Le Menar

Love the food ���, amazing place to chill. Lovely people

A few weeks ago I went along to the press launch for the new menu at Le Menar - a restaurant specialising in modern North African cuisine, in Fitzrovia, headed up by chef Vernon Samuels. We gorged on delicious nibbles - burrata with Za Atar, merguez spiced oysters, and falafel bites, and drank lots of bubbly. It was a really fun evening and I couldn't wait to go back to try out their menu for real. The restaurant is gorgeous inside, with sofa seats and colourful cushions, beautiful lights and mirrors and a mezzanine level with even more seats and gold topped tables. The lighting is dark and ambient (great for atmosphere, not so much for food photos) and you can nestle into a corner and forget about the outside world. I went back to try the menu properly last Tuesday with Hugo. Sadly for the restaurant it wasn't at all busy, but then again it was a Tuesday and it didn't matter at all to us as we had some catching up to do! And lots of eating...We started off with the smoked lamb prosciutto, Za Atar figs and wood sorrel for me, and mini Kibbeh, harissa jam and baby basil for Hugo.

Posted on May 23, 2015 | Leave a comment Spiced Rack of Lamb with Aubergine Moutabal and Chermoula . Great things are happening in the kitchen of Le Menar . Located in the quiet and unassuming part of Fitrovia, this charming restaurant offers a modern, unique take on North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. I met with head chef Vernon Samuels who is quite the character and whose passion; exuberance and confidence shine through onto the plates he serves. The menu is enticing and the food is seductive.

Whenever I return home for a visit and my family ask what I've been up to and I regale them with the things I've been up to in the evenings or at the weekend, I am invariably asked whether I could imagine being anywhere other than London now. The answer is no. In truth, even before I moved here, even when I was living and working in other cities, I knew that I couldn't really see myself anywhere else. Part of the appeal is that so much of the world is present in London and it's pervasive through the culture and also food on offer here. I might not yet have convinced my boyfriend that a mini-break in Morocco would be amazing (I'm not sure why but he remains unconvinced) but I can at least spend a few hours in chic surroundings in Fitzrovia getting a taste of Morocco. On Thursday night I spent my evening doing just that at the press launch for Le Menar.

Le Menar is a smallish space (45 covers) lined with cushion strewn banquettes, little stools and gold Moroccan style tables and it has an intimate feel. The restaurant is almost split into three sections, the front area by the window for being seen, the back of the ground floor for getting cosy and whiling away the evening deep in conversation and the mezzanine for private dining or just surveying everything that's going on below.

It really is typical that whenever I want or need to get away relatively on time that it is that night that everything goes a bit crazy. I ran out of the door and hopped onto a tube before running to Le Menar at the other end. We found ourselves a little space on the ground floor and I enjoyed a well deserved glass of champagne after my dash from work. As we sat and got a feel for the place, staff with plates of canapés started to circulate through the restaurant. The canapés were generally a sample of the dishes available as starters and mezze - mini kibbeh, home made Waraq Enab (stuffed vine leaves filled with rice, tomato, parsley, mint, onion and cumin), perfectly pink in the middle skewers of lamb, salmon tartare served on crispbread and hummus & wasabi topped with lamb.

The new menu, which launched on 19 January has been created by Head Chef Vernon Samuels, and which incorporates Asian and Mediterranean twists on North African flavours, techniques and presentation.

The menus at Le Menar include not only a very reasonably priced lunch option (£11.95 for two courses and £14.95 for three courses) but also an a la carte menu which offers the option of either a traditional starter, main and dessert or a mezze selection of eight dishes from their extensive starters & mezzes section.

The menu features some intriguing dishes, such as lamb prosciutto and throughout the evening we were served just a few. North African food really does offer something for everyone with plenty of variety which would satisfy meat lovers, pescetarians and vegetarians alike. We sampled plump scallops with pomegranate green tomato relish and sumac panko crust, juicy lamb chops with moutabel and baby aubergine, oysters and a cod dish which packed a powerful punch.

All of the dishes that we sampled were delicious but the standout dish of the night was the creme brûlée with saffron and pistachio. The super rich edge was taken off the creme brûlée by the pistachio and it transformed a familiar dish into something perfectly in keeping with the Moroccan setting. I could have happily had a casserole dish full of the stuff and still be left wanting more. Judging by the murmurs of contentment from those around me who were also happily cracking the sugar shell, I wasn't alone in that sentiment.

For modern North African food with a twist located not in the shadow of a minaret, but instead the BT Tower, Le Menar is well worth a visit.

