Discover London's Best Middle Eastern Culinary Gems: A 2025 Guide

London's food scene is pretty amazing, and honestly, Middle Eastern food is a big part of that. It's a city that really embraces different cultures, and you can see it in the restaurants. From old family recipes to new twists, there's so much to try. We've put together a list of some of the best Middle Eastern spots in London for 2025, based on what chefs and food writers are saying. Whether you're a local or just visiting, get ready for some seriously good food.

Key Takeaways

• Berenjak offers a vibrant Persian grill experience with expertly smoked kebabs.

• Shuk is praised for its delicious stuffed pitas and hearty salads.

• Oren serves up flavourful sharing plates cooked over a charcoal grill.

• Bubala provides an entirely vegetarian Middle Eastern menu with bold flavours.

• Berber & Q is known for its smoky dishes, especially the famous cauliflower shawarma.

1. Berenjak

Berenjak, nestled in Soho, brings the vibrant spirit of a Tehran neighbourhood kitchen to London. It’s a place that feels both familiar and exciting, with a focus on traditional Persian cooking done really well. The atmosphere is buzzing, especially around the open grill where you can see the magic happen. They’ve got a knack for taking classic dishes and making them shine, using quality ingredients and a good dose of spice.

When you visit, you’ll want to try a few things to get a real taste of what they do. Their kebabs are a must – think tender lamb and chicken, perfectly grilled and full of flavour. But it’s not just about the meat; the sides and starters are where things get really interesting.

Here are a few things that really stood out:

• Kashk-e-Bademjan: A smoky aubergine dip, rich with whey and mint. It’s creamy, tangy, and utterly moreish.

• Joojeh Kebab: Saffron-marinated chicken, grilled to perfection. Simple, but the flavour is incredible.

• Fesenjan: A rich, slow-cooked stew of chicken with walnuts and pomegranate. It’s a unique flavour combination that’s both sweet and tart.

The whole experience at Berenjak feels authentic, from the warm welcome to the last bite. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to go back to, to try more of the menu and soak up the lively vibe. Definitely a top spot for Persian food in the city.

They also do a great job with their bread, baked fresh and perfect for scooping up all those delicious dips and stews. It’s a place that doesn’t try too hard, but delivers seriously good food in a relaxed setting. Perfect for a catch-up with friends or a casual dinner.

2. Shuk

If you've ever found yourself wandering through Borough Market with a rumbling tummy, chances are you've encountered Shuk. This place started as a stall, but it quickly became a favourite for Londoners looking for a taste of Tel Aviv. They're famous for their stuffed pitas, which are honestly something else. The dough is miraculously soft, made from a family recipe by their baker, Arik – it’s the kind of bread that makes you rethink what a pita should be.

They've got a great selection of fillings, from hearty grilled meats to flavourful vegetarian options. The smoky aubergine salad is a must-try, and if you're feeling adventurous, the fish tagine pita, packed with chickpeas and a kick of harissa, is a real winner. It’s all about fresh ingredients and bold flavours, served up in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.

Shuk really nails that casual, vibrant vibe. It’s the sort of place you can grab a quick, delicious lunch or a more relaxed meal, and you always leave feeling satisfied. The combination of their incredible bread and well-thought-out fillings is what makes it stand out.

Here's a little peek at what you might find:

• Stuffed Pitas: The star of the show. Think generous fillings wrapped in their signature soft bread.

• Salads: Fresh, flavourful, and substantial enough to be a meal on their own. The aubergine is particularly good.

• Sweet Potato Side: Don't underestimate this! It comes with chilli yoghurt and fresh herbs, adding a lovely spicy and cooling contrast.

3. Oren

Oren, nestled in the heart of London, is a spot that really hits the mark if you're after some seriously good Middle Eastern grub. It's the kind of place that feels both buzzy and relaxed, perfect for catching up with mates or a more casual date night. They're known for their sharing plates, which come straight off a charcoal grill, giving everything a lovely smoky flavour. The chargrilled plates are a real highlight, with reviewers often mentioning them as some of the best in the city.

When you visit, you'll find a menu that’s packed with flavour. It’s not overly complicated, but what they do, they do exceptionally well. Think well-seasoned meats and vegetables, all cooked to perfection over the coals. It’s the sort of food that makes you want to order more and more, just to try everything.

Here’s a little peek at what you might find:

• Chargrilled halloumi with a sweet glaze

• Spiced lamb kofta with fresh herbs

• Smoky aubergine with tahini

• Tender chicken skewers with a lemon marinade

It’s a place that focuses on quality ingredients and getting the cooking just right. You can tell they put a lot of care into each dish. It’s a great example of how simple, well-executed food can be incredibly satisfying. If you're exploring the London food scene, Oren is definitely worth adding to your list for a taste of something special.

