London’s Lebanese food scene is one of the strongest outside Beirut. It suits the way the city likes to eat because a Lebanese meal is built around sharing. Small plates keep landing on the table while the bread stays warm and the wine keeps flowing, so dinner tends to turn into a long evening without anyone planning it that way.
Our story started on Edgware Road in 1981 when Marouf and Houda Abouzaki opened the first Maroush. We’ve grown across London since then but the cooking hasn’t changed much.
Most of our guests start with mezze and we’d always tell you to begin with the cold dishes. Hummus and moutabal come first with a basket of warm bread for scooping, and tabbouleh adds something sharp and fresh with all that parsley and lemon. Once those are on the table we send out hot mezze like kibbeh and falafel, which are best eaten straight from the plate while they’re still crisp. For a table of four we usually suggest five or six dishes to start. You can always add more once you see how hungry everyone is.
If you’re vegetarian you’ll find plenty to choose from because so much of the mezze is built on chickpeas and aubergine and fresh vegetables. Our fattoush is a good one to keep in mind when the richer plates start to pile up. You can browse the full menu before you come in if you like to plan ahead.
The grill is where we shine
Our mains come off the charcoal grill. Lamb shawarma and chicken taouk are the dishes regulars order again and again, and the mixed grill is what we’d recommend when two of you can’t decide. It brings shish taouk and kafta and lamb cubes together on one platter so everyone gets a taste. Lamb chops with chargrilled vegetables are there for anyone who’d rather have a plate to themselves.
We don’t rush any of it. Plates come out in waves and there’s no pressure to clear the table, which is how meals work at home in Lebanon too. Most evenings end with Lebanese coffee and something sweet long after the mains have gone.
Wine and cocktails to go with it
Lebanon has been making wine for thousands of years and the Bekaa Valley is where much of it comes from. We think the reds are made for grilled lamb while a chilled white or rosé works beautifully with cold mezze. If the wine list feels long just ask us and we’ll point you to a bottle that fits what you’ve ordered.
Our cocktail menu covers classics like the espresso martini alongside a few drinks with a Lebanese twist. There are lighter alcohol-free options too for anyone who wants something fresh with dinner.
Where you’ll find us
We have six restaurants across central and west London and each one has its own character. Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge is the one we’d pick for a smart dinner out. Earls Court and High Street Kensington are relaxed neighbourhood spots for an easy evening. Kings Road is handy after an afternoon in Chelsea, and Edgware Road is where it all began more than forty years ago.
Maroush at Crockers Folly in St John’s Wood sits inside a beautiful historic building, which gives dinner a real sense of occasion. You can compare all of them on our restaurants page and find the one closest to you.
Bringing Maroush to your event
Plenty of people come to us for birthdays and family gatherings, but we also take the food out to weddings and corporate events and private parties. Our catering team tailors each menu to the guest list so the spread works for everyone in the room.
If you’re booking for six or more it’s worth telling us about dietary needs when you reserve. That way the kitchen can plan the mezze around your table before you arrive.