Tel: 0207 229 0806
Apparently about 1% of the world is vegetarian. India, has by far the most (40% of the population) and in the UK we have the largest amount of vegetarians in Western Europe (6% of us). And this does not surprise me since we have, especially in London, such an amazing choice of places to eat whether you eat meat or not. And if I was ever to debate with anyone how perfectly enjoyable it is to eat vegetarian then I would simply let the food do the talking and I would take them to Al Waha in the Westbourne Grove end of Notting Hill.This delightful restaurant sits nicely on an interesting corner of west London which is dotted with places to eat. Al Waha sits proudly as one the flagships of the area. In comparison to the noisy, somewhat tedious hussle and bussle of Edgware road where too many of the renown Lebanese restaurants can be found, this little corner of London is a haven of quietness and eating here really feels very pleasant indeed.
Reserving is highly recommended as each time I have eaten here the place has filled up very quickly with 'in the know' locals. There are plentiful waiters on hand, who are definitely needed judging by the amount of dishes that make their way from the kitchen to the hungry clientele. They'd be better looking if they smiled bit more though.
So what makes this place so so good ? The choice. Usually less is more. But in the case of Lebanese dining, one of the pleasures for vegetarians is that for once the list is endless. The menus are vast and they create vegetable dishes as an art form . You can literally be that child in the toy store. Basically the menu divides into cold starters, hot starters, and if you have not stuffed yourself by this stage then you can go for one of the main courses served with rice. In truth, you could eat really well on just a selection of starters with one of the salads. I never bother with the main courses. Dishes come in around the £5 to £6 mark so you can, really, go for it ! and we did !!! Once our order had been taken, fabulous flat breads were immediately brought to the table and in minutes the cold starters started emerging from the kitchen. Come to papa.Too many to mention but broad beans in garlic and oil, hummous, dips of grilled aubergines with sesame paste and lemon juice were just superb.
Moussakaat batinjan, (Fried aubergines with chick peas, tomatoes garlic and spices) were exquisite.Potatoes cooked with olive oil, garlic, red peppers and green chillis (batata harra) were absolutely so delicious that a second round were ordered. Falafels were done to perfection. Flatbread stuffed with herbs and halloumi cheese were devoured in no time. By now I have not only ran out of my space in stomach but I am also out of superlatives to describe this gastronomic feast.
Lebanese food is everything that is good about Greek/Turkish and then some. I love Greek and Turkish food but I find Lebanese that bit more sophisticated, that bit more well presented and that bit spicier. Lebanese seems to successfully push the boundaries that bit further. It's the daddy of the Eastern Med cuisines.
The meal was finished with rounds of mint tea and Lebanese coffee which is pretty much a Turkish coffee with a hint of cardamon. The bill was was very reasonable for what was ordered. I had great difficulty bending down to tie my shoelace outside. I was stuffed. This place is an absolutely favourite of mine. I love restaurants that cater for everyone....Al Waha does and it does it brilliantly.
Food ***** Price £££ Atmosphere **** Service ****
