Ealing has developed a remarkably diverse food scene, and Arabic and wider Middle Eastern cuisine has become an important part of what makes dining in the area interesting. From Syrian and Lebanese mezze to Iraqi-Kurdish specialities, Persian dishes, shawarma and grilled meats, there are plenty of ways to explore flavours from across the Middle East.
For someone searching for the best Arabic restaurants in Ealing, however, it is useful to understand that “Arabic food” covers a broad range of regional cuisines. A Syrian restaurant will not necessarily have the same menu as a Lebanese restaurant, while Iraqi, Moroccan, Yemeni and Persian food each have their own traditions.
Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Ealing Common and nearby neighbourhoods provide several choices, while Acton, Greenford and Southall expand the options for diners willing to travel a little further. Current restaurant listings include Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi, Kurdish, Persian, Moroccan and other Middle Eastern establishments in and around Ealing.
What Counts as Arabic Food?
Arabic cuisine is not one single style of cooking. It encompasses food traditions from numerous countries and regions, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Morocco and the wider Arab world.
Common ingredients include chickpeas, aubergine, tahini, olive oil, herbs, spices, lamb, chicken, rice and flatbreads. Mezze is particularly important in many Levantine cuisines, allowing diners to share small dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, baba ghanoush, kibbeh and stuffed vine leaves.
Grilled meats are another major attraction. Shawarma, kebabs, mixed grills and grilled chicken are widely available, although recipes and seasoning vary between restaurants.
This variety is why exploring Arabic restaurants in Ealing can be more rewarding than simply ordering the first familiar dish on a menu.
Abu Zaad in West Ealing
Abu Zaad is one of the most recognisable Middle Eastern dining options in West Ealing. Located on Broadway West, the restaurant focuses on Syrian and Lebanese-style cuisine and has a menu built around home-style Damascene dishes.
The menu includes mezze such as kibbeh and cheese sambousik, alongside mixed grills and seafood dishes. Vegetarian diners can also find a selection of salads and mezze, including tabbouleh, fattoush and yoghurt with cucumber.
For someone trying Middle Eastern food for the first time, Abu Zaad can be useful because a meal can be built around several shared starters before moving on to grilled meat or another main course.
Its West Ealing location also makes it convenient for residents who do not want to travel into central London for Syrian or Lebanese food.
Slemani Restaurant
Slemani Restaurant on Uxbridge Road offers something different from the typical Lebanese or Syrian menu. The restaurant specialises in Iraqi and Kurdish cuisine, making it an interesting choice for diners who want to explore a less familiar part of Middle Eastern food culture.
Its menu includes grilled meats, stews, sandwiches and traditional dishes associated with Iraqi and Kurdish cooking. Listings also mention specialities such as kebab, Qozi, Pacha, dolma and biryani.
This is the kind of restaurant worth considering when your priority is discovering regional cuisine rather than simply finding a generic Middle Eastern meal.
The restaurant also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, giving diners more flexibility depending on when they want to visit.
Boof Restaurant
Boof Restaurant on New Broadway is another strong option for people interested in Middle Eastern food in Ealing, although its focus is specifically Persian cuisine.
Its menu includes Persian kebabs, stews, seafood and mezze-style starters. Current restaurant information describes it as a casual, family-friendly setting with generous portions and options for both dining in and takeaway.
Persian cuisine is distinct from Arab cuisine, so it is worth making that distinction clear. Iran is not an Arab country, but Persian food is often included in searches for Middle Eastern restaurants because of the geographical and culinary connections between the cuisines.
For diners who enjoy grilled meats, rice dishes and aromatic herbs and spices, Boof can therefore provide a different Middle Eastern experience.
The Best Broasted Ealing
For something more casual, The Best Broasted Ealing on Broadway offers a different interpretation of Middle Eastern dining.
The restaurant specialises in Syrian-style broasted chicken, with shawarma, mezze and sandwiches also featuring on its menu. It is described as a modern and informal restaurant, making it particularly suitable for diners looking for a relaxed meal rather than a formal sit-down experience.
Broasted chicken is especially interesting for visitors who are already familiar with fried chicken but want to experience a Middle Eastern interpretation.
It can also work well for takeaway, a quick lunch or an informal dinner when you want something less elaborate than a traditional mezze meal.
Leila Moroccan and Lebanese Restaurant
Leila Moroccan and Lebanese Restaurant near Ealing Common is another option for diners who want Middle Eastern flavours combined with North African influences.
