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Last Updated On 07.10.2026
London has an exceptionally varied Middle Eastern food scene, ranging from Syrian family cooking and Lebanese charcoal grills to Iraqi specialities, Persian pastries, Palestinian sharing dishes and vegetable-led modern menus.
The best Middle Eastern food spots in London are not concentrated in one neighbourhood either.
Soho and Carnaby offer contemporary central-London choices, Edgware Road remains important for Lebanese food, Shepherd’s Bush has established Syrian dining, while Dalston, Kensington and Notting Hill add Turkish, Iraqi, Palestinian and Eastern Mediterranean options.
This updated guide focuses on places that are currently operating, represent different regional traditions and suit different budgets and occasions. Prices and opening hours can change, so it is sensible to check directly before making a special journey.
What Makes London Good for Middle Eastern Food?
London’s Middle Eastern dining scene is shaped by communities, independent restaurants and chefs representing many different culinary traditions.
Instead of offering one single style of food, the city provides everything from Lebanese mezze and Syrian home-style dishes to Persian desserts, Iraqi specialities, Turkish charcoal grills and Palestinian sharing plates.
Different neighbourhoods have also developed their own character. Edgware Road is closely associated with Lebanese and Arab restaurants, Shepherd’s Bush has several established Syrian businesses, while Dalston is known for Turkish grills and newer Eastern Mediterranean restaurants. Central London has increasingly added modern restaurants that reinterpret regional dishes for contemporary dining.
This variety means diners can choose between inexpensive takeaway meals, casual group dining, bakery visits, brunches and more polished restaurants for special occasions.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Middle Eastern Restaurant in London?
The best choice depends on the type of food and experience you want rather than simply selecting the most popular restaurant.
Cuisine matters because Lebanese, Syrian, Persian, Iraqi, Turkish and Palestinian dishes can differ significantly in ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation.
Price, location and dietary requirements should also be considered. Some restaurants specialise in halal grilled meats, while others focus heavily on vegetables, vegan dishes or sharing plates.
Opening hours are useful to check as well, particularly around Edgware Road and Dalston where some restaurants remain open considerably later than conventional London dining venues.
For groups, restaurants serving mezze and mixed grills often provide the best flexibility. Couples may prefer smaller modern restaurants, while diners on a limited budget can often find better value at bakeries, street-food venues and traditional charcoal grills.
How Were These Middle Eastern Food Spots Selected?
The selection considers cuisine, current operating status, neighbourhood, menu variety, value, vegetarian choice, suitability for groups and the type of dining experience offered.
It deliberately includes a bakery and more casual options because “food spots” should cover more than conventional sit-down restaurants.
It also avoids treating Middle Eastern food as a single cuisine. Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi, Persian, Palestinian and Turkish cooking each have their own dishes, ingredients and traditions.
Top 10 Middle Eastern Food Spots in London
| Food Spot | Area | Cuisine | Approx. Spend | Best For |
| Miznon | Soho | Eastern Mediterranean/Israeli street food | £20–£30 | Pitas and casual meals |
| Bubala Soho | Soho | Vegetarian Middle Eastern-inspired | £30–£50 | Vegetarians and sharing |
| Imad’s Syrian Kitchen | Carnaby | Syrian | £25–£40 | Syrian food and groups |
| Abu Zaad Shepherd’s Bush | Shepherd’s Bush | Syrian | £15–£30 | Grills and family meals |
| Assal Patisserie | Connaught Village | Persian bakery | £5–£15 | Pastries, tea and sweets |
| Al Arez Express | Edgware Road | Lebanese | £20–£35 | Mezze and late dining |
| Oren | Dalston | Eastern Mediterranean | £30–£60 | Date nights and brunch |
| Mangal 1 | Dalston | Turkish ocakbasi | £15–£30 | Charcoal-grilled kebabs |
| Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant | Kensington | Iraqi | £25–£50 | Iraqi dishes and groups |
| Akub Restaurant | Notting Hill | Palestinian | £40–£70 | Special occasions |
1. Miznon
Miznon works particularly well when the priority is flavour and convenience rather than a long formal meal.
The Soho branch centres much of its menu around fluffy pitas filled with meat, vegetables and sauces, alongside vegetable-led plates such as its well-known roasted cauliflower.
The atmosphere is energetic and casual, making it useful for lunch, a pre-theatre meal or an informal dinner with friends. Takeaway and collection also make it one of the more flexible central-London choices.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 8–12 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HW |
| Nearest Station | Oxford Circus |
| Price | Roughly £20–£30 per person |
| Hours | Sun–Wed 12pm–9pm, Thu–Sat 12pm–10pm |
| Booking | Reservations and walk-ins |
| Dietary Note | Vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Gluten-free options exist, but there is no gluten-free pita |
What to order: Start with a filled pita and add a vegetable dish for sharing. Diners interested specifically in this culinary style can also explore other Israeli restaurants in London.
Miznon is strongest for people who want a fast, lively meal without falling back on a conventional takeaway.
2. Bubala
Bubala takes a different approach because vegetables are not simply alternatives to meat; they are the centre of the menu. Middle Eastern flavours, tahini, spices, fermented ingredients and seasonal produce are used across plates designed to be passed around the table.
The Soho restaurant is one of several London locations, and both vegetarian and dedicated vegan menu options are available.
This makes Bubala particularly useful for groups where plant-based diners want a complete dining experience rather than a limited selection of side dishes.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 15 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 8PR |
| Nearest Station | Oxford Circus |
| Price | Roughly £30–£50 per person |
| Hours | Lunch and dinner Mon–Fri, continuous service Sat, Sun until around 10pm |
| Booking | Table reservations available |
| Dietary Note | Fully vegetarian concept with dedicated vegan menus. Check directly for specific gluten-free requirements |
What to order: Build the meal around dips, breads, seasonal vegetables and the kitchen’s mushroom dishes rather than ordering individual mains.
Bubala is one of the clearest choices for vegetarian or vegan diners who still want the sociable sharing style associated with Middle Eastern meals.
3. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen brings a specifically Syrian menu to the top floor of Kingly Court. Mezze such as hummus, labneh, muhammara, falafel and baba ganoush can be followed by grilled chicken, lamb, kofta or vegetable-led mains.
The restaurant is particularly useful for diners who want to try several dishes rather than committing to one large main course. Breakfast also introduces Syrian dishes that are less common on generic Middle Eastern restaurant menus.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Top Floor, Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW |
| Nearest Station | Oxford Circus |
| Price | Roughly £25–£40 per person |
| Hours | Mon–Wed 8:30am–9:30pm, Thu–Fri until 10pm, Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm |
| Booking | Reservations available |
| Dietary Note | Strong vegetarian choice. Confirm halal, vegan and gluten-free requirements directly |
What to order: Sharing several mezze before adding lamb, chicken or a regional speciality provides a broader introduction to the kitchen.
Its central location and sharing-friendly menu also make it practical for groups meeting in Soho or Carnaby.
4. Abu Zaad
Abu Zaad should be associated with Shepherd’s Bush, rather than incorrectly presented as an Edgware Road restaurant. Its Uxbridge Road location specialises in Syrian food, including mezze, grilled meats and dishes suited to communal family-style meals.
The format is traditional and approachable rather than design-led. Generous grills, hummus, bread and hot and cold starters make it particularly practical for groups who want to order several dishes for the table.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 29 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LH |
| Nearest Station | Shepherd’s Bush / Shepherd’s Bush Market |
| Price | Roughly £15–£30 per person |
| Hours | Generally from around 11am daily. Confirm closing time before travelling |
| Booking | Call ahead or visit as a walk-in |
| Dietary Note | Halal dining is reported and pork is not served, but confirm current requirements directly if certification is important |
What to order: Mezze followed by charcoal-grilled meat creates one of the most representative ways to experience the menu with a group.
For diners prioritising halal choices across the capital, there are additional options among these halal restaurants in London.
5. Assal Patisserie
Assal broadens the list beyond restaurants. This longstanding Persian bakery sells pastries, biscuits, cakes, Persian ice cream, teas and specialist grocery items from its Connaught Street shop.
It is particularly useful after lunch or dinner when a full restaurant meal is unnecessary. Saffron, pistachio, rosewater and cardamom feature strongly across Persian desserts and drinks, giving visitors a very different experience from the kebabs, mezze and shawarma found elsewhere.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 14 Connaught Street, London W2 2AF |
| Nearest Station | Edgware Road |
| Price | Roughly £5–£15 per person |
| Hours | Open daily. Check current hours before travelling |
| Booking | Mainly suited to walk-ins, café visits and takeaway |
| Dietary Note | Check individual pastries for dairy, gluten, nuts and vegan suitability |
What to order: Try a saffron-based cake or Persian pastry with tea, then consider ice cream or sweets to take away.
