Massis, the established Lebanese restaurant located in Sheldon Square, Paddington, has now fully reopened for indoor and outdoor dining, complete with a fresh look and new menu which concentrates on inclusive, convivial-style dining.
For the last 12 years, Massis has become a real institution in the capital, popular with both Londoners and tourists alike thanks to its authentic Lebanese food encompassing the cuisine’s colours, aromas, flavours, and textures.
Looking to a new era post lockdown, Massis has transformed both its menu and decor, championing a mezze-focused offering, served in contemporary and fun surroundings. Ideal for quick and buzzy lunches, and dinners that last well into the evening, the menu is designed to be shared and features a selection of well-loved Lebanese dishes, with vegan and gluten-free options also on offer.
Forgoing the classic three courses for small plates and mezze, divided into three easy to select sections – the cold and hot section followed by the fabulous grill menu. Enjoy the likes of: Tabouleh (Finely chopped parsley, tomato, fresh mint, crushed wheat, lemon juice and olive oil); Tzatziki (A refreshing mix of yogurt, finely chopped cucumber and a hint of mint with crispy pita bread); and Kibbeh Kras (Minced lamb meatballs mixed with cracked wheat, onion and pine nuts). While classic options, such as Hummus, Moutabal, and Falafel are available, new concept dishes are at the fore, such as Slow Cooked Pulled Beef, Tempura Fried Calamari, and Seabass Chunks.
The grill menu comprises Shawarma (Tender slices of marinated roast lamb, chicken or both); Shish Taouk (Chargrilled skewered cubes of marinated chicken breast with a homemade slaw and crunchy garlic); Kafta (Chargrilled marinated minced lamb skewers with a hint of spice) as well as the succulent Grilled Octopus and Grilled Soujouk (Spicy Armenian sausages with tahini sauce).
Drinks are also the star of the show, and feature classic serves as well as house-made libations. Guests can enjoy a number of new cocktails, like the El Diablo (Tequila, Crème de Cassis,
Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer); Devil’s Tongue (Tequila, Fresh Strawberries, Chilli, Crème de Menthe, Liome Juice, and Sugar Syrup); and El Pepino (Tequila Reposado, Cucumber, Coriander, Cointreau, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup, Egg White). Liquid refreshment also comes in the form of draught beer, with an extensive selection on tap, along with a range of Lebanese Wines, sourced from the famous Bekka Valley, which all pair beautifully with the new sharing plates.
With a new menu to boot, the decor has also been revamped. Fusing traditional features with modern touches, the restaurant is colourful and bold, featuring eye-catching marbled wallpaper and wooden tables and chairs, as well as an inviting bar area which is an ideal location to explore the Massis drinks list.
With its canalside location and large outdoor terrace, Massis is a fun and sociable restaurant, crafting good, honest Lebanese food by a team that is passionate about the produce they use, and the plates they create – Massis is certainly set for another exciting 12 years.
