Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in the UK and Ireland

The UK restaurant scene is an exciting mosaic of globally inspiring flavours, among which Middle Eastern cuisine holds a prominent position. Aromatic spices, succulent grills and complex layers of flavours are an integral part of this enduring gastronomic tradition, beginning to stamp a powerful presence on the British culinary world. The scene is filled with a plethora of options, from bijou eateries to Michelin-star establishments, catering to both those who favour a casual street-food-style mezze and those preferring a sumptuous dining experience under opulent chandeliers. One must not overlook the influence of notable chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi, with his eponymous gourmet deli chain Ottolenghi and chic restaurant Nopi, who has made Middle Eastern cuisine embraceable for the British foodies. His delectable Middle Eastern offerings range from hummus to za'atar. Another luminary in this genre is My Million Pound Menu winner, Chef Ruth Hansom of Evelyn's Table, whose distinct interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine shines through her avid use of British ingredients. The high-end Levantine restaurant The Palomar, and its sibling, The Barbary, inspired by the Barbary Coast, continue to resonate with connoisseurs by consistently delivering dishes that preserve the authenticity of Middle Eastern flavours whilst presenting them with aesthetic finesse and a contemporary spin. The inimitable skewers of Berenjak or the Persian stews of Nutshell also serve to carry forward this Middle Eastern persuasion with inherent class, keeping the UK's Middle Eastern dining scene as diverse and enticing as ever.