Shoreditch, Middle Eastern Restaurant Guide

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).

“The flavours are big, the combinations exciting and the breads fluffy” at these “cheerful and helpful” Eastern-Med cafés, created by (self-taught chef) Limor Chen and husband Amir, which have won a good degree of renown for their “sharing plate concept” of “creative Middle Eastern dishes” with a good level of “balance, imagination and good value”; and “although there are an increasing number of Middle Eastern restaurants in London, these are some of the very best”. Their original in Marylebone and rather "beautiful" new ‘Townhouse’ in Covent Garden are the most popular branches, although the one in Shoreditch is consistently well-rated too.

“To-die-for hummus and amazing natural wines (they are really passionate about this)” are all part of the quirky appeal of this “fab little place”. “Don’t be put off by its location on an unassuming stretch on Shoreditch High” – fans say it’s “well worth seeking out”. Describing itself as a ‘Mission-driven wine bar and restaurant inspired by Lebanon’, it’s part of a social enterprise called Fat Macy’s and provides a 200-hour work experience programme to Londoners needing to move on from temporary accommodation in hostels. The result is a “relaxed vibe, friendly service and really excellent food with multiple vegetarian options, all attracting a cool Shoreditch crowd”.