Lebanese cuisine, a staple of London's dining scene since the 1980s, has expanded significantly across the capital. While Edgware Road remains a traditional centre for Lebanese food, it has also served as a launch pad for its growth into nearly every London neighbourhood.
Edgware Road, known as "Little Beirut," became a haven for individuals displaced by the Lebanese Civil War. Today, Lebanese dining options range from grill houses and bakeries to cafés and fast-food outlets.
The cuisine, part of the broader Levantine tradition, is characterised by its varied and fresh ingredients, including olive oil and plant-based proteins like chickpeas. Restaurateurs are now introducing diners to more traditional dishes, often inspired by family recipes, moving beyond familiar items such as falafel and hummus.