Bringing to London the colourful and quirky décor that covers the souks and homes of people in Lebanon, Comptoir Libanais is the first big Middle Eastern food chain to hit the streets of the capital. Thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint. 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 flavour explosion that awaits you.
Lebanese food is fairly simple, but that is what makes it so effective. Still, the menu is varied and exciting. To start, try one of the cold mezze dips like baba ganoush or hummus, served with authentic Middle Eastern flatbreads. For mains, go for the slow-cooked lamb and chicken tagine, or the lamb and halloumi burger with batata harra (Lebanon's answer to fries) – a modern interpretation of a Lebanese classic. Its selection of grilled meat served with vermicelli rice is also great if you are looking to keep things casual.
Alongside the main dining room, each restaurant has a ‘souk’ style shop selling Lebanese ingredients and garments hand-made by women in local Lebanese villages. So if you can’t get enough of the food you had and want to try and recreate it at home, the range of spices, rose water and sweet treats are available for purchase. The home-made basket bags are also super cute.
As stated on its website, when Comptoir Libanais’ founder set up the chain, his dream was to ‘make Lebanese food as popular as Italian food’, and although this may seem like almost impossible task, we’re seeing locations of this chain popping up all over the UK. Maybe it won’t be long before this cuisine is just as widely desired as Italian?
This spacious and bright restaurant is ideal for relaxed lunches, intimate dinners and great for accommodating big groups