Al Enam Acton

The ONLY Iraqi restaurant I will go to in London that is genuine, clean, not overly oily or an Iranian copycat! Delicious food from starters to mains then the compulsory Iraqi cardamon tea and kaahi (filo pastry with syrup and clotted cream). The kebab is delicious and I always take some of their frozen kebabs and kubbat halab home with me— my children adore these and they come out really well in the Air Fryer— plus the complimentary lentil soup is a highlight for me (so creamy, so simple and satisfying). The food is not overly saturated with oil, as I find in majority of other Iraqi (and Iranian) restaurants, which I find really off putting. I don’t get the complaints of small portions in some of the reviews, as I can eat most under the table, but have yet to finish my main and always end up with a doggy bag! With my tishreeb, I had at least one whole flat bread in the tomato sauce, an entire lamb shank (with the extra bits!), chickpeas, complimentary bread and pickles. I mean, more than that, it would need to be labelled as ‘for two’ surely. I do order sides too, like teboule and babaghanough, AND leave a little room for dessert, otherwise I’d need to be rolled out of the restaurant. The two elegant owners, who often sit at the entrance by the till, managing everything with a vigilant eye and a calm smile, are a reminder of the Iraq of before. Not whatever it is today. There’s a real mix of clientele, and the service is great (sincere and efficient). I’ve recommended this place to all who ask me where to sample Iraqi food. It is the next best thing after a home cooked meal.