4. Bubala

Bubala is a real treat, especially if you're after something a bit special. It's got this lovely atmosphere, and the staff are brilliant – really friendly and know their stuff. The food, led by Head Chef Helen Graham, is just fantastic. They do these two set menus, one vegetarian and one vegan, and honestly, they're so good even meat-eaters will be impressed. You get these sharing plates that are modern takes on Middle Eastern flavours, packed with spices and fresh herbs. It’s a proper flavour explosion.

Some dishes you absolutely have to try:

• Tangy labne: Perfect for scooping up with their laffa bread.

• Fried aubergine: Comes with a vibrant zhoug sauce.

• Oyster mushroom skewers: Surprisingly meaty and delicious.

• Sticky halloumi: Drizzled with black seed honey.

Don't forget dessert! The tahini ice cream is subtle and nutty, while the coconut malabi is light and refreshing. They also do some amazing chocolate truffles to finish things off.

Bubala proves that vegetarian and vegan food can be exciting and deeply satisfying, offering a joyful experience for everyone at the table.

5. Berber & Q

Tucked away beneath a railway arch in Haggerston, Berber & Q is a real find. They’ve built a solid reputation on their grill, and honestly, they’ve got a point – everything just seems to taste better when it’s been smoked. The place itself has a cool vibe, dimly lit with these tent-like hats over the bar and light filtering through perforated shades. You’ll see piles of vegetables in crates, looking like they’ve just come from a market.

When you go, definitely order a few mezze dishes to start. The labneh, with confit garlic and burnt chilli, is sharp and tasty, and their baba ghanoush is sprinkled with parsley and looks like it’s got little jewels of pomegranate on top. But the real star, the one everyone talks about, is the cauliflower shawarma. It’s roasted in a wood-fired oven, coated in a spiced butter, then grilled until it’s nicely charred and smoky. It’s finished with tahini, pomegranate molasses, rose petals, and chilli. It sounds like a lot, but it really works.

They’re big believers that smoking food makes it taste better, and after trying their dishes, you might just agree. It’s a simple idea, but they execute it brilliantly.

Here are a few things you absolutely must try:

• Cauliflower Shawarma: The signature dish, a must-order.

• Labneh: Tangy and flavourful, a great starter.

• Baba Ghanoush: Rich and topped with fresh pomegranate.

• Smoked Chicken Thighs: Marinated in yoghurt and saffron, perfectly cooked.

6. The Coal Office

Tucked away in the trendy Coal Drops Yard near King's Cross, The Coal Office is a real find. It’s a collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit and designer Tom Dixon, and you can tell. The space itself is long and low-lit, with exposed brick and cool glass lights – it feels industrial but also quite stylish. It gets pretty busy, especially later in the week, but there’s a good buzz about the place. They even give you a little lemon verbena gin shot when you arrive, which is a nice touch.

The food is where it really shines, offering a modern take on Middle Eastern flavours. You start with the bread, which is always a good sign. Their sesame pretzel with paprika aioli is warm and delicious. We also tried a polenta dish with truffle and asparagus that was perfect for mopping up with more of that lovely bread. The octopus on a savoury pancake with truffle harissa is a consistent favourite, and rightly so. But the real showstopper for me was the fillet of beef with what they call ‘sexy cabbage’. It’s cooked in butter and rolled in parmesan – sounds a bit extra, but it’s seriously good.

Here are a few highlights you might want to try:

• Warm sesame pretzel with paprika aioli

• Octopus on a savoury pancake with truffle harissa

• Fillet of beef with ‘sexy cabbage’

• Spiced sweet potato puree with mint yoghurt

• Za’atar duck breast with freekeh

For dessert, the deconstructed lemon meringue pie is a must, or if you’re feeling really indulgent, share the homemade cookies with chocolate fudge and salted caramel ice cream. They’re definitely good for sharing, though I wouldn’t blame you for wanting one all to yourself.

7. Ceru

Ceru is a Levantine restaurant that started life as a series of pop-ups before settling down in South Kensington, and they've since opened another spot in Queensway. It's run by a husband and wife team, Barry and Patricia Hilton, and they really focus on the flavours from places like Cyprus, Lebanon, and Palestine. It feels like a fresh take on Middle Eastern food, and apparently, David Beckham is a fan.

The small plates here are really colourful and pack a punch. You can expect things like a vibrant red pepper dip with warm bread, some tasty zucchini and feta fritters, and nicely spiced cauliflower. Their signature dish is a slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roasted with shawarma spices, which is incredibly tender and goes brilliantly with a crisp apple salad. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a classic baklava or a rich dark chocolate and tahini mousse. The atmosphere is lovely too, with mosaics and music that make you feel like you're on holiday.

Here are a few things you might want to try:

• Aubergine Mess: Charred aubergine with tahini, pomegranate molasses, and lychee.

• Tempura Monkfish: Served with a harissa caramel.

• Kebab Dumplings: Juicy dumplings with garlic yoghurt.

• Lamb Shoulder: The signature dish, slow-roasted with shawarma spices.

The whole experience at Ceru is designed to transport you. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little escape that leaves you feeling refreshed and satisfied, like you've just stepped off a plane somewhere sunny.

