The best Middle Eastern restaurants in London

From the team behind Palomar, The Barbary serves up the increasingly popular Israeli cuisine. From grilled swordfish to goat stew, if you liked Palomar, The Barbary’s rustic interiors and exciting menu are a must try.

As one of the hottest restaurants in Istanbul, at Yeni you can rest assured, anything you eat is endorsed by the Turkish themselves. Sharing plates include the likes of pan fried feta, roasted beef ribs and braised celeriac.

Hidden away in Kingly Court, Le Bab’s short menu and tasty options make picking easy. Hummus, pork shawarma and double cooked fries all feature and at such reasonable prices this is the place to be for weeknight dinners and quick lunches.

Drawing inspiration for Tel Aviv, Russia and Iran, Delmina’s homely vibe and exciting dishes are what have made it so popular in the city. From Jerusalem artichokes on whipped manouri, Turkey Shawarma and squid in za’atar, each dish shows clear influence of all the cuisines incorporated in this restaurant.

As one of the most popular Israeli restaurants in London, it’s no wonder The Palomar’s always buzzing. Located, rather strangely in China Town, dishes include grilled chicken with black rice, fattoush and malabi syrup pudding.

Celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s café/ deli has been a popular spot for Londoners looking for tasty casual middle eastern dishes. With seasonal menus and all-day dining, Nopi’s healthy and wholesome dishes include beef short ribs, sea trout with Koji rice and raw cauliflower with sprouts and Gorgonzola.

A favourite of Middle Eastern families visiting the city for the summer, you can be sure that Ishbilia will serve only the most authentic dishes and experience to match. With an outdoor terrace great for summer lunches you’ll find charcoal grilled kebabs, moutabel and stew with rice.

This restaurant does theatre style dining like you’ve never seen it before. Cooking up high-end kebabs on an open grill you can watch from the bar as everything is made fresh in front of you. They also suggest eating everything with your hands by the way.

Originating in Bahrain, Villa Mama’s Chelsea location offers up authentic middle eastern breakfasts and tapas-style sharing plates come evening time. Expect khubus with eggs in the morning and lamb koftas with mash later in the day.

Named after The Amber trade route, this all-day dining restaurant combines its Mediterranean routes with London influences making for an authentic menu with a fun modern twist. Expect everything from acai bowls to ceviche on this menu.

Berenjak has all the typical features you’d find in a middle eastern restaurant. With a tandoor, menu of sharing plates and colourful, busy décor, just like the other restaurants in its portfolio (think Bao and Hoppers) Berenjak is a hit in the city.

Having moved from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly, Al Waha now resides in the significantly quieter neighbourhood of Notting Hill. Focusing on great quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, you can find labneh, pastry stuffed with spinach and Armenian lamb on this menu.

With a luxurious setting, simple but effective menu and great location in Islington, The owners of Antepliler have had 20 years to perfect their restaurant. With traditional Pide and charcoal grill meats, you’ll only find the most authentic dishes here.  

Watch the chefs at this Turkish-inspired restaurant bake endless rounds of pide bread in its charcoal oven while you shovel down some of its incredible sharing mezze plates. The baklava is a must.