London’s Middle Eastern food scene runs far deeper than the obvious late-night shawarma counters and viral hummus spots. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll uncover the best hidden restaurants in London that locals swear by – neighbourhood favourites serving everything from refined Persian grills to modern Israeli small plates and slow-cooked Levantine classics.
These restaurants prioritise flavour over hype. They’re the kind of places recommended quietly between friends, bookmarked by people who genuinely care about food, and revisited regularly for comfort, consistency, and serious culinary skill.
Best hidden restaurants in London that locals swear by – Middle Eastern edition
1. The Barbary – Neal’s Yard
Tucked inside colourful Neal’s Yard, The Barbary is intimate and counter-focused, with chefs cooking over charcoal in front of you.
The menu draws from North African and Eastern Mediterranean traditions, including Israeli influences. Expect pillowy breads, smoky aubergine, grilled octopus, and beautifully spiced lamb. It’s energetic but controlled, bold but balanced.
2. Kapara – Soho
Created by Israeli chef Eran Tibi, Kapara brings Tel Aviv vibrancy to Greek Street. The space is playful and lively, and the menu leans into bold sharing plates.
Whipped feta with honey, grilled prawns with harissa butter, and herb-loaded lamb dishes showcase Israeli flavours with a modern London edge. It’s colourful, confident, and full of personality.
3. Berenjak – Soho
Berenjak channels the spirit of Tehran’s kabab houses in a small, cosy Soho space.
Juicy koobideh kebabs, saffron-scented rice, and silky yoghurt-based dips dominate the menu. The charcoal grill is the star, and everything arrives fragrant, warm, and deeply satisfying.
4. Hiba Express – Holborn
Hiba Express offers Palestinian and Levantine cooking in a relaxed, contemporary setting just off High Holborn. It’s less formal than some Edgware Road institutions, but just as rooted in tradition.
Expect generous mezze spreads, musakhan with sumac and caramelised onions, creamy hummus topped with spiced lamb, and freshly baked flatbreads. It’s vibrant, affordable, and genuinely flavour-driven.
5. The Cedar – Maida Vale
A long-standing Lebanese favourite in West London, The Cedar delivers comforting classics without fuss.
Creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, mixed grills, and warm bread arriving constantly at the table make it ideal for sharing. It’s generous, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious.
6. The Good Egg – Stoke Newington
Hidden in residential Stoke Newington, The Good Egg blends Tel Aviv-inspired dishes with creative brunch energy.
Shakshuka comes rich and spiced, sabich is layered with aubergine and tahini, and small plates lean heavily on fresh herbs and punchy sauces. It transitions easily from daytime café to relaxed evening spot.
7. Persepolis – Peckham
A true South London institution, Persepolis in Peckham focuses on Persian vegetarian and vegan cooking. It’s informal, colourful, and packed with character.
The mezze plates are vibrant and herb-heavy, stews are deeply comforting, and the aubergine dishes are especially strong. It feels like eating in someone’s home kitchen – relaxed, generous, and completely authentic.
8. Gallio – Canary Wharf
While Canary Wharf is known for chains, Gallio offers a more independent feel with strong Eastern Mediterranean influence. The focus is on fresh, produce-led dishes and open-fire cooking.
Expect za’atar flatbreads, grilled meats, vibrant salads, and creamy dips finished with quality olive oil. It’s spacious yet relaxed, making it a surprising hidden gem in an otherwise corporate area.
9. Le Bab – Covent Garden
Le Bab reimagines the classic kebab shop with a refined, chef-led approach. Tucked away in Covent Garden, it offers elevated Middle Eastern-inspired dishes without losing their street-food roots.
Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder wrapped in soft flatbread, cauliflower shawarma with tahini, and inventive small plates built around spice and smoke. It’s modern, creative, and far more polished than the name suggests.
10. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen – Soho
Founded by Syrian chef Imad Alarnab, this Soho restaurant brings heartfelt Syrian cooking into the heart of the city.
The mutabal is silky and smoky, lamb dumplings are delicately spiced, and slow-cooked stews are layered with warmth. There’s a strong sense of cultural pride throughout, which makes the experience feel personal rather than commercial.
Why these are the best hidden Middle Eastern restaurants in London that locals swear by
The defining feature across these restaurants is integrity. Recipes are respected. Spices are used properly. Bread is baked fresh. Grills are treated seriously.
They also show the full spectrum of Middle Eastern cuisine – Israeli, Persian, Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, and Eastern Mediterranean traditions all represented in different ways. London allows these identities to coexist, overlap, and evolve.
Most importantly, these places are sustained by regulars. They’re woven into their neighbourhoods, supported by word-of-mouth rather than hype. That’s what truly makes them the best hidden restaurants in London that locals swear by.
