London's food scene brims with Middle Eastern treasures, from smoky grilled meats to fluffy flatbreads and vibrant mezze platters.
These restaurants bring the warmth and hospitality of the Levant, Persia, and Turkey right to the heart of the British capital.
Whether you're craving a casual shawarma or a lavish feast fit for royalty, these 12 spots deliver authentic flavours and unforgettable dining experiences.
1. Akub
Hidden in Notting Hill, Akub serves Palestinian cuisine that's both sophisticated and soulful. Chef Fadi Kattan transforms traditional recipes into modern masterpieces while staying true to their roots.
The jewel in Akub's crown is their namesake dish – tender wild thistle hearts cooked with olive oil and lemon. Their knafeh dessert, with its crisp kadaifi pastry and stretchy cheese center, is arguably the best in London.
The restaurant's warm stone walls and olive wood tables create an atmosphere that feels like dining in a Jerusalem courtyard. Every dish tells a story of Palestinian heritage and hospitality.
2. Bababoom
Forget greasy late-night kebabs – Bababoom in Battersea has completely reinvented this Middle Eastern classic. Their charcoal-grilled meats are marinated for 24 hours before hitting the flames, resulting in mouthwatering flavour bombs.
The Persian-inspired brunch menu deserves special mention. Try the date-glazed bacon with harissa scrambled eggs on a flatbread that's baked fresh each morning in their clay oven.
What makes Bababoom stand out is their commitment to quality ingredients – from free-range meats to locally-sourced vegetables. The casual, buzzy atmosphere makes it perfect for catch-ups with mates.
3. Berber & Q
Tucked under a railway arch in Haggerston, Berber & Q brings the spirit of North African barbecue to East London. The restaurant's centrepiece – a massive custom-built smoker – infuses everything with intoxicating aromas.
Their signature cauliflower shawarma has achieved cult status among veggies and meat-eaters alike. Blackened on the outside, tender within, and drenched in tahini and pomegranate seeds – it's a revelation.
The industrial-chic setting with communal tables creates a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing plates. Come hungry and order the mezze feast – a parade of small plates that showcases the kitchen's versatility beyond the grill.
4. Berenjak
Inspired by the hole-in-the-wall kabab houses of Tehran, Berenjak brings authentic Iranian street food to Soho. The restaurant's name comes from the colourful toasted rice served at Persian funfairs – a perfect metaphor for the vibrant flavours you'll find here.
The koobideh kabab – minced lamb shoulder skewers grilled over charcoal – is impossibly juicy and fragrant with saffron. Tear off pieces of their freshly-baked taftoon bread to scoop up mirza ghasemi, a smoky aubergine dip that's utterly addictive.
The tiny space recreates the bustling atmosphere of Iranian food stalls with its open kitchen and vintage Persian posters. Book ahead – tables disappear faster than their baklava!
5. Bubala
Proving that Middle Eastern cuisine shines brightest when vegetables take center stage, Bubala in Spitalfields has won over even the most committed carnivores. The Yiddish word 'bubala' means darling or sweetheart – an apt name for this charming spot.
Their confit potato latkes with toum garlic sauce are crispy little wonders. The halloumi with black seed honey will make you question why anyone would cook this cheese any other way.
The restaurant's minimalist décor lets the food do the talking, with pale woods and soft lighting creating a serene backdrop. Everything is designed for sharing, making Bubala perfect for intimate gatherings where conversation flows as freely as the Israeli wine.
6. Iznik
A neighbourhood gem that's been serving authentic Turkish cuisine since 1989, Iznik feels like stepping into an Istanbul family home. Named after the ancient Turkish city famous for its ceramics, the restaurant showcases beautiful Iznik pottery throughout its cosy space.
Their slow-cooked lamb shank falls off the bone with the slightest touch, swimming in a rich tomato sauce spiked with cinnamon. Don't miss the manti – tiny handmade dumplings filled with spiced lamb and topped with garlicky yoghurt and burnt butter.
