"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. 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 Hummus is all pretty much the same, right? Wrong, this hummus is superior. Thick, nutty, and with a hit of citrussy tang—this is a must for the table. The soft, warm pitta that comes alongside is a welcome scooping vehicle. Batata Harra Crispy potato cubes, fried and coated in a spicy, parsley seasoning, are a moreish snack that are great to get if you’re in a group. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Grilled Aubergine Salad This salad left our eyes wide and our taste buds wide awake. The grilled aubergine is so soft we might not know it was there if it wasn’t for the smoky flavour. Plus the lemon and garlic dressing makes it the kind of salad that you gravitate back to throughout your meal. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Lamb Arayes Our experience of lamb arayes has never been something to write home about. But the minced lamb-filled Lebanese bread here, that’s grilled until crispy and drizzled with nutty tahini, is the best one we’ve ever tried. It’s our favourite starter and the tahini and chilli oil dip that comes on the side is something you should keep for when the mains arrive. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Aubergine Fatteh The chunks of aubergine require minimal chewing and the chickpeas, although softened, keep their shape and add a nice bite to the garlicky, yoghurty dish. Served with buttery, almond-topped vermicelli rice, this might be our favourite fatteh in London. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Lamb Knuckle Fatteh A real looker, this meat-heavy fatteh is one to share. The slow-roasted lamb on the bone gives up quicker than us on a treadmill. And the pool of garlic-heavy yoghurt it’s swimming in goes perfectly on top of the buttery rice. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Makloobeh A traditional Lebanese dish that means “upside down”, makloobeh is a rice dish with soft lamb fillets and slices of fried aubergine that even a newborn could chew. Don’t leave without trying this." - Rianne Shlebak
