23. Where can I find a Lebanese restaurant? p5
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This article is from the Lebanon FAQ, by Alaa Dakroub dakroub@leb.net with numerous contributions by others.
23. Where can I find a Lebanese restaurant? p5
Here in London, we are well supplied with a number of Lebanese
restaurants. I'll describe only a small selection of them.
Name: Maroush I
Location: 21, Edgware Road, W2
Telephone: 071-723 0773
Cost per Person: No music, no arak : GBP.18 (US$ 36);
Music and alcohol : GBP.37 (US$ 74);
Quality: The food is okay. This is the flagship of the Maroush/Ranoush
chain of three restaurants+ 1 takeway in London. On week-ends in the
winter and throughout the week in the summer, there is live music and
dancing which makes you think you are in Beirut itself ! Beware
though, minimum charge when there is music and dancing is GBP.37
(US$74) which is damn expensive, but if you don't care, then go for
it. Last time I went there with friends, we spent 4 hours eating,
singing, and generally having a good time. Quantity of food: Well,
since they will charge you a minimum price of GBP.37, you really have
to eat a lot to make up to this price ! Say 3 starters per person,
plus main course, plus baklawa, plus fruit, plus mint tea etc. - open
'til 4:00am or so !
Name: Maroush II
Location: 38 Beauchamp Place, SW3
Telephone: 071-581 5434
Cost per Person: GBP.20 (US$ 36) + drinks (3 starters(shared) + main
course) Note: Second Maroush restaurant in London, near Knightsbridge
Quality: This place was recently refurbished in 1993. Before, it used
to be pretty bad. I must say that it has all improved ! One has the choice
to eat either at the bar (on the ground floor) or in the restaurant part.
The bar is *very* busy, but it's a cool place to meet people, in front of
the sizzling kebabs etc. The food is standard. Standard dishes in the
restaurant, and sandwiches in the bar (like Ranoush Juice). If you're
in the Knightsbridge area, you now know where to eat !
Name: Maroush III
Location: 62 Seymour Street W1H - perpendicular to Edgware Road.
Telephone: 071-724 5024
Cost per person: GBP.18 (US$ 36) + drinks
Note: 1 minutes away from Maroush I
Quality: This one's my favorite Maroush restaurant because I have
been there so many times I know everyone. The food is good while not
too expensive. Summer is more crowded than winter because of the Gulf
population taking its quarters around the nearby Edgware Road.
Recommended starters: Arayes, Baba Ghanouj (Mouttabal), firri, Makanek
Un-recommended starters: Kibbeh (it's not the real thing), sojuk (it
is different every time I go there !) Recommended main course: Lahem
Meshwi. Farrouj Kebab. Recommended drink: Laban Ayran (they know how
to do it properly) Beware of the meat Shawarma, it's very greasy,
*very*. Quantity of food: plenty. 3 starters to share plus main
course is enough. Baklawa and/or fruit is included in the cover
price. If you can eat the whole tray of baklawa (about 40+) your meal
is on the house (that's what they told me) Additional notice:
Check-out the Maitre d'Hotel. He thinks he's Lebanese but in fact he
is Spanish, and it's funny to hear him speak Arabic ;-)
Name: Al Hamra
Location: 31/33 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, W1Y
Telephone: 071-493 1954
Cost per person: GBP.29 (US$58) + drinks
Quality: Situated in the heart of Mayfair, a very prestigious area of
town, Al Hamra is pretty expensive. But then again, it is the only
place which has someone at the entrance to park your car for you.
Since it is so hard to park in central London, it's pretty good,
especially in the evening when you don't want to walk the streets. The
food is of good quality. But then, one would really expect it. Book in
advance, because the restaurant is pretty small and very popular.
Quantity of food: less than in Maroush III, but who says that quantity
counts ?
Name: Fakhreldine
Location: 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1
Telephone: 071-493 3424
Cost per person: GBP.40+ (US$80+) + drinks
Quality: Very popular, very expensive, very good. The bill seems to be
exponential with what you eat. If you have a business meal with
anybody you want to impress, take them there. Most people whom I know
and have gone there have gone only once. They are still saving for the
next time ! This is known to be the best in town. Go there, if you
can afford it. Quantity of food: at those prices, do you bother ?
It's the people there that matter. Who knows, you could be striking
the deal of your career !
Name: Beit Eddine
Location: 8 Harriet Street, SW1X
Telephone: 071-235 3969
Cost per person: GBP.25 (US$50) including drinks
Quality: This is a small restaurant where it is advisable to book
during week-ends. The food is good, but nothing special. But a friend
of mine really likes it. I guess the atmosphere, although being
simple, is very pleasant. Shawarma is pretty good. Lahem Meshwi is a
bit dry, so be sure to order Humus to dip the meat in... Quantity of
food: the portions are rather small. Be sure to order enough !
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