Fairuz

"Fairuz in Marylebone 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. The tightly packed room teeters 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 charm. The chef specials, like slow-roast lamb knuckle fatteh and comforting makloobeh, will have you returning." - daisy meager, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, heidi lauth beasley, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak, jake missing, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, sinead cranna, jake

"At Fairuz in Marylebone, the lighting is low, the nooks are plentiful, and the lamb knuckle fatteh will dominate all conversation as soon as it lands on your table. The menu has a mix of classics that you’ll find at most Lebanese restaurants, as well as some specials like the makloobeh which has melting aubergine and pieces of lamb that a newborn could chew. Meet an old friend for thick, creamy hummus and crispy falafel, and dissect the same situation you’ve discussed 100 times before." - heidi lauth beasley, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"At Fairuz, the lighting is low, the nooks are plentiful, and the aubergine fatteh will steal your date’s attention. This Marylebone spot is a great little place to know about when you want warm charm and to scoop superior, nutty hummus into your face—or theirs—with warm pitta. The menu has a mix of classics that you’ll find at most Lebanese restaurants, but at Fairuz they’re a cut above. " - rianne shlebak, jake missing, sinead cranna

"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

"We get teary-eyed whenever we think about this romantic Lebanese restaurant on Blandford Street. The rustic walls and candlelight make it charming enough that there’s the possibility we’d fall in love with Severus Snape if he took us to dinner here. The cosy front section of Fairuz teeters into ‘accidentally dipping your pitta in the next table's moutabal’ territory, which is fine if you’re in a group. But if you’re hoping to seduce someone over creamy aubergine fatteh, head there early to snag the hidden-away back corner." - rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna