Ishbilia

Don’t be fazed by the platinum Knightsbridge postcode: this Lebanese restaurant just off the main drag puts the emphasis on fair prices & generosity. The interior goes for white cloths, pale colours & westernised trappings rather than gaudy ethnic overkill, but the menu is full of authentic Middle Eastern flavours. Meals always begin with a veritable harvest festival of raw vegetables, olives & chillis, which are offered for free. After that, the selection of hot & cold mezze is terrific value & full of good things to nibble & dip – perhaps moutabal, sowda nayeh (chopped raw lamb’s liver) or char-grilled chicken wings in garlic sauce. Mains are mostly high-protein kebabs & grills, but also look for ‘fatteh’ specials topped with parsley, pomegranate & roasted nuts. There are Lebanese pastries to finish, & bottles of Lebanese wine to seal the deal.