Al Waha Lebanese Restaurant
About.com Rating
The Bottom Line
Al Waha serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques to prepare the dishes.
Dining is on 2 levels in this welcoming restaurant. The exclusive artworks on the walls are by a renowned Syrian calligrapher who exhibited at the British Museum in 2006. Soft Lebanese music in the background whisks you away from your hectic London schedule.
As the choice is so large, I would suggest you look at the menu before visiting but still have an open mind for the chef's recommendations.
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Pros
Cons
Description
Guide Review - Al Waha Lebanese Restaurant
Although there is an extensive wine list, I dined at lunchtime so chose fruit juice which was freshly squeezed.
Mohammed Alden is the owner and head chef and is happy to discuss ingredients and cooking methods with you. We asked Mohamed to choose a mezze selection for us which I would strongly recommend. He made sure to check any dietary preferences before bringing a large selection of dishes. He told me the best way to enjoy his middle-Eastern food is to come in a group of 6-8 people so you can all order 1 or 2 starters and try each others.
Freshly baked flat breads are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious hummous. See the Al Waha recipes to learn how to make the perfect hummous. (You must skin the chickpeas.)
After the silky hummous, my favorite dish was the Muhamarah which is a combination of crushed nuts and spices.
My friend really enjoyed the Hummous Shawarma (hummous and lamb) and the Moujaddara Bil Zait (lentils, spices, with caramelized onions and almonds).
The falafels look like mini muffins cut in half, topped with sesame seeds. It was explained to us that they are prepared in molds then cut in half before being deep fried. This ensures they are crispy all over.
One day I will manage a main course at Al Waha but for now I think I'll stick with starters from their huge selection then I can leave space for Baklawa for dessert! Who can resist these Lebanese treats which are so sweet but so tasty? My partner was furious I didn't bring any home when he discovered Al Waha have a take-out menu. If you are staying locally they can also deliver for free.
Visit Their Website
The Bottom Line
Al Waha serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques to prepare the dishes.
Dining is on 2 levels in this welcoming restaurant. The exclusive artworks on the walls are by a renowned Syrian calligrapher who exhibited at the British Museum in 2006. Soft Lebanese music in the background whisks you away from your hectic London schedule.
As the choice is so large, I would suggest you look at the menu before visiting but still have an open mind for the chef's recommendations.
Visit Their Website
Pros
- Best hummous you'll ever taste!
- Freshest ingredients
- Welcoming staff
- A calm oasis from London's busy lifestyle
- Large groups welcome
Cons
- No baby highchairs
- Steep stairs to rest rooms
Description
- Address:
Al Waha Restaurant
75 Westbourne Grove
Notting Hill
London
W2 4UL - Nearest Tube Stations:
- Bayswater
- Queensway
- Telephone:
020 7229 0806
Fax:
020 7229 5161 - Al Waha is famous for its light and fluffy hummous. The silky texture is better than any hummous you've tasted before.
- Official Web Site:
www.alwaharestaurant.com - Al Waha has won numerous awards including being in the "Top Ten Restaurants in London" in the London Restaurant Guide, 2006.
- Fresh ingredients and traditional techniques are used to prepare the dishes.
- A bowl of fresh vegetables is brought to your table with your meal so you can see the quality of the produce used.
- Wonderful attention to detail with food presentation. Not so that you don't want to touch but making it more tempting.
- Visit the About.com Middle Eastern Food web site.
Guide Review - Al Waha Lebanese Restaurant
Although there is an extensive wine list, I dined at lunchtime so chose fruit juice which was freshly squeezed.
Mohammed Alden is the owner and head chef and is happy to discuss ingredients and cooking methods with you. We asked Mohamed to choose a mezze selection for us which I would strongly recommend. He made sure to check any dietary preferences before bringing a large selection of dishes. He told me the best way to enjoy his middle-Eastern food is to come in a group of 6-8 people so you can all order 1 or 2 starters and try each others.
Freshly baked flat breads are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious hummous. See the Al Waha recipes to learn how to make the perfect hummous. (You must skin the chickpeas.)
After the silky hummous, my favorite dish was the Muhamarah which is a combination of crushed nuts and spices.
My friend really enjoyed the Hummous Shawarma (hummous and lamb) and the Moujaddara Bil Zait (lentils, spices, with caramelized onions and almonds).
The falafels look like mini muffins cut in half, topped with sesame seeds. It was explained to us that they are prepared in molds then cut in half before being deep fried. This ensures they are crispy all over.
One day I will manage a main course at Al Waha but for now I think I'll stick with starters from their huge selection then I can leave space for Baklawa for dessert! Who can resist these Lebanese treats which are so sweet but so tasty? My partner was furious I didn't bring any home when he discovered Al Waha have a take-out menu. If you are staying locally they can also deliver for free.
The writer was provided with a complimentary meal for the purpose of this review. While it has not influenced the review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
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