Beirut Knightsbridge

"Tucked away from the swarms of tourists on Brompton Road, Beirut Knightsbridge is a calm, snug little restaurant serving homely, satisfying Lebanese dishes. By 7pm, the quiet dining room turns into a buzzy, chatter-filled space where meat-topped hummus should be ordered in threes, and crispy arayes should be dipped straight into it. As well as the mezze, we’re fans of the lamb kabseh—a peppery rice dish with soft aubergine and tender lamb chunks—as well as their changing specials like the tangy kibbeh bil laban. Quiet dates work just as well here as a lively catch-up in a group. We’ve even been here when big, loud work dinners take up half of the restaurant—and we still had a good time. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Hoummos Kawarma Thick, creamy, and oh so smooth. This hummus is perfect as it is, and the soft, meaty lamb pieces make it even better. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Arayes The minced lamb in these crispy bread pockets is perfectly seasoned. Dip them in the hoummos and you’ve got the best mezze combo here. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Lamb Kabseh Peppery spiced rice with pieces of gooey aubergine, this is great before you even get to the lamb that breaks apart all by itself. Chances of whoever you’re with wanting a bite? 100%. Fattoush Fattoush should be tangy and sweet, and this salad is a little bland. We’d skip this." - Rianne Shlebak