Beit el Zaytoun Harlesden

This has to be one of the best Lebanese restaurants in London. I went with my wife, we had Sambusek lahma (fried pastry with spiced meat inside) and Soujouk (spiced sausages submerged in a nice tomato and lemon sauce) for starters and then shared one of the dishes listed under the home kitchen section on the menu: Kibbeh bil Laban, amazing plate with rice, yogurt, pine nuts and the “Kibbeh” (minced beef, deep fried inside bulgur wheat oval shaped pieces). Delicious, this is made the proper way (I have tried Kibbeh elsewhere, and this is the way). The fresh juices deserve a special mention too, I had Melon and my wife Pineapple and they were delicious. I specially found the Melon one to be exceptionally good. I will definitely come back and will recommend this to all my friends.

The breakfast was really nice with generous portions. My favorite was definitely the halloumi, which stood out the most. The seating area is also very pleasant, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.

I’ve been here a few times, and it always delivers a warm and authentic Lebanese experience. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, with a lovely terrace offering a nice view. The décor, music, and overall vibes really capture Lebanon…it feels like home away from home. Service is excellent; the staff are friendly, quick, engaging, and professional. On my last visit, I tried the chicken shawarma Tabliye and the grilled chicken Tabliye, along with tabbouleh, cheese rolls, fresh juices, and ended with sticky toffee cake and ice cream. I also had shisha. The grilled chicken Tabliye was outstanding! It was perfectly balanced with that delicious charcoal-grilled aftertaste. The shawarma was okay but a little dry, and unfortunately the tabbouleh was disappointing: too dry, lacking lemon and oil, and served in a small portion. The cheese rolls were tasty, the sticky toffee cake was better than expected, and the shisha was decent, though not the best out there. Overall, it’s a great spot to pass by for authentic Lebanese food, good vibes, and even live entertainment on some nights. Prices are on the higher side, but the experience and atmosphere make it worth considering.