Restaurants

Hidden at the end of a small courtyard, Lebanese Lounge is an unusual Middle Eastern incursion into the Brick Lane area. Its spacious premises comprise two distinct sections. On one side is an ethnic-look lounge with colourful walls, cushions, low-slung seating and tables (for drinks and, formerly, sheesha). On the other side is a large, formal, sparsely decorated restaurant that gives the impression of being a windowless basement (but isnt). Maybe the vibe isnt quite spot-on, but theres someone in the kitchen with the patience and precision to produce the best Lebanese food who knows, for example, the correct proportion of finely chopped parsley and mint and the exact amount of lemon juice and olive oil that go into the perfect tabouleh. Other fine dishes included a mellow kibbeh, lemony spinach fatayer, spicy arayes (minced lamb in strips of pitta bread) and an excellent mixed grill. Wine policy is unusual: on our visit there was just one red and one white on offer. The latter, from Massaya in the Bekaa Valley, was a good, fruity accompaniment. There are quirks here, but the atmosphere thawed as more diners arrived and service was helpful, and the food good.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008