Al Waha: A Lebanese Oasis on Westbourne Grove
In Bayswater, a bright dining room and an extensive Lebanese menu offer plenty of reasons to gather around the table.
White tablecloths, grey upholstered chairs and woven wall decorations set the scene at Al Waha. Plants soften the room, while exposed brick and shelves lined with bottles add texture to its pale interior. The name translates as “oasis” — an apt introduction to a restaurant whose setting offers a change of pace from the street outside.
At 75 Westbourne Grove, Al Waha’s identity rests on Lebanese cooking, with a menu that rewards looking beyond the familiar mixed grill. Mezze provides the natural starting point: hummus and smoky moutabel sit alongside muhammarah, a roasted red pepper and walnut dip, and makdous, olive oil-cured baby aubergines filled with pepper, chilli, walnuts and garlic.
There is particular interest in the vegetable and pulse dishes. Mujaddara combines lentils and bulgur with caramelised onions and roasted almonds; loubieh bil zeit features green beans slowly braised with tomatoes, onions and garlic. These choices give a meat-free meal substance and variety, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The grill section follows a different register. Shish tawouk brings chicken marinated in garlic, lemon and olive oil, while lamb appears in skewers, cutlets and several kofte preparations. Kofte yogurtliyeh is among the more distinctive options, pairing grilled minced lamb with a tangy yoghurt sauce, pine nuts and toasted bread. Elsewhere, charcoal-grilled quail and baked kibbeh broaden the selection.
Taken together, the menu offers a generous introduction to the range of Lebanese cooking: herbs and citrus, slow-cooked vegetables, warm spices and charcoal-grilled meats. For a table willing to explore, Al Waha’s appeal lies in that breadth — the opportunity to make a meal of several smaller discoveries.
TREND Magazine | Food & Lifestyle
Address: 75 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UL
Website: www.alwahalondon.co.uk