Assal is the strongest choice here when the objective is Persian desserts rather than another full savoury meal.
6. Al Arez Express
Edgware Road remains one of London’s most recognisable areas for Lebanese and wider Arab dining, and Al Arez Express provides an accessible way to experience it.
The menu follows the familiar Lebanese pattern of cold mezze, hot starters, salads, grilled meats and dishes designed for sharing. Long opening hours are another advantage for visitors looking for food later in the evening than many conventional restaurants serve.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 132 Edgware Road, London W2 2DZ |
| Nearest Station | Edgware Road |
| Price | Roughly £20–£35 per person |
| Hours | Approximately 8am–midnight |
| Booking | Booking available, with casual dining also practical |
| Dietary Note | Halal. Numerous vegetarian mezze are available. Confirm gluten-free and vegan requirements directly |
What to order: Combine hummus or baba ghanoush with tabbouleh and a mixed grill rather than choosing only one main course.
Anyone specifically comparing Lebanese dining can explore more Lebanese restaurants in London without repeating the same Edgware Road recommendation.
7. Oren
Oren is a neighbourhood restaurant on Shacklewell Lane built around Eastern Mediterranean sharing plates and charcoal cooking. Seasonal vegetables, grilled meat or fish and smaller plates make it more contemporary than a traditional grill restaurant.
It also operates weekend brunch, which gives diners another reason to visit beyond dinner. The intimate dining room suits couples and smaller groups especially well.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 89 Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EB |
| Nearest Station | Dalston Kingsland |
| Price | Roughly £30–£60 per person |
| Hours | Tue–Sun evenings, generally 6pm–11pm, with weekend brunch service |
| Booking | Reservations available for smaller groups |
| Dietary Note | Dietary choices vary with the seasonal menu. Confirm halal, vegan and gluten-free requirements before booking |
What to order: Choose several dishes from the charcoal-grill and vegetable sections so the meal reflects the restaurant’s sharing format.
Oren is a strong option for people looking for a more intimate East London meal rather than a large traditional restaurant experience.
8. Mangal 1
Mangal 1 adds an important Turkish dimension to the guide. The Dalston restaurant is centred on ocakbasi cooking, where skewered meat is grilled directly over charcoal.
The experience is intentionally unfussy. Kebabs, grilled chicken, lamb, meze, salads and breads make it particularly suitable for people who care more about smoky cooking and generous portions than elaborate presentation.
It also works well for groups because larger platters allow several meats and sides to be shared.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 10 Arcola Street, London E8 2DN |
| Nearest Station | Dalston Kingsland |
| Price | Roughly £15–£30 per person |
| Hours | Around 12pm–midnight most days, with later service on some weekends |
| Booking | Primarily walk-in |
| Dietary Note | Halal meat is widely reported, but confirm current status directly. Vegetarian dishes are available |
What to order: Adana-style kebab, lamb or chicken from the grill with several meze dishes gives the clearest introduction.
It is a strong option when the meal is about charcoal cooking, value and a busy neighbourhood atmosphere rather than a formal dinner.
9. Samad Al Iraqi
Samad Al Iraqi fills one of the biggest gaps in many London Middle Eastern food lists by representing Iraqi cuisine specifically.
The menu includes Iraqi grills alongside dishes such as masgouf-style fish, quzi, dolma and other traditional preparations.
This makes it useful for diners who have already tried Lebanese or Syrian food and want to explore a different part of the region’s cooking.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 284–286 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NZ |
| Nearest Station | Kensington Olympia |
| Price | Roughly £25–£50 per person |
| Hours | Generally afternoons and evenings on weekdays, with earlier service at weekends |
| Booking | Reservations and walk-ins |
| Dietary Note | Halal options are reported, with vegetarian and vegan choices. Confirm individual dishes and gluten-free needs |
What to order: Look beyond the standard mixed grill and consider an Iraqi speciality such as quzi, dolma or fish.
Samad is particularly worthwhile for groups because a larger table makes it easier to sample several distinctly Iraqi dishes.
10. Akub
Akub completes the list with a distinctly Palestinian identity. The restaurant uses traditional Palestinian recipes and ingredients while presenting them through a contemporary London dining format.
