Yalla Yalla

"Here’s a likely conversation: “Where should we meet?”, “I dunno, central”. Ah yes, Fitzrovia is to friendships what Clapham Junction is to trains. All pals are going to pass through here at some point, and when you do, head to Yalla Yalla. This Beirut spot has a long menu of classics like lamb kibbeh, moussaka, and tahini. But this place really comes into its own when sharing, with mezze feast set menus and shawarma platters, plus cosy interiors which make it prime casual catch-up material. " - team infatuation

"This lively, affordable Soho eatery sets the benchmark for Beirut-style street fare in London. Load up on the classics like labneh and batata harra — spicy sautéed potatoes that do well from extra harissa. Shawarma may well be found all over London, but the chain restaurant’s breadless chicken version is an institution all on its own. Wash it all down with their extensive wine list from the Bekaa Valley; Lebanon’s historic wine region." - Salma Haidrani

"You’ve spent four days playing an elaborate new game with your child called Pass The Hand Sanitizer, you deserve to sit down and eat some great hummus and a must-order halloumi wrap. This Lebanese spot in Fitzrovia has a long menu of classics like falafel, moussaka, and tahini. Their mezze platter is also a great shout if you want something sorted for lunch tomorrow too." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"Here’s a likely conversation: ‘where should we meet?’ ‘I dunno. Central?’. Oh yes. Fitzrovia is to friendships what Clapham Junction is to trains. All pals are going to pass through there at some point, and when you do, you should head to Yalla Yalla. This Beirut spot has a long, long menu full of classics like lamb kibbeh, moussaka, and tahini. But, where this place really comes into its own is sharing, with everything from their mezze feast set menu to their shawarma platters, to their cosy interiors, make it prime casual catch up material. Head for a big table, invite everyone you like (hell, invite that smart ass you’d rather not, it means you can get an extra portion of the lamb skewers) and see just how much Beirut sangria you can get through on a school night." - Heidi Lauth Beasley