This lively, contemporary Lebanese Cafe offers a selection
of dishes that can be tailored to meet your needs. The premise is not perfect
but the food is colourful, fresh and most importantly, flexible.
The cheapest options on the menu are wraps, which is
unfortunate, but if you can eat wheat and not dairy, they are a great choice.
The lentil and vegetable soup, served without bread is the best gluten/dairy
free) starter.
At first glance
I was disappointed to find the Mezze platters came laden with problem foods in
the form of tabbouleh,(mint, parsley and bulgur wheat salad), a variety
of filled savoury pastries and labne (mint and chilli yoghurt.) I
thought I was going to have order a tagine, which with lamb and prunes sounded
lovely, but a little heavy for lunch. I was
relieved that when I explained my needs to the waitress she was willing to give
extra portions of edibles instead. I ended up with my own ‘mezze plate’ of hummus,
smoky aubergine baba Ghanuj, falafel and lentil salad. She also
served me some extra raw vegetables to replace the traditional flat or pitta bread
accompaniment. (Falafel are served with yoghurt, so be sure to request it without.)
The menu states
that all the tagines (slow cooked stews cooked in terracotta pots called
tagines) can be served with organic rice instead of couscous.
A great bonus of the restaurant is the opportunity to buy Middle Eastern cookery equipment such as
the aforementioned tagines when you have finished your meal. Also available are spices such as zaatar and sumac,
used in many of the dishes, as well as pomegranate syrups and rose water for re-creating that authentic Arabian feeling at home.
The drinks menu includes the delicious pomegranate and orange blossom Roomana lemonade, fresh juices for topping up your vitamin
count and mint tea to soothingly end your meal.
You
can eat a two course meal with a drink for under £20. Not bad for
central London.
Good for: Wheat free, dairy free, vegan.
Helpful staff and flexible menu
Good for: Wheat free, dairy free, vegan.
Helpful staff and flexible menu
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