Imad's Syrian Kitchen: what to order and when to go

Up on the top floor of Kingly Court, off Carnaby Street, Imad's Syrian Kitchen is the kind of room that rewards a short climb. Michelin lists it as a Bib Gourmand for 2026, and the food is generous, sharing-led and built around Middle Eastern flavours.

Finding it

Kingly Court is the festoon-lit, three-floor courtyard of restaurants, bars and shops just off Carnaby Street. Take the walkway next to the Dr Martens store on Carnaby Street, then head to the very top. The restaurant sits on the top floor of the courtyard.

The story

Chef-owner Imad Alarnab ran a portfolio of restaurants in Damascus before the war, including three restaurants plus juice bars and cafés, according to Michelin and OpenTable. He arrived in London in 2015 as a refugee. Harden's notes that he cooked for refugees in Calais and handed out free falafel during lockdown at London pop-ups. His first London pop-up was on Columbia Road, in East London.

After sold-out pop-ups and a crowdfunding campaign, Hot Dinners reported in October 2020 that he was taking a permanent space in Kingly Court, previously home to Darjeeling Express. Plans were for late 2020, and the restaurant was up and running in 2021. In 2023 it moved a few doors along to a larger site at the top of the courtyard. His cookbook, also called Imad's Syrian Kitchen, came out the same year, with a cover that calls it a love letter from Damascus to London.

What to order

Michelin singles out the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, the hummus and the falafel. London Best Eats lists the same trio among the signatures, adding baba ghanoj, which arrives in its crisped aubergine skin, and the falafel, described as thick discs with a hole in the middle. It also names pistachio ice cream with candy floss for pudding.

• Mezze: hummus, labneh, muhammara and falafel run at around £9 to £9.50 each on the dinner menu.
• The main event: kabsah ghanam, slow-roasted lamb shoulder with spiced rice and mixed nuts, at around £19.
• Also worth a look: the aubergine and feta mezze, shishtawook and makmour jaj, recommended by Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, plus the crispy cauliflower, za'atar pita and aubergine with honey that diners keep praising.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. There is also a weekday Express lunch, with chicken or lamb alongside hummus, baba ghanouj, salad and pita, and a falafel-led Veggie Lunch. Check the menu for current prices, as they can change.

Breakfast runs Monday to Saturday until half eleven, with shakshuka, fatteh, fava bean dishes and a Syrian breakfast set.

When to go

The official hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: half eight in the morning to half nine at night
• Thursday and Friday: half eight to ten
• Saturday: nine to ten
• Sunday: eleven to nine

Last orders are fifteen minutes before closing. The room is busy and lively with a young crowd, and some reviewers mention the noise. For a calmer table, go for weekday breakfast or lunch. For dinner, book ahead, especially Friday and Saturday, as London Best Eats advises.

Prices and booking

Michelin gives it two pound signs, and London Best Eats says to expect from around £25 a person. Harden's puts a three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine at roughly £45, with 12.5 per cent service added. Book through the official site, which uses OpenTable, or call 020 7434 2448. Cards only (Amex, Mastercard and Visa), no cash, and the dress code is smart casual.

For after

Go downstairs to Disrepute, the basement cocktail bar at 4 Kingly Court, in the same courtyard and directly beneath the restaurant. Soho Carnaby describes it as having a sixties feel. The Infatuation suggests a short classic cocktail suits the art deco look, and notes you can book though it is best for spontaneous visits. It does not serve food, so eat first. Hours are five until three in the morning Monday to Friday, four until three on Saturday and four until one on Sunday. Order a classic cocktail, and stay late.