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Al Waha

75 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UL Full details & map

Restaurant: Lebanese

Time Out says 1 Users say 1/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 28 2011

In an area rich in Middle Eastern restaurants, Al Waha's classical Lebanese food competes with the best, both here in Bayswater and the nearby Edgware Road. An understated corner restaurant with white tablecloths, brick walls and an abundance of plastic potted plants, it pulls in an international crowd of enthusiastic diners.

On our visit, a friendly welcome was not matched by attentive service, but this place is all about the food. With almost 50 meze choices, you can't go wrong; we suggest ordering a groaning tableful. The classics are good - houmous, topped with curls of grilled lamb and pine nuts, is very smooth; aubergine moutabal has a smoky sourness - but there are plenty more unusual dishes to try, such as fatayer (puffed bread-like pastries stuffed with spinach, onion, pomegranate and walnuts) or basturma (bresaola-thin slices of beef cured with a complex mix of spices).

If you can't choose, a set menu at £25 a head will bring a selection of favourites as well as superb meats from the charcoal grill. The shish taouk, succulent boneless chicken smothered in lemon and garlic sauce, takes some beating. End with the complimentary baklava.

Tags: Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Late night, West, Bayswater, Mid-range, Restaurant

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Al Waha details

Address

Al Waha

75 Westbourne Grove W2 4UL

Transport Bayswater or Queensway tube

Telephone

020 7229 0806

Al Waha website

Meals served noon-11.30pm daily

Main courses £10.50-£13.50. Set lunch £12.50. Set dinner £21 per person (minimum 2) 2 courses, £25 per person (minimum 2) 3 courses. Cover £1.50. Minimum (dinner) £13.50

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 4, patio ), Babies and children welcome ( until 7pm ), Booking advisable ( essential dinner ), Takeaway service; delivery service ( over £20 within 3-mile radius )

Al Waha map

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Comments & ratings 1/5 (Average of 1 rating)

By Imtiaz - Jun 17 2011

1/5

I brought some friends to Al Waha as it had been a decent restaurant in the past. This time, we ordered two bottles of the house wine. The waiter asked us if we wanted French or Lebanese wine. We told him we wanted the house. He told us that both were house wines. At the end of the meal, we received the bill. The wine was double the price of the house wine we ordered. We quietly mentioned this to the waiter and he just laughed at us. He said he didn't think it was necessary to tell us that the house wine was two different prices. We spoke to a number of different staff members and they were incredibly rude to us. We explained that we were repeat customers but they didn't care. We will never go there again. So dishonest.

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By Johny - Aug 12 2010

I was really disappointed after these positive review I went to this corner Kafee two days ago and really shocked nothing is true in the magazine review food is less than normal

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By Valerie Morrow - Mar 19 2010

This is one of my favourite restaurants in London and I have lived here for over twenty years! The food is consistently excellent and the falafel is to die for not to mention the grilled chicken and garlic sauce.Myself and Alan Rickman cannot be wrong. It absolutely made my day to be seated at a table nearby him.

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By FCP - Mar 18 2010

I dont tnink Alison could have eaten at the same restaurant as one I visit at least once a week. The food is perfection and the service is always impeccable. Theit hummus, chicken kidneys, grilled lamb and chicken are alway excellent and the really fresh fruit drinks (not out of a tin or bottle) are delicious.No wonder they have won so many awards!!

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By Susan Pyne - Mar 17 2010

The food was a real treat! all beautifully presented, very fresh and cooked to perfection. The service was very good and the waiters not at all pushy. a very calm and comfortable atmosphere. We werespoilt for choice with the food and will be returning again and again. i can't recomend the hummus highly enough.

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By franca fiabane - Mar 17 2010

these comments sound too negative to be true, as if posted to hurt this establishment. I cannot imagine how this woman could say that the food here is standard fare, especially when mentioning the hummus which is the best I have ever had and continues to be excellent whenever I eat there.....As for the closeness of the tables, this the way it has always been there.

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By alison turner - Mar 11 2010

Enough already with the great reviews for Al Waha. I love MId Eastern food and was really looking forward to eating at this daddy of Lebanese outfits. What a dire disappointment. Staff were charming but clueless, cramming the 4 couples eating into 4 tiny tables bang next to one another in a half empty restaurant. The food was really standard fare - hummous that tasted mass-made; unremarkable kebabs; dull bread. For much better cooked tastier lamb, if not Lebanese, try one of Okacbasi in Hackney.