Great things are happening in the kitchen of Le Menar. Located in the quiet and unassuming part of Fitrovia, this charming restaurant offers a modern, unique take on North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. I met with head chef Vernon Samuels who is quite the character and whose passion; exuberance and confidence shine through onto the plates he serves.
The menu is enticing and the food is seductive. Prior to this visit I attended the busy launch of the new menu, where I got to taste a variety of dishes, and what stood out then was that they were big on flavour and made with creative flair.
This time round is more sedate, a little too sedate, it’s a Tuesday night, and beside my friend and I, there is only one other pair of diners. The Middle Eastern setting and the loungy seating arrangements make for a chilled dining experience, which the cosy snug at the back of the restaurant is ideal for.
Lebanese Spiced Squid
The taster highlight from the launch was Spiced Rack of Lamb with Aubergine Moutabal and Chermoula. I had to order it, and experience the dish fully, and it didn’t disappoint. It really is a magnificent dish; perfectly seasoned, perfectly balanced and perfectly cooked. A Lebanese Spiced Squid starter is vibrant and striking, let down a bit by the slight overcooking of the squid. And a dessert of: Deep Fried Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream with Butterscotch Medjool Dates is indulgently fun with interesting textures and temperature combinations.
Deep Fried Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream
with Butterscotch Medjool Dates
Cosy interior
Le Menar is a gorgeous place with equally gorgeous food and definitely worth seeking out.
Starters are from £3.50, mains from £12 and desserts from £5.
Food I Fancy was a guest of Le Menar.
Le Menar
55 Cleveland Street
London, W1T 4JL
Tel: 020 7436 8916
