Sahara restaurant in St John's Wood is no more than a two-minute walk from Regent’s Park in North London and serves a fantastic array of traditional Lebanese cuisine. The smart dining room is divided into multiple rooms decorated in various styles. At the front of the restaurant, the main dining area is smart and bright, with fitted booth seating and well-spaced tables, as well as bar stools to perch for a drink at the well-stocked bar. Beyond this area is a slightly cosier section, offering painted coral walls and plant pots, while at the back of the restaurant is a more intimate dining room that features Persian rugs and tapestries hung on whitewashed walls. In summer, guests can sample Sahara’s authentic Lebanese offering from the al fresco tables.
From the menu, diners can order all manner of popular and authentic Lebanese fare from vegetarian dishes to grilled meats and fresh seafood. Kick off with a selection of hot and cold mezza, such as homemade houmous, taramasalata and labneh with flatbreads, as well as falafel, grilled halloumi and lamb koftas. Larger main plates are comprised mainly of charcoal grills, such as marinated chicken skewers and minced lamb, served with rice or fries. Don’t miss its selection of signature dishes, though, which include kibbeh saynieh (minced lamb mixed with spices, cracked wheat, pine nuts, onion and a yoghurt and cucumber salad), deep-fried sea bass drizzled in tahine sauce and the shish taouk, which is marinated cubes of chicken served with garlic sauce.
Perfect for lunch is one of its Lebanese wraps which sees a variety of fillings (think chicken, falafel, lamb or potatoes) stuffed inside freshly-prepared Lebanese bread. There is also a kids’ menu available making it a great spot for families and large groups.
Sahara also serves an extensive wine selection, including a number of Lebanese wines (Lebanon is one of the oldest wine regions in the world). Beer, spirits and Aarak (a traditional Lebanese drink) are also available.