Fairuz

After successfully carving out a niche as a much-loved, local Lebanese restaurant, Fairuz seems to have drifted into the doldrums. The reasonably-priced set mezze, although served in alarmingly generous quantities, have varied in standard on recent visits, lacking the freshness one looks for in dishes such as fatoush or tabbouleh. Similarly, the main courses of char-grilled meats seem to lack that essential finger-licking savouriness. Desultory service, lacking the classic Lebanese hospitality, compounds the negative picture. Given the extent & level of competition – with Edgware Road just a stroll away – Fairuz should definitely be looking to up its game.