Bringing its colourful and quirky decor to London, Comptoir Libanais is the first big Middle Eastern food chain to hit the streets of the capital. The South Kensington variant is a particularly vibrant spot that is found in South Kensington’s main pedestrianised area. Here, diners can take a seat inside in the main part of the restaurant, or tuck into Lebanese cuisine on the al fresco terrace under the eye-catching orange awning.
Don’t be put off by the mixture of kitschy prints and bright colours when first entering the restaurant – it’s an insight into the flavours that awaits you. Mosaic-tiles line every surface of this spacious and bright restaurant which is ideal for relaxed lunches, intimate dinners and great for accommodating big groups. Here, you can watch at the open kitchen as the chefs bustle about preparing your meal.
Lebanese food is fairly simple, but that’s what makes it so effective. Still, the menu is varied and exciting. To start, try one of the cold mezze dips like baba ghanuj or hommos, served with authentic Middle Eastern flatbreads. For mains, go for something from the grills menu, which includes dishes such as the chicken shawarma rice owl with Comptoir sauce, pickled peppers and crispy onions, or the roasted salmon with slow-cooked chickpeas, tomato sauce and citrus tahina. If you’re looking to keep things casual, why not try the selection of grilled meat served with vermicelli rice.
Comptoir Libanais South Kensington also offers a rather indulgent brunch menu. Diners can expect the likes of the Lebanese full breakfast boasting Armenian beef souk, hommos, za’atar-roasted mushrooms, turkey bacon and more, whilst shakshuka topped with feta and pickled chilli, or an array of Middle-Eastern pastries and cakes are also available to try.