Whitechapel, Middle Eastern Restaurant Guide

“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”.

“Go mad for further adventures in veg” at Yotam Ottolenghi’s famous deli-cafés, whose Middle Eastern inspired menus are best known for their “creative” salads and meat-free dishes (bread and pastries are also “fabulous”) but there are also some meat and fish options. They are far from cheap, but “the spicing is interesting”, “the flavours are immense” and “the small-plates format allows you to try a number of options”. “A great spot for brunch” or “to drop in for cake and tea”. The Islington branch is most commented-on, and in December 2023 its newest sibling (also in north London) opened on Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, while a branch in Richmond, in the leafy southwest, is scheduled for late 2024.

“Really enjoyable and imaginative Middle Eastern food” at “reasonable prices” wins very consistent praise for this modern duo in Marylebone and Shoreditch from Tel Aviv-born Limor Chen and her husband Amir. It’s “family- and veggie-friendly” too, with very welcoming service. In late 2024, a new Delamina branch is planned for the periphery of Covent Garden. Top Menu Tips – “Charred Cauliflower; also the moist and tasty date cake”.