It’s nice being pleasantly surprised, right? And that’s just what I was during a recent dinner at newly relaunched Le Menar restaurant in Fitzrovia. It wasn’t that I had been expecting any sort of substandard meal; I just didn’t realise Head Chef Vernon Samuels’ “modern approach” to North African and Middle Eastern cuisine was going to be so inspired, thoughtfully prepared and intriguingly tasteful.

Ideal mezzes include the za’atar burrata (with Heirloom Tomato salad, £8); the so much better than at first might sound (and ultra tahini enhanced) hummus and wasabi (£4.50); and the Lebanese spiced squid (pan fried squid with almond, Agen prunes, red pepper and harrisa, £8). There’s plenty more to the starters and mezze menu too – and I’d love a chance to carry on dabbling my way through it sometime soon.

From the menu’s more substantial side, the tajine of lamb neck braised for four hours with cinnamon, paprika, coriander, aubergine, batata harra and truffle oil (£16) proved a mighty main course to savour and a dish that days after tasting it is still something to be raved about with ease. For dessert, fried vanilla ice cream with salted caramel dates was an absolute treat (£8.50, followed by fresh mint tea). In fact, why salted caramel dates aren’t yet the “next big thing” is a little beyond me after having now enjoyed them.

I found Le Menar’s setting to be pretty much what one might expect of a North African restaurant in central London, with lantern-lit nooks, lots of cushions, terra cotta walls, wobbly metal tabletops (which all seemed somehow to work towards making Chef Samuels’ creations that much more delicious when presented).

Service was effective and friendly, if a little preoccupied with other things, during my visit. There’s a good wine list and well stocked bar.
 I would be keen to return, was greatly impressed with the food, and am happy to recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking flavoursome dining experience.

Fitzrovia seems to be a hub for new openings in London right now. There are so many new restaurants popping up you do have to wonder just how they all survive? The realisation is that actually the old-fashioned long-standing restaurants are closing down and the modern, new cuisines are taking their places. Frankly I’m not completely against the idea, but at the same time there are still so many GOOD restaurants which are being forgotten about because us Londoners just can’t stop chasing these new openings. Le Menar is a new North African restaurant hidden on a back street in Fitzrovia which has very little passing trade – for them this is not such a good thing, but for people like you and me however it’s a godsend, because for now – only us know about this delicious hidden little gem.

Walk through the heavy wooden door of Le Menar and you’ll be transported to a calm and tranquil haven, with traditional North African tables, cushions galore and shisha pipes dotted around the room. A huge plasma screen TV on the wall as you walk in however adds a sightly corporate element, which I really don’t like. The food however is a completely different story – it’s all delicious and difficult to fault. To start us on our epic Middle Eastern inspired feast, a huge meze platter arrived in two rounds. A silky smooth hummus, fresh and vibrant tabbouleh, baby okra salad, moutabel, falafel, moussaka, dolma and kibbeh. As far as meze dishes go these were pretty special with the tabbouleh being the favourite and the moussaka the least (it needed more depth of flavour).

Tagines here at Le Menar were easily some of the finest I’ve eaten in London to date – it’s what makes this place stand out from its competition. Beef ras el hanout was served in a traditional Moroccan tagine pot and filled with beautifully tender beef cheeks, chickpeas, carrots, lots of cumin and some heavenly sweet Agen prunes. I’ve eaten my fair share of tagines but the depth of flavour this one managed to keep on giving was extraordinary, there seemed to be no end to its offering. With a light and fluffy cous cous to help mop up all the juices, this may well be the best £16 you could ever spend. They also offer the option of rice but I found it really wasn’t necessary, who wants rice when you can have cous cous?

Other tagines on offer were the slow cooked lamb neck tagine with cinnamon, paprika, coriander,aubergine and a side of batata harra – all accompanied by a pot of a sauce infused with truffle oil. Incredibly decadent, I know. As good as this dish was the traditional charms of the beef version were much preferred as perhaps this was a little too modern in its approach for my liking but the meat was worth it alone and those crispy potatoes (the ones I somehow managed to blur out) were all too addictive.

Desserts here at Le Menar is where you’ll want to choose with caution (because you won’t want to share). The restaurants take on strawberries and cream were the highlight. Juicy red strawberries bursting with both freshness and flavour, the thick mascarpone cream was infused with fragrant rosewater, zesty lime and pistachio dust. In a nut shell – absolutely delicious. On the flip side of things one dessert wasn’t quite to all our tastes. Deep fried Madagascan vanilla ice cream came paired with Medjool dates. and while it was perfectly enjoyable, something just felt like it was missing from this dish. Perhaps a more vibrant, fresh flavour to off set some of the dates sweetness may have worked?

