So what’s the deal? It’s a tenner (at lunchtime only) for a substantial plate of mezze at this simple newish Lebanese restaurant in the faded, pastel-painted bohemian enclave off Haverstock Hill. It joins a roll call of other low-key independent Jewish, Indian, Asian, Italian restaurants and cafes.
Where? On the site of Juniper Tree, which didn’t last five minutes, and formerly Beyoglu, another Turkish grill that was there for many years.
What’s the usual price? In the evening, starters and small plates are around a fiver up, mains from a tenner. All in all, not too pricey for the location.
Talk us through things. We opted for the £10 mezze plate with additional skewer (£3) of shish taouk, blackened cubes of marinated charcoal-grilled chicken breast, extremely tender flavourbombs. The baba ganoush was smokily perfect, the hummus almost meatily dense, while the tabbouleh sung zingily with parsley (a whole day’s portion, for sure), scattered with diced tomatoes. Elsewhere the falafel was moist, vine leaves gently citrusy and the fatayer parcels filled with baked spinach and pine nuts. A delicious plate; and way more filling than it looks.
To drink? We went for posh soft drinks, although a pale Lebanese rose being quaffed by a neighbouring couple looked extremely refreshing.
Busy? Yes. The affluent couples and extended families you’d expect dining on a Sunday in Belsize.
Would you return? Sure, during the day; we like a deal. Although next on the NW3 agenda is surely upmarket dine-in fish counter Bourne, a moment’s walk up the road.