Located on Uxbridge Road, the restaurant serves Moroccan and Lebanese dishes and has been highlighted by local restaurant guides as a destination for casual dinners and larger groups. Its menu includes tagines and other dishes from the wider North African and Middle Eastern culinary tradition.
This is a useful choice if your group has different preferences. Moroccan tagines provide slow-cooked, aromatic flavours, while Lebanese dishes offer familiar mezze, salads and grilled options.
The restaurant’s location near Ealing Common also makes it practical for an evening meal after exploring the local neighbourhood.
Arabic and Middle Eastern Restaurants Near Ealing
Sometimes the best answer to a search for Arabic restaurants in Ealing involves looking beyond the strict borough boundary.
Acton, Greenford and Southall are close enough to Ealing to provide additional choices, particularly for diners interested in Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian and other Middle Eastern cuisines. Current restaurant listings around Ealing include establishments in Acton, Greenford, Hanwell and Southall.
Acton is particularly useful for people who live towards the eastern side of Ealing. Greenford can offer alternatives for residents further west, while Southall has a much broader South Asian food scene alongside Middle Eastern options.
The important distinction is whether you are looking specifically for an Arabic restaurant inside Ealing or simply the best Arabic and Middle Eastern food near Ealing.
Which Arabic Dishes Should You Try?
If you are unfamiliar with Arabic food, mezze is an excellent starting point.
Hummus is made primarily from chickpeas and tahini and is usually served with bread. Tabbouleh combines finely chopped parsley, tomato, herbs and bulgur with lemon and olive oil. Fattoush is a salad featuring vegetables, herbs and pieces of toasted or fried flatbread.
For something more substantial, kibbeh is a popular Levantine dish made using bulgur and minced meat, although vegetarian versions also exist.
If you prefer meat, try a mixed grill, which may include several types of kebab, grilled chicken or lamb. Shawarma is another familiar choice, consisting of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical spit and sliced for serving.
The exact preparation varies from one restaurant to another, so trying the same dish at different restaurants can be an enjoyable way to discover your favourite.
What About Lebanese Food?
Lebanese cuisine is one of the most accessible forms of Middle Eastern food for many British diners because it offers a combination of grilled meat, fresh salads, vegetarian dishes, bread and mezze.
Restaurants such as Abu Zaad and Leila provide examples of the Lebanese and wider Levantine influence around Ealing. Abu Zaad’s current menu includes Lebanese and Syrian dishes such as fattoush, tabbouleh, kibbeh and mixed grill.
Lebanese restaurants are also particularly suitable for groups because diners can order several dishes and share them.
If you are dining with vegetarians and meat eaters, mezze provides an easy way to accommodate different preferences without everyone having to order completely separate meals.
What About Syrian Cuisine?
Syrian cuisine is another important part of Ealing’s Middle Eastern food scene.
Syrian cooking often combines grilled meats, mezze, breads, rice dishes, vegetables and aromatic spices. Damascene cuisine, in particular, has a strong tradition of carefully prepared dishes intended for sharing.
Abu Zaad is a notable Ealing example, while The Best Broasted Ealing provides a more casual Syrian-inspired option focused on broasted chicken, shawarma and sandwiches.
The difference between these restaurants illustrates how broad Syrian food can be. One setting may be ideal for a leisurely shared dinner, while another is better suited to a quick meal.
Are Arabic Restaurants in Ealing Halal?
Many Arabic and Middle Eastern restaurants serve halal meat, but diners should not automatically assume that every establishment has identical sourcing or certification.
If halal food is an essential requirement, the safest approach is to ask the restaurant directly before ordering. This is especially important when travelling with family members who have specific dietary requirements.
It is also useful to ask about other dietary concerns, including vegetarian dishes, allergies and cross-contamination.
Are Arabic Restaurants Good for Families?
Yes. Many Middle Eastern restaurants work particularly well for families because of their shared dishes and varied menus.
Parents can order grilled chicken or lamb for adults, hummus and bread for younger children and several salads or vegetable dishes for the table. A mixed grill or sharing platter can also be more practical than ordering individual meals.
Restaurants with larger dining areas can be particularly useful for birthdays, family gatherings and celebrations. Before visiting with a large group, check whether reservations are recommended.
Arabic Food for Vegetarians and Vegans
Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine can be surprisingly friendly to vegetarians.
Hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, baba ghanoush, falafel, stuffed vegetables and various salads can provide substantial choices without meat.
However, recipes vary, so vegans should check whether dishes contain yoghurt, cheese, butter or other animal products.
