The Palomar

"The Palomar is an octopus-hummus-charged party on the edge of Chinatown. You might have to put your name down for a seat if you haven’t made a booking at the Middle Eastern spot, but there are plenty of top pubs to wait in nearby. And it’ll be totally worth it once you’re on your fourth glass of orange wine, dipping a chunk of kubaneh bread in tahini, and bonding with the bartenders over just how tasty the falafel is.  " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak

"75% of The Palomar is counter seating—and that’s how you know it’s the place to be. One picante very easily turns into three at this lively Middle Eastern spot on the edge of Chinatown, and it’s one of our favourite restaurants to smell, watch, and eat the action. Watch the springy kubaneh bread rise in front of you, or a chargrilled chicken be sliced and plopped onto labneh. The menu changes regularly, but a luscious flow of tahini is guaranteed." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak

"The flavours of Jerusalem have found a home in the heart of London’s theatreland, thanks to this stylish and deservedly popular restaurant. A zinc kitchen counter runs back to an intimate, wood-panelled dining room, which is filled with an almighty bustle. Like the atmosphere, the cooking is inviting and invigorating, with the good value dishes including fabulous fresh breads, superior dips and a range of produce cooked over fire." - Michelin Inspector

"Because you went for ‘a couple’ of drinks after work. 7:32pm: “I’m just gonna have a quick drink with work people because Flora/Tim/the guy from Tesco on the corner is leaving, so I’ll give you a call in a bit and we’ll get dinner”. 10:52pm: “Sorrrrry my pjhone died, am gona head back way now whjat do u fancy to eat?? Xzz”. 2:27am: “WHy aren’t youu picking ipppp????”. 1:01pm: “Sorry about last night. Got a bit out of hand. Very annoying I know. I’ve booked The Palomar for dinner tonight. It’s meant to be very nice. Sharing plates thing. Give me a call when you can, x”. Make up meal:Shakshukit (to get you out of it), octo-hummus, malabi." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"For when you and your broken heart have been hiding from the general public. It’s been seven hours and fifteen days. That’s a collective 367 hours of listening to Sinéad O’Conner in a mermaid blanket you Amazon Primed to your flat. Yes, the break up hit you hard, but it’s pretty much impossible to feel bad when you’re flying high at the bar at The Palomar. This Israeli sharing plates spot in Soho serves some seriously good dishes like octo-hummus, kubaneh, and sea trout tartare. But really it’s the atmosphere and loud tunes that’ll kick any memory of them saying ‘let’s still be friends’ out of your psyche for good. Come here with a couple of great friends, put your name down for a seat at the bar, get sucked into the drama of the buzzy open kitchen, and let The Palomar do the rest." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing