Al Waha

"With its big white walls, hanging foliage, and rattan light shades, Al Waha has really got that whole classy holiday look going on. The elegant Lebanese food matches the white tablecloths and gentle music. There are herby, refreshing fattoush and feta salads, moist falafel with hummus that’s heavy on tahini, and juicy pieces of charred chicken. It’s a refined and peaceful spot to have up your sleeve for mixed grill-based emergencies.  " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"There are tender, juicy pieces of chicken, and herby, refreshing fattoush and feta salads at Al Waha. But it’s the crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside falafel we think about on the regular. This Bayswater spot is simple, refined, and classy. Think white tablecloths, white walls decorated with well-behaved foliage, and big, airy windows overlooking white columns outside. All of the Lebanese dishes are tasty, and it’s one of the most relaxed, peaceful settings to tuck into a great mixed grill. " - rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, jake missing

"Al Waha is a Lebanese spot that gives classy holiday vibes, with its big white walls, hanging foliage, and rattan light shades. Head to the grey velvet armchairs tucked at the back for a secluded catch-up, where you’ll be shielded from the busy road. Or, see and be seen in one of the seats at the front overlooking the white columns and hanging baskets on this Bayswater street. The food matches the white tablecloths and gentle music by being elegant and tasty. There are herby, refreshing fattoush and feta salads, moist falafel with hummus that’s heavy on tahini, and juicy pieces of charred chicken. It’s a refined and peaceful spot to have up your sleeve for mixed grill-based emergencies. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Sinéad Cranna

"In need of a luxe Lebanese dining experience? Feast on generous portions of traditional dishes, from light yet filling falafel, to their stand-out dish, samakeh harrah — a dish of spicy sea bass, originating from the coastal city of Tripoli — in a room decked with framed Arabic calligraphy. With bottles of Ksara from the oldest winery in the Bekaa Valley to hand, and attentive staff to boot, it’s not hard to see how this Notting Hill stalwart once scooped London’s best Lebanese restaurant. Sure, it might be more a more upmarket affair than most, but it’s worth the premium." - Salma Haidrani

"Referred to as ‘London’s best Lebanese restaurant’ by virtually everyone, the confidence in having a name that means “oasis” is justified by the excellence of the food, ranging from the tabbouleh to vine leaves that, for once, actually taste how they are supposed to. Plenty of carnivorous and fish options, too." - James Hansen