Sharing remains central. Dishes draw on ingredients including sumac, za’atar, pomegranate and regional spices. Its polished Notting Hill setting and higher price point make it more suited to a planned dinner or special occasion than a quick weekday meal.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 27 Uxbridge Street, London W8 7TQ |
| Nearest Station | Notting Hill Gate |
| Price | Roughly £40–£70+ per person |
| Hours | Tue–Sat lunch and dinner, with Sunday daytime service |
| Booking | Reservations recommended |
| Dietary Note | Vegetarian dishes are available. Confirm halal, vegan and gluten-free requirements directly |
What to order: Choose dishes that are specifically Palestinian rather than defaulting to familiar hummus-and-grill combinations.
Akub is best suited to diners who want to explore Palestinian cooking as its own culinary tradition in a more occasion-led setting.
Street Food, Takeaway, Bakeries and Late-Night Options
Middle Eastern food in London extends well beyond conventional restaurants. Miznon demonstrates the street-food side through loaded pitas, while Assal offers an entirely different experience based around Persian bakery products and sweets.
Edgware Road is useful for longer opening hours, takeaway, shawarma, grills and casual dining, while Turkish restaurants around Dalston provide another strong option later in the evening.
For a broader look at informal eating around the capital, these London street-food spots cover markets and casual food beyond Middle Eastern cuisine.
What Should First-Time Diners Order?
For Lebanese or Syrian food, sharing is usually the easiest way to experience more of the menu. Start with contrasting mezze such as hummus, muhammara, moutabal or baba ghanoush, add a salad such as tabbouleh or fattoush, then share a grilled meat or regional speciality.
At a Turkish ocakbasi, focus more heavily on charcoal-grilled kebabs, bread and meze. Iraqi cooking deserves a different approach again, with dishes such as masgouf, quzi and dolma offering more regional character than simply ordering another mixed grill.
Persian pastries often use saffron, rosewater, cardamom and pistachio, while Palestinian cooking may feature sumac, za’atar, olive oil and dishes with their own specific regional history.
Final Thoughts
The strongest Middle Eastern food spots in London are varied enough that one ranking cannot capture every dining need.
Imad’s and Abu Zaad represent Syrian cooking in very different settings, Al Arez keeps traditional Lebanese dining accessible around Edgware Road, and Samad Al Iraqi introduces dishes that are still underrepresented in many London restaurant guides.
Mangal 1 is the choice for Turkish charcoal grilling, Assal covers the Persian bakery tradition, Bubala puts vegetables first, while Oren and Akub suit more considered meals.
That variety is what makes exploring London neighbourhood by neighbourhood worthwhile. Diners interested in lesser-known places beyond one cuisine can also browse these hidden restaurants in London for further ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Find Good Shawarma in London?
Edgware Road and Shepherd’s Bush are strong areas to start. Al Arez Express is convenient for Lebanese food around Edgware Road, while Abu Zaad offers Syrian dishes in Shepherd’s Bush.
Is Edgware Road Good for Middle Eastern Food?
Yes. Edgware Road has a longstanding concentration of Lebanese and wider Arab restaurants, cafés, bakeries and late-opening businesses, making it one of London’s most practical areas for Middle Eastern dining.
Are There Cheap Middle Eastern Food Spots in London?
Yes, particularly when choosing wraps, kebabs, bakery items or casual grills instead of destination restaurants. Mangal 1, Assal and selected dishes at Abu Zaad are among the more budget-conscious options in this list.
Which Middle Eastern Restaurant Is Best for Vegetarians?
Bubala is the clearest choice because its entire concept is vegetable-led and it provides vegetarian and vegan menus. Traditional Lebanese and Syrian restaurants can also provide substantial vegetarian mezze selections.
Where Can I Find Halal Middle Eastern Food in London?
Al Arez identifies its food as halal. Abu Zaad, Mangal 1 and Samad Al Iraqi also have halal food reported, but diners who require particular certification should always confirm the current position directly before ordering.
Which London Areas Are Best for Middle Eastern Food?
Edgware Road is particularly strong for Lebanese and Arab food, Soho and Carnaby have more contemporary restaurants, Shepherd’s Bush offers established Syrian cooking, and Dalston is useful for Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean food.
Do Middle Eastern Restaurants in London Require Booking?
It depends on the venue. Akub, Oren, Bubala and Imad’s are safer to reserve in advance, particularly for evenings and weekends, whereas bakeries, casual grills and some Edgware Road restaurants are easier to approach as walk-ins.
