Creamy labaneh (strained yogurt) rolled into balls and coated in a spice blend of sumac, za'atar, turmeric and Aleppo pepper. The soft, tangy interior contrasts with the warm spice coating. Each bite brings heat, herb and citrus notes from the sumac. Simple but precisely executed.
Tips from diners
A vegetarian standout—the spice blend is generous and fragrant, not shy.
Thinly sliced monkfish cured in anise-forward arak, finished with fresh herbs and bright lemon. The anise from the arak is subtle but present, never overpowering the delicate fish. The cure is light and floral rather than heavy or briny. Reviewers describe it as elegant and precise.
Tips from diners
The arak gives this a unique flavor you won't find elsewhere in London. Go in open-minded.
A crispy pastry envelope surrounding a dense, perfumed mixture of shredded chicken, caramelized onion and tangy sumac. The crispness of the shell against the soft, warm filling is the contrast that makes it work. Multiple reviewers single out the intensity of the sumac as key—it's not a background note, it's central.
Tips from diners
This is the dish that made Fadi's reputation in Palestinian food circles. Order it.
Tender braised short rib piled on a bed of crispy shattered pita bread, tossed with tangy yogurt and bright pomegranate seeds. The fatteh (bread salad) format brings the dish alive with texture—crispy pita, creamy yogurt, chewy meat, tart pomegranate. It's a lesson in balance.
Tips from diners
One of the standout meat dishes. The way the yogurt sauce soaks into the pita is intentional and delicious.
A rich dark chocolate cake with a warm, flowing chocolate center. The darkness is deep and mineral-like without being bitter—there's sweetness but not cloying sweetness. Reviewers describe it as the perfect closer to the savory, spiced dishes that come before it.
Tips from diners
Leave room for this. The molten center is important—it needs to still be warm when you eat it.
Opened in 2022 by chef Fadi Kattan after an oversubscribed crowdfunding campaign, Akub brings Palestinian cuisine to Notting Hill's converted townhouse. The menu is divided into 'ard' (land/vegetarian), 'bahar' (sea) and 'lameh' (meat), pulling from Galilee, Gaza and the West Bank. Kattan's approach is refined but rooted in family recipes and Palestinian food culture.
Book well in advance—dinner reservations often book out 2-3 weeks ahead. Weekday lunch is easier to get into.
The menu is built for sharing. Come with a group of 3+ and order 4-5 small plates plus 1-2 large meat dishes. It's more food and more variety that way.
The converted townhouse has a charming, intimate vibe. Tables are close together, so go if you want to be part of the energy, not for privacy.
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