In keeping with my school friends’ tapas catch-ups, I opted for a Turkish take on mezze. A contemporary restaurant jointly run by Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie, Oklava pulls fantastic Turkish cuisine outside of the typical kebab shops of East London into a fun, trendy dining spot that oozes contemporary chic. One of my favourite … Continue reading Oklava
Category: Middle Eastern Inspiration
Peckham Bazaar
Although originally a pop-up, Peckham Bazaar has - luckily for us - become a permanent fixture. Now they're back and more of my friends are moving to south London, I’m eager to explore neighbourhood restaurants and up-and-coming foodie hotspots; Artusi, Pop Brixton, Ali Baba's Juice, Tooting's Mud, and Streatham's Hood/Brooks & Gao are also on … Continue reading Peckham Bazaar
Pilpel
Without doubt, Pilpel has to be the best falafel that I’ve tried in London. It’s even on About Time Magazine’s top London falafel (http://www.abouttimemagazine.co.uk/food/top-10-best-falafel-in-london/). Having luncheoned and dined(!) here on numerous occasions, with friends and even Partners at a City law firm, a review is in order. Describing itself as “Fresh, Healthy Food”, Pilpel is … Continue reading Pilpel
Tas Pide
Tucked away in the back streets of Southwark, Tas Pide is the sister-restaurant of the popular Tas. But there's one big difference that this sibling offers: Turkish pizza. Typically for a Saturday evening, this meant that the restaurant was heaving, so I was relieved that my friend had booked us a table. Or should I … Continue reading Tas Pide
Foley’s
A soft launch of a restaurant set up by an ex-Palomar chef – how could I miss out?! Foley’s is brought together by Head Chef Mitz Vora who joined from his position as Sous Chef at The Palomar. Following a successful six-week pop-up (at Foley’s Tasting Kitchen) in Shepherds Bush, the team opened their permanent … Continue reading Foley’s
Koshari Street at the Real Food Market, Southbank
Before heading out for an evening of jazz – the ideal way to unwind on a Friday night - my companion and I wanted to grab a quick bite to eat. As her train was arriving into Waterloo, we thought we’d opt for something in the vicinity. Aside from the usual and uninspiring chains lining … Continue reading Koshari Street at the Real Food Market, Southbank
Palomar
The latest in the recent wave of Jewish-inspired eateries, Palomar brings Middle Eastern cuisine to the heart of theatreland. This Soho newcomer has its roots in the trendy, high-end Jerusalem restaurant, Machneyuda, owned by London-based DJ Layo Paskin. Buzzy and young, it has made a name for itself by serving traditional Israeli dishes with international … Continue reading Palomar
The Barbary
As the sibling of Palomar – an offshoot of one of Israel’s trendiest restaurants Machneyuda - the Barbary has long been on my restaurant "to-go-to" list. So when faced with the task of picking the dining spot for a Christmas dinner with my school friends, this place immediately sprung to mind. Indeed, it’s probably one … Continue reading The Barbary
Babaji Pide
The latest addition to Alan Yau’s Soho emporium is Babaji, offering varied Turkish food in the heart of the capital. As the force behind London’s most influential Asian restaurants, from Wagamama and Busbaba Eathai, to Hakkasan and Yuatcha, this successor is a radical departure from his Oriental ventures. From his expertise in noodle bars, dim … Continue reading Babaji Pide
Arabica Bar & Kitchen
Middle Eastern small plates are my favourite: with fragrant spicing and Ottolenghian-inspired ingredients, sharing fantastically prepared Levantine mezze is always great fun. With its fashionable buzz and lively energy, Arabica joins the wave of new Middle Eastern eateries offering such a spread. Having had a successful stall in Borough Market and other food markets for … Continue reading Arabica Bar & Kitchen
Yumtini 