – “the only problem is that it‘s always crowded!” (“it’s so hard to get a table, book well in advance”). Top Menu Tips – “The ‘Bubala knows best’ set menu has a great selection and is very filling”; “Oyster mushroom skewer and the sublime Halloumi with honey are real highlights”; “the smoky Baba ganoush is unforgettable”.