What makes Iznik special is its staying power in a city where restaurants come and go. The same family has run it for decades, preserving recipes passed down through generations.
7. Kebab Queen
Beneath the casual Maison Bab in Covent Garden lies London's most exclusive kebab experience. Kebab Queen offers a theatrical 10-course tasting menu for just 10 diners at a time, seated around a heated counter where chefs prepare everything before your eyes.
Forget plates – dishes are served directly onto the custom-made counter. The foie gras kebab might sound outrageous, but it perfectly represents chef Manu Canales' approach: taking kebab traditions and elevating them to fine dining heights.
The intimate space feels like a secret culinary society, with diners encouraged to eat with their hands. It's pricey but offers a completely unique experience that challenges everything you thought you knew about kebabs.
8. Mangal 1
This no-frills Turkish grill in Dalston has been drawing crowds since 1990. Artists Gilbert & George famously eat here nearly every night, cementing Mangal 1's reputation as both a culinary and cultural institution.
The secret to their success? Simplicity. Perfectly seasoned meats cooked over real charcoal, served with fresh salads and warm bread. Their adana kebab – hand-chopped lamb mixed with red peppers and chilli – has a perfect balance of fat, spice and smoke.
The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, with the sizzle and smoke from the open grill providing dinner theatre. It's BYOB too, making it one of London's best value Middle Eastern feasts.
9. Ottolenghi
While not strictly a restaurant, no list of London's Middle Eastern food destinations would be complete without Yotam Ottolenghi's eponymous delis. His Islington flagship sparked a revolution in London's food scene when it opened in 2002.
The display counters groan with colourful salads that have made Ottolenghi's name synonymous with Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine. Rose-scented meringues tower alongside tahini brownies in the pastry section. Everything looks like it belongs in a glossy food magazine.
The small eat-in area offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes. Ottolenghi's greatest achievement may be how he's brought ingredients like za'atar, sumac and pomegranate molasses into British home kitchens.
10. The Barbary
Named after the Barbary Coast (the region encompassing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya), this tiny Neal's Yard restaurant has been collecting accolades since opening in 2016. The horseshoe-shaped counter wraps around the open kitchen, giving all 24 diners front-row seats to the culinary action.
Their naan bread, baked to order in a clay oven and slathered with butter, has achieved legendary status. Pair it with the rich, smoky aubergine dish known as 'hashcake' for a transcendent experience.
The no-reservations policy means queues are inevitable, but the vibrant atmosphere and theatrical cooking make waiting worthwhile. Come early or be prepared to enjoy a drink in the colourful courtyard while you wait.
11. The Palomar
The Palomar brings the contemporary food scene of Jerusalem to the heart of Soho with dishes influenced by Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. The restaurant's front section features a zinc-topped bar where chefs prepare dishes with theatrical flair.
Their kubaneh bread – a Yemeni pot-baked delight served with tahini and velvet tomatoes – is worth the visit alone. The polenta Jerusalem-style with asparagus, mushroom ragout and parmesan has converted countless polenta sceptics.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially at the counter where chefs chat with diners while mixing cocktails and plating dishes. Background music ranges from Israeli folk to contemporary beats, creating a party vibe that's distinctly un-British.
12. Yeni
Chef Civan Er brought his acclaimed Istanbul restaurant concept to London with Yeni, showcasing a contemporary take on Turkish cuisine that goes far beyond kebabs. The elegant Soho space balances minimalist design with warmth – much like the food itself.
The mantı dumplings filled with dried aubergine and served with sour cherry sauce demonstrate Er's innovative approach to tradition. His famed 'fava' – a broad bean pâté topped with pickled green tomatoes – offers a perfect balance of creamy and sharp flavours.
The wine list deserves special mention for its focus on Turkish varieties rarely seen in London. Staff are passionate about introducing diners to these indigenous grapes that perfectly complement the food.
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