Located on the top floor of the bustling Kingly court, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is a real hidden gem! Serving up Syria’s favourite dishes with a twist. The menu includes a range of small plates and meze alongside large plates which is encouraged to share.

This is one of those restaurants which has a story behind them and an important story to tell. Chef Imad Alarnab owned several restaurants and a juice bar in Damascus which were destroyed during the Syrian war. Forced to flee the country, and after a long journey, Imad arrived in the UK where he worked as a car salesman. Unfulfilled, he found his way back to his passion of cooking, hosting supper clubs and pop-ups, along with raising money to help refugees. The popularity of his delicious food later led him to open his first permanent space in Kingly Court.

Visiting at lunchtime during the week, Imad’s was already busy inside, and there is a real warmth when you enter. The staff are friendly and welcoming and Chef Imad is walking around the restaurant, making sure his diners are looked after, I saw him greet some of his regulars while I was there, this is a good sign that I was in for a real treat. The interior is a mix of wooden furnishing, white walls and blue painted window panes and doors. The colours have been thought through carefully to create a relaxed dining environment. There’s an open kitchen at the back, where you can see (and smell) the food being made, get there early and you may be able to bag yourself a table near the open kitchen.

There is a good selection of small plates to try, I opted for the Baba Ghanoj and I must say it’s one of the best I have ever tasted! Scattered pomegranate seeds add pops of sweetness through the smokiness of the creamy Baba Ghanoj. It’s so moreish, I devoured it with a fluffy warm pitta.

My second small plate was the Zahraa Harra – baked cauliflower, with roasted red onions and red peppers, crispy garlic, with mixed spices. All the vegetables, mixed with spices and Thani sauce brings this creamy and indulgent dish alive.

I also choose the Jaj Barghol from the large plates section, grilled chicken thigh served on bulgur wheat, cooked with mixed spices, and beautifully presented with edible flowers. The tender chicken had a charred and crispy skin, the bulgur wheat is flavoursome and the pomegranate adds sweetness to the dish. Another incredible dish, I certainly felt spoilt.

My dessert choice was never going to be anything other than the Baklava, a personal favourite. It was of course nutty if not a little on the dry side for my usual liking, but aside from this, I was overjoyed with how great the food tasted and how welcoming the staff were.

When next in Central London, visit Imad’s Syrian kitchen, you won’t be disappointed! it’s now one of my favorite restaurants in Kingly Court and no doubt I will be back.

Address: Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby, London, W1B 5PW

Website: www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

Written by Nyla S.

First two images courtesy of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen