Zeitoun, a bright, stylish restaurant, offers a fresh take on Lebanese cuisine in the heart of Surrey. Located in the sleepy town of Claygate, in a sweet spot just next to the village green, it’s a one-stop-shop for locals and visitors looking for a place to enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks. While the concept revolves around long-held traditions and recipes from Lebanon, the team have put their own spin on many dishes for a modern feel, too.
The menu offers a huge range of mezze, both hot and cold, with plates such as fig hummus, fatoush, vine leaves, cheese sambousek and mousskka. These smaller dishes are great for a sharing lunch or as starters before moving onto something larger. The main dishes are split into sections and pay homage to the traditional grilled meat dishes that this part of the middle east is known for. Diners can choose between chicken or lamb shawarma, the mix grill for a taste of everything or grilled seabass or prawns, amongst much more. There is also a large selection of wraps with fillings such as minced lamb with parsley, onion and tomatoes, sautéed chicken liver with garlic sauce and pickles or roasted potatoes with coriander, peppers and pickles.
If you have a sweet tooth, try the Lebanese rice pudding with rose water, pistachio and syrup, or the Mouhalabieh, which is milk with orange blossom water, pistachio and honey. Moreish and comforting, it sounds like the perfect sugar fix to round off any meal. Zeitoun is also very proud of its well-stocked bar and cocktail offering, inviting locals to come and enjoy a night on the tiles. From classics such as Bellini’s and Espresso Martinis, to mixes you don’t see quite so often, like a 1934 Cosmopolitan and Beverly Hills Iced Tea, there is certainly plenty to choose from. Over on the wine menu there’s a large selection of ‘world wines’ as well as several champagnes to choose from, so that no matter how far flung your taste, the team can help you.