LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Fairuz
Included In
Fairuz is the epitome of a Great Little Place. Within three weeks of having our first meal here, we made plans to bring everyone we know to this rustic, charming restaurant in Marylebone. The family-run spot is a place where friends bring friends who will inevitably become regulars, and couples cosy up while sharing some of London’s best Lebanese food in the cave-like nooks.
Snag the hidden-away back corner if you need to spill some tea over makloobeh. Because the front of the dimly lit restaurant is as cosy as you can get, teetering into ‘accidentally dipping your pitta in the next table's moutabal’ territory. But with Fairuz—the iconic Lebanese singer and namesake—playing in the background, it all adds to the homely, warm charm. Sure it’s not ideal if you’re on a first date and want some privacy. But you shouldn’t bring a first date here anyway. You don’t want to run the risk of them falling in love with Fairuz and bumping into them if things don’t work out between you two.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
The menu has a mix of classics that you’ll find at every Edgware Road spot—but they’re a cut above. Just one spoonful of the creamy aubergine fatteh is evidence enough that the food is excellent. The chef’s specials hit the perfect sweet spot between tasting home-cooked but feeling special enough to pay £20 for. So don’t come and order the dependable grilled baby chicken. Go for the tangy, nutty kibbeh b’laban—a minced lamb-stuffed ball in a garlicky yoghurt sauce—that’s not easy to find on restaurant menus in London. There are enough exciting things to keep you coming back, and have you planning your second and third date with Fairuz before you’ve even left.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Hummus
Batata Harra
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Aubergine Salad
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Lamb Arayes
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Aubergine Fatteh
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Lamb Knuckle Fatteh
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch