As Valentine’s Day approaches, The New Arab reviews some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London, highlighting what makes each one not only unique but also a memorable experience on this day of love.
Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, family, or friends, or simply just enjoying some well-deserved self-care, this guide has you covered:
Akub (Palestinian)
Located in Notting Hill, Akub is housed in a beautifully restored townhouse. It was opened in 2022 by chef Fadi Kattan, who co-founded it with Rasha Khouri and a group of investors.Â
Known for offering a fresh take on Palestinian food, the restaurant also impresses with its interior, designed by Annie Harrison of FARE INC., featuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere with custom light fixtures, olive-green seating, and mother-of-pearl tiles from the region.
Downstairs, a small bar with a hand-painted mural by decorative artist Tess Newall and soft lighting adds to the cosy atmosphere, making Akub a stylish yet relaxed place to dine.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Start with the Spiced Palestinian almonds and Akub Pickles as a light bite.
Then, pair the bread selection with Labaneh or Green Shatta, Red Shatta, or Coriander Tahina for dipping.
For small plates, try the Maftool Salad, Beitinjan bil tahinia, Grilled Nabulsi Cheese, and Salata Khadra. For the main course, go for the Crunchy Mansaf or Bukjet Mousakhan.
And don’t miss the Hilbeh Baba and Dead Sea Chocolate cake for dessert.
[Tess Newall]
Villa Mamas (Bahraini)
Located in the heart of Chelsea, Villa Mamas offers a modern take on Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring traditional Bahraini and Gulf dishes infused with Iranian, Indian, and European influences.
Founded by Bahraini chef and restaurateur Roaya Saleh, the restaurant celebrates her home-cooked dishes, all served in an intimate and welcoming setting, making it the perfect spot for a romantic meal.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: To start, try the homemade Khubus (bread) with Mahyawa.Â
For starters, the Chicken Mathrooba and Warak Enab are excellent choices and if you’re in the mood for a hearty main, try the Qurma Sabzi, Chicken Machbous, or Chicken Tahchin.
Villa Mamas also offers a special Valentine’s menu, featuring sharing starters such as Cherry, Feta and Lamb Kofta, Hummus, and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, followed by a choice of a Bahraini main course and a special dessert.
The menu is priced at £65 per person or £75 per person with a cocktail or mocktail. More details can be found here.
Toum Rotisserie (Lebanese)
Opened in December 2024 in the heart of Mayfair by husband-and-wife duo Tarek and Monika Farah, Toum presents a modern twist on Lebanese rotisserie dining, blending French and Mediterranean flavours.
Named after the famous Lebanese garlic sauce, the restaurant, like Akub, features a downstairs listening bar called Encore, which adds a unique touch to the dining experience and fits perfectly with London’s evolving nightlife scene.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Begin with freshly baked House Bread, served with Hummus and drizzled with Green Olive Oil.
Musakhan Rolls make a great snack, followed by Roasted Octopus and Romero Pepper as delicious small plates.
For the mains, the Rotisserie Chicken is a must-try, especially with the signature Toum Sauce, Café de Paris Butter, or Spicy Chimichurri. For something different, try the Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank on the bone or Samke Harra.
Then, finish your meal with their delicious Tarte Tatin, served with baby pink Sabre Paris cutlery for the perfect touch of French flair.
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen (Syrian)
Nestled in Kingly Court on Carnaby Street, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.Â
After his restaurants in Damascus were destroyed during the Syrian conflict, owner Imad Alarnab fled Syria in 2015 and brought his expertise as a restaurateur to the UK.
Recently, Imad was awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, a nod to the exceptional quality of his food at affordable prices.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Try the Za’atar Pita served with Labrot or Muhammara as a tasty starter. The Mezze options are also great for sharing, with highlights like Suda, Falafel, and Zahraa Harra.
For larger plates, go for Bamya, Mudakhan Ghanam, or Tahini Kofta.
For dessert, the Syrian Ice Cream and Pistachio Baklawa will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sohaila (Lebanese)
Located in Shoreditch, East London, Sohaila brings a taste of Lebanon to a vibrant neighbourhood known for its street art and alternative culture.
Founded by Nathalie Moukarzel and named after her grandmother, Sohaila not only operates as a mission-driven wine bar and restaurant but is also partnered with the social enterprise Fat Macy’s, which provides support for Londoners living in temporary accommodation. Through a 200-hour work experience programme, trainees can gain valuable culinary and hospitality skills while receiving 1:1 holistic support to help them transition into stable lives.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Start with the bread served with Beetroot Borani, Walnuts, and Dill, or Hummus, spiced Chickpeas.
The Spiced Pumpkin and Chard Borek, along with the Blood Orange, Beetroot, Pistachio, and Herb Salad, Roasted Celeriac, Whipped Feta, Spiced Lentils, Dukkah, and Herbs, Beef Vine Leaves Dolma, and Spiced Lamb Sausage, Fava Bean Puree, Artichokes and Zhoug are all great for sharing.
For dessert, try the Dark Chocolate Mousse, Medjoul Dates, Walnuts, and Whipped Yoghurt, or the Riz Bi Haleeb, Quince Compote.
Somewhere Café (UAE & KSA) at Harrods
Somewhere Café — opened in late 2024 and founded by Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam — brings a modern twist on Arabic dining to London.
The café, known for showcasing rich Middle Eastern flavours, features décor inspired by the team’s travels; the restaurant’s shelves are lined with Assouline travel books, perfectly complementing the space and reflecting Somewhere Café’s theme and story.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Start with the Short Rib Kebba and Shrimp Kunafa to share, followed by a Fresh Lime Corn Salad or Tabouleh Kale Salad.
From the Hummus Bar, try the Guacamole Hummus or Black Angus Beef Hummus, and from the Fatteh Bar, go for Wara’a Enab Fatteh.
For the main course, enjoy Beef Shawarma Beetroot Rice or Shish Barak, and end your meal with the indulgent French Coffee Baklava or Cerelac Umm Ali.
Em Sherif (Lebanese) at Harrods
Em Sherif, known for its refined yet traditional Lebanese dining, is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style.
Founded by Mireille Hayek and her daughter Yasmina Hayek, the head chef, this exclusive Lebanese restaurant in London offers carefully crafted dishes made from the freshest ingredients, highlighting the best of Lebanese culture, with interior design by Lebanese interior architect Ramy Boutros.
TNA’s recommended picks from the menu: Start with Spinach Fatayer from the savoury pastries section, followed by Mutabbal and Berghoul Bil Banadoura from the cold mezze.
For hot mezze, try the Wagyu Hummus and Pumpkin Kibbeh, before moving on to the Taouk, Mint Kefta, and Lamb Skewers from the grills.
For mains, enjoy the Fish Shawarma and Beef Shawarma and finish with Ice Cream and Cotton Candy, Kunafa, or Meghli for dessert.
Zainab Mehdi is The New Arab’s Associate Editor and researcher specialising in governance, development, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa region
Follow her on X:Â @zaiamehdi