One of the advantages of ordering mezze is that a table can include several vegetarian dishes alongside meat-based options, making it easier for a mixed group to dine together.
What Should You Expect to Pay?
Prices vary depending on the restaurant, location, portion size and style of dining.
A casual shawarma or sandwich is likely to cost less than a large mixed grill or a full mezze spread. Larger restaurants and group-oriented venues can also have different pricing structures from small cafés and takeaway businesses.
When comparing restaurants, look beyond the headline price. Consider portion sizes, bread, rice, drinks, service charges and whether starters are intended for sharing.
For families, ordering several dishes for the table can sometimes provide better value and a more enjoyable dining experience than ordering separate starters and mains for every person.
How to Choose the Best Arabic Restaurant in Ealing
The best restaurant depends on the type of experience you want.
For Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, Abu Zaad is a strong place to investigate in West Ealing. For Iraqi and Kurdish food, Slemani provides a more specialised experience. For Persian cuisine, Boof offers another Middle Eastern option, while The Best Broasted focuses on casual Syrian-style broasted chicken and shawarma.
If you want Moroccan and Lebanese food, Leila near Ealing Common is another option worth considering.
Think about your location, budget, dietary requirements, preferred cuisine and whether you want a quick takeaway or a longer sit-down meal.
A Middle Eastern Food Trail Around Ealing
Food lovers can turn a restaurant visit into a wider West London experience.
Begin around Ealing Broadway and explore the local shops before heading towards West Ealing for Syrian or Middle Eastern food. Alternatively, visit Ealing Common and combine a walk through the neighbourhood with a Moroccan-Lebanese meal.
If you have more time, exploring nearby Acton, Greenford or Southall can introduce you to an even wider selection of Middle Eastern and international cuisines. Current restaurant guides demonstrate how geographically broad the Middle Eastern food scene around Ealing has become.
This can be particularly enjoyable for tourists who want to experience London’s multicultural neighbourhoods rather than simply visiting the city’s major central attractions.
The search for the best Arabic restaurants in Ealing opens the door to a much wider culinary journey. Ealing offers Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi-Kurdish, Persian, Moroccan and other Middle Eastern influences, giving diners plenty of opportunities to explore different regional traditions.
Abu Zaad, Slemani, Boof, The Best Broasted and Leila represent very different approaches to Middle Eastern dining, from traditional shared meals and regional specialities to casual takeaway-style food.
The best choice ultimately comes down to what you want from your meal. If you enjoy sharing, start with mezze. If grilled meat is your priority, explore mixed grills and kebabs. If you prefer something quick, shawarma or broasted chicken may be ideal.
Most importantly, do not limit your search to one definition of Arabic food. Exploring the different cuisines represented around Ealing is part of what makes West London’s food scene so appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Arabic restaurants in Ealing?
Popular Middle Eastern options include Abu Zaad in West Ealing, Slemani Restaurant, Boof Restaurant and The Best Broasted Ealing. Leila Moroccan and Lebanese Restaurant near Ealing Common is another option for diners interested in Middle Eastern and North African flavours.
Where can I find Lebanese food in Ealing?
Abu Zaad offers Lebanese and Syrian cuisine in West Ealing, while Leila Moroccan and Lebanese Restaurant near Ealing Common combines Lebanese dishes with Moroccan influences.
Are there Syrian restaurants in Ealing?
Yes. Abu Zaad is a notable Syrian and Lebanese restaurant in West Ealing, while The Best Broasted Ealing focuses on Syrian-style broasted chicken alongside shawarma, mezze and sandwiches.
Where can I try Iraqi food in Ealing?
Slemani Restaurant on Uxbridge Road specialises in Iraqi and Kurdish cuisine. Its menu includes dishes such as kebabs, Qozi, Pacha, dolma and biryani.
What Arabic food should beginners try?
Hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, mixed grills, shawarma and kibbeh are good starting points. Ordering several mezze dishes is particularly useful because it allows you to sample different flavours in one meal.
Are Arabic restaurants in Ealing suitable for vegetarians?
Many are. Mezze dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush and aubergine-based dips can provide substantial vegetarian choices. Always check individual menus and confirm ingredients if you have strict dietary requirements.
Are there Middle Eastern restaurants near Ealing as well as in Ealing?
Yes. Nearby Acton, Greenford, Hanwell and Southall also appear in restaurant listings covering Middle Eastern dining around Ealing. This gives residents and visitors a wider choice beyond restaurants located strictly within the borough.