8. Delamina Marylebone

Delamina Marylebone offers a really nice, relaxed vibe with its exposed wooden beams and rustic plates. It feels chic without being stuffy, which is always a good sign. The food is a modern take on Tel-Avivian cooking. It’s hearty and flavourful, but they manage to keep it feeling fresh with lots of herbs and citrus notes.

They've got some great options for vegetarians and vegans, like their hummus and smoky aubergine dishes. If you're a meat-eater, the lamb shawarma is a good shout, coming with dates and pickles, or you could try the prawns with za'atar. The cod with dill yoghurt sounds pretty good too.

Here's a little peek at what you might find:

• Lamb Shawarma with dates and pickles

• Za'atar marinated prawns

• Chermoula-smothered cod over dill yoghurt

• House hummus

• Smokey aubergine

Even if you think you're too full after your main, you should definitely try to make room for dessert. The halva parfait and chocolate ganache are apparently well worth it. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to linger.

The menu strikes a good balance between traditional flavours and contemporary presentation, making it accessible for newcomers while still satisfying those familiar with Levantine cuisine.

9. Haya

Haya, nestled in Notting Hill, has been serving up deliciousness since late 2019. The name itself, meaning 'natural shyness' in Arabic, hints at the restaurant's understated approach to its menu. It’s all about simple sharing plates, but don't let that fool you – the quality of the ingredients really shines through.

Victoria Platina, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, was inspired to open Haya after visiting the lively city of Tel Aviv. Working alongside Head Chef Oren King, they've crafted a menu that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean, with a distinct Israeli flavour. You'll find familiar favourites like halloumi and pine nuts, but presented in ways that feel fresh and exciting.

The focus here is on letting the ingredients speak for themselves, creating a dining experience that's both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time.

For a truly authentic finish, make sure to try a shot of their Turkish coffee, spiced with cardamom. It’s the perfect little kick to round off your meal.

Haya offers a genuine taste of the Middle East, focusing on quality and simplicity.

10. Za'ta

Za'ta is that perfect little spot you always wish was just around the corner. It’s the kind of place that welcomes you in for a morning pastry – seriously, their rose and pistachio croissants are something else – and then keeps you there for a chic after-work cocktail. The menu is a really nice blend of proper Lebanese food, drawing on the founder’s family recipes, but with a modern twist that just works.

If you're after a quick, tasty lunch, the Chames mezze box is a winner. It comes packed with baba ghanouj, fattoush salad, lentils, and vermicelli rice. And for a sweet treat to get you through the afternoon? Grab a scoop of their apricot ice cream with a side of crunchy maakroon, which is a kind of semolina shortbread. It’s a delightful little pick-me-up.

Za'ta manages to feel both authentic and contemporary, offering a relaxed vibe that’s ideal for any time of day.

Here's a quick look at what you might find:

• Morning Pastries: Rose & Pistachio Croissants, and other delightful baked goods.

• Lunch Options: Chames Mezze Box (Baba Ghanouj, Fattoush, Lentils, Vermicelli Rice).

• Afternoon Treats: Apricot Ice Cream with Maakroon.

• Evening Drinks: Chic cocktails perfect for unwinding.

Your Next Middle Eastern Adventure Awaits

So there you have it, a taste of London's incredible Middle Eastern food scene for 2025. From Shuk's amazing pitas to the charcoal-grilled delights at Oren, we've barely scratched the surface of what this city has to offer. It's clear that London is a real hub for these flavours, with places like Berenjak and Bubala showing just how diverse and exciting it can be. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a great meal, these spots are definitely worth checking out. Don't forget, for even more recommendations from the pros, the World of Mouth app is your best bet. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food can I expect at these London Middle Eastern restaurants?

You'll find a fantastic mix of traditional dishes and new takes on Middle Eastern food. Think tasty grilled meats, fresh salads, yummy dips like hummus, and warm, soft breads. Many places focus on sharing plates, so you can try lots of different things!

Are these restaurants good for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, many of them are! Places like Bubala are totally vegetarian, and most restaurants offer plenty of delicious veggie and vegan options, like flavourful vegetable dishes and amazing dips.

How do I choose which restaurant to go to?

It depends on what you fancy! Some are more relaxed and casual, perfect for a quick bite, while others are a bit fancier for a special meal. Look at their menus online – some focus on grilled food, others on sharing plates, and some have unique twists.

Are these restaurants expensive?

The prices can vary. Some are more affordable, especially if you go for lunch or share a few smaller dishes. Others might be a bit pricier, but they often offer a really special dining experience.

Do I need to book a table?

It's usually a good idea to book, especially for popular places or if you're planning to go during busy times like Friday or Saturday evenings. This helps make sure you get a table without any hassle.

What makes London's Middle Eastern food scene so special?

London is a really diverse city, and that means we get to enjoy food from all over the world! Middle Eastern food is particularly popular because it's full of flavour, uses great ingredients, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.