London's Best Lebanese Restaurants

What began as founder Jamie Walters selling mezze treats from a cool box has now expanded into a handful of buzzing restaurants. Arabica graces the streets of London with food inspired by the valleys of Jordan, villages of Lebanon and the city of Beirut (to name only a few of the places that contribute to its kaleidoscopic influences). Located in Borough Market, tucked away under a bare brick Victorian railway arch is its South East outpost, slinging out hispi cabbage and feta fattoush (£10), Iraki-style aubergine with cashew tarator and sour mango pickle (£10), plus refreshing cocktails like a pistachio sour, made with hazelnut liqueur (£12). 

Established in 1998, Ishbilia has since been bringing authentic Lebanese cuisine to the streets of Knightsbridge with the largest menu of its kind in the city. It presents a luxurious dining space to devour its delights in, with dropped curtains, chandeliers and a private area perfect for intimate dinners and events. A mix of hot and cold mezze is available here, including moussaka batinjan, batrakh (fish roe drizzled with olive oil) and aromatic falafels, alongside tender skewers and lamb medallions cooked in an okra, garlic and coriander tomato stew.

Check out the unique Layalina - founded by Fadi Saliba, the restaurant reflects his Lebanese roots while adding contemporary twists to dishes. Dine in a gorgeous space full of soft golds and bright green foliage; slide into a tan leather booth and browse a menu that includes a mouthwatering slow-roasted whole lamb shoulder (£125) to share. Here you'll also find plates of spiced chicken liver, an array of juicy meats from the grill (think shawarma-spiced beef bavette steak), plus indulgent desserts such as a kataifi cream nest, made up of spun pastry and topped with pistachio. 

Look no further than Ceru in South Kensington and Queensway for delicious Levantine cuisine served in a cute setting. Derived from husband and wife duo Barry and Patricia Hilton's love of the cuisine and wanting to create a familiar place to eat away from home, it boasts a relaxed atmosphere and an open kitchen where you can catch a glimpse of fresh, flavoursome plates being whipped up. The seasonal menu boasts nearly 100 ingredients and 20 spices in the form of sharing dishes like tangy red pepper dips, crisp apple, mint and pomegranate salads and lamb shoulder that's been slow-roasted for five hours in a secret blend of twelve shawarma spices. Pair your meal with carefully selected wines or go for a signature cocktail, like a cucumber martini. 

Comptoir Libanais London Bridge is a stunning venue full of colour and top-tier Beirut bites. Located just outside the station, it boasts two floors complete with dangling, eclectic lampshades, vibrant seating and pretty blue railings with multi-coloured potted plants attached. Its food menu is as memorable as the decor, so why not head to one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Central London and share a mezze platter for just £24.95? You'll also be able to devour the likes of lamb kibbeh (£7.95), chicken koftas served with vermicelli rice (£16.45), plus an aubergine and chickpea tagine (£14.45). If you've got room for dessert, the baklawa selection is not to be missed. 

When it comes to looking for a standout Lebanese restaurant, North London wins with Maya Lounge. An intimately lit, ruby-red space awaits with flower arches and eclectic chandeliers dangling from its cave-like walls. The team behind delectable shawarma and its signature grilled baby chicken (farrouj musahab) have decades of culinary experience to their name and are professionally trained in the art of Middle Eastern cooking. You'll be spoilt for choice at this characterful haunt, with plates of moutabbal, plus sea bass marinated in garlic, olive oil and lemon. Unsure what to pick? The mixed grill of lamb and chicken might be calling.

Sohaila is more than just a delicious Lebanese restaurant and wine bar, but it's also a place offering culinary and hospitality training to help people rehabilitate, thanks to its creators Fat Macy's. Spread over two floors with a cosy basement wine bar and a ground-level, bright and airy eatery, this eatery promises cool small plates paired with delicious tipples. Prepare to wolf down the likes of labneh and chilli butter, deep-fried mussels with zhoug and lemon, plus lemon cream, raspberries and cardamom shortbread for dessert.