Marylebone’s Middle Eastern Comptoir Libanais

The Comptoir Libanais doesn’t just confine itself to Lebanese food, as the name would suggest. Rather it is a colourful and vibrant extravaganza of generic Middle Eastern food, and by Allah they do it well. Wraps, dips, falafels, tagines, baklawas – you name it, they have it, and all is done with a unique twist that adds flare and just plain cool to the place.

Located in Marylebone’s Wigmore Street, Comptoir Libanais is at first glance a canteen of sorts, with red plastic chairs, long benches and a counter full of goodies. Further in is a small area of individual tables in a light, brightly decorated area, the walls adorned with huge patterns of Middle Eastern sweets, complete with the Arabic writing just to let you know they’re authentic. But despite the casual nature of the atmosphere, the décor is nonetheless very stylish, and seems to be a draw for businessmen of the surrounding area. It’s quite hilariously incongruous to watch them perching on the plastic seats and the padded benches in their suits, bless them.

But what Comptoir Libanais does best, as should be the case with every restaurant, is food. The stuff on display at the counter looks absolutely mouth-watering, and doesn’t disappoint. The mezze platter is a fantastic mix of bread, falafels, pickles and dips, surely the best of which is the Baba Ghanuj, which is a combination of smoked aubergine, tahini and lemon juice served with – wait for it – pomegranate seeds on top. An inspired idea, and not just as a garnish. The lamb tagine, served with cous cous, is, if possible, even better, with meat so tender it’s falling apart and the cous cous light and fluffy and…oh dear, there seems to be drool on the keyboard.

They also do gigantic wraps and amazing Man’oucha bread, the best of which might just be the halloumi cheese one. The tiger prawn falafel is a stroke of genius. But of course it doesn’t stop there; the desserts are just as good. Obviously they have the baklawa goodies on offer, but their speciality is flavoured macaroons, sandwiched together with sweet cream. There are some great varieties here, including orange blossom and rosewater, although eating something quite that pink is an interesting experience. But generally speaking, the combinations of ingredients and flavours in Comptoir Libanais is really interesting and refreshing, for instance their freshly made lemonades:  two of the most interesting flavours are the pomegranate and orange blossom and the apple, mint and ginger. Such choices of flavour give this place its edge.

But the deliciousness of the food is rivalled by the incredible price. To eat in or take away, it’s easily under a tenner a head, with the wraps at £4.50, the platter for two at £9.50, the tagines at £5.95, the man’ouchas at £1.50 and the drinks at £1.50. Oh, and the staff are friendly.  Always a plus. What a great place. Go, go, go.

Comptoir Libanais
65 Wigmore Street
Marylebone
W1U 1PZ

Tel: 020 7935 1110