Fakhreldine

By Emma Shaw - Thursday 18th 2009f June 2009


When looking for a restaurant, I can be very difficult to please. I look for something stylishly themed, tasty, healthy and most of all authentic.

Luckily, I recently came across an establishment which combined fulfilled all of my many demands. Based in the heart of Piccadilly, Fakhreldine is the perfect mixture of east and west: its name is taken from an eighteenth century Lebanese prince, yet the decor is thoroughly twenty first century. This marriage of old and new worlds creates a great place of gathering in the ultimate melting pot - London.

As we were ravenous, we headed straight to the restaurant area. Flattering lighting and beautiful colours complimented the elegant decor. The place was buzzing with families, couples and groups of friends drawn in by the atmosphere and aromas. The choices were plentiful: hot mezes, cold mezes, salads and pastries were just starters. We wanted to try everything and so plumped for the biggest set menu we could find, 'The Biggest One', which was true to its name. The food was served in true Lebanese style, plentiful portions to be eaten slowly and savoured. The set menus are ideal for someone who is either unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine or who wants it all, offering ways for you to sample many different dishes. For those who know what they want the à la Carte menu offers more modest - yet equally satisfying - sized servings.

The emphasis in Lebanese culture is on sharing and we noticed that most of the diners had also ordered set menus. First, we were served no less than twelve platters of mezes - including hummous, baba ghanoush, falafel and warak inab (vine leaves filled with tomatoes, mint, parsley and onion). Fresh ingredients and authentic recipes really make the difference between good and great Middle Eastern cuisine; luckily this seems to be something that Fakhreldine understands well.

A small break was all we needed before were ready for our main course from the set menu. I was delighted that we were allowed to choose any dish from the mains - rare in most restaurants - although it took some time deciding from the vast and tempting list. Eventually I opted for the light yet succulent sea bass fillet which was served with a twist - an onion tagine sauce, which delighted the palate. My partner opted for the flavoursome Kastaleta which comprised lamb cutlets served with a cold lentil puree. Lastly, after much satisfying belly-patting, we were ready for tea, coffee and dessert: baklava and a fruit platter were just what was needed to round off such a perfect meal, not to mention fulfil our five-a-day quota.

As the evening wore on and the atmosphere got even livelier, Lebanese musicians and a belly dancer were brought out. As they added to the vibrant ambience, everyone clapped and wriggled in their seat, attempting to mimic the dancer's moves, myself included.

Thoroughly satisfied, we couldn't leave without trying out the bar and lounge, named '85'. I was captivated by the even more chilled environment here and we fell into comfortable seating. The deceptively relaxing atmosphere created by people playing games of backgammon and enjoying shisha belied the potency of the cocktails as customers chatted loudly in the bar.

Not only did we enjoy great food in informal yet elegant surroundings, with a fantastic atmosphere and first-rate professional and friendly staff - but there was an added bonus: Fakhreldine has a wonderful the panoramic view over Green Park which it boasts from its first-floor window; a special treat which not every establishment in the area can claim.

The only thing I felt was missing in Fakhreldine is a more informal all-day eatery; thankfully they will soon be opening 1001 Nights offering somewhere for their customers to enjoy lunch. This sister restaurant will continue the theme and serve Lebanese food, as well as boast London's most exclusive drive-through takeaway, meaning that the place will truly appeal to everyone, at any time and in any mood - a great example of the culture of Lebanon with a twist of London.

Fakhreldine
85 Piccadilly
London
W1J 7NB
Tel: 020 7493 3424
www.fakhreldine.co.uk