Le Menar was certainly a surprise and an interesting find, I’ll admit. When I’d originally heard about this new opening in Fitzrovia I strangely (and for no reason) expected it to be rather ordinary, but instead I was proved very wrong indeed. The head chef here is quite clearly very talented and has given Le Menar a fantastic edge compared to its local competition, creating thoroughly modern food which is still intact with their roots and tradition. If North African delights and Middle Eastern cuisine that will leave you salivating is what you’re after then look no further – Le Menar is here (to stay hopefully).

Tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia is one of my new favourite restaurants - Le Menar. Relaxed yet luxurious, indulgent yet light; Le Menar is a feast for all the senses. From the stunning Middle Eastern cuisine to the hidden mezzanine level dining area, Le Menar is a must-visit option for any Londoner. I visited last week to review their beautiful menu and encourage all of you to visit soon!

 To start with we were kindly shown to a totally private mezzanine level to enjoy our meal. Not only is this space desperately romantic with its mood lighting, sofas and abundance of cushions but it is ideal for a private dinner party. Food is served on these huge gold serving trays rather than traditional tables so you can kick back and eat like a king. Here's me posing like a numpty. The photo doesn't do the space justice; it is truly lovely.

Another note on this seating area is that it is desperately easy to fall asleep. We were dining quite late (around 10pm) and after warming cups of tea and coffee, plus a full belly of food, we were ready to hit the hay right there in the restaurant. Awkward much. So yeah, try not to fall asleep.

Luckily we had our lovely waiter to keep us awake and eating. He talked us through the extensive menu making recommendations on wine choices and starters, plus sharing his favourite dishes. With his knowledge we selected a bottle of classic Chardonnay to drink, the mixed mezze for two to start then the slow cooked ribs and lamb tajine to finish.

 Whist waiting for the food we were given some nibbles to enjoy including olives and mixed nuts. As I cannot eat nuts and hate olives Alex happily ate these. Noticing that I wasn't eating them, our waiter brought over a bowl of mixed vegetable crisps. Slightly odd, but at least I had something. I know these come from a packet but nevertheless they are tasty.

 Then our mixed mezze arrived. As with the later dishes at Le Menar the presentation is much more modern compared to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Served in glass trays with a basket of bread, our mezze included; hummus, tabbouleh, moutabal (like baba ganouj), home made falafel, home made vine leave, mini kibbeh, baby okra salad and moussaka. Sounds like a lot but served in small mezze portions this starter is a great way to try out lots of Le Menar's best dishes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly my favourite mezze was the moutabal. As I said it's similar to baba ganouj with its smoky aubergine flavour, tahini and lemon juice. I could literally sit at eat bowls of moutabal with bread all day! I also really liked the falafel. For me this is surprising because these are pretty much on my 'I don't eat this' list, but the falafel at Le Menar actually had a really nice crunch and texture to them, plus a freshness that I have previously missed out on with other falafel.

Alex also loved the moutabal and the hummus, but the moussaka really stole the show. Rich in tomato and aubergine flavour with a strong cheese note, this mini version of the classic was truly delicious. The mixed with the freshness of the tabbouleh and baby okra salad was really wonderful

The kibbeh and vine leaves were also nice but not quite to my taste.

Next we moved onto our fabulous main courses. We shared a plate of short ribs braised in Ras el Hanout, served with Jerusalem couscous and iman bayld, and the lamb neck tajine with cinnamon, paprika, coriander, aubergine, batata harry and truffle oil.

 Not to go on all positive, but these dishes were simply delicious. Absolutely amazing. The meat on both was beautifully tender and literally fell away. In the mouth the meat had a butter like texture which when paired with a rich sauce was truly indulgent.

I really loved the short ribs. The couscous had a texture quite similar to risotto giving it a creamy feel, and the accompanying sauce was rich in spices and wine. The lamb was also fabulous with a sweet, rich sauce and mini potatoes on the side. I would have liked some veg on either dish but this can be ordered on the side if needed.

Overall I would 100% recommend visiting Le Menar. I cannot believe more people don't know about this amazing restaurant but seriously please go and visit. Le Menar is a true gem, a moment of quite indulgence set away in the heart of Fitzrovia. Go, go now!!

One pleasant Saturday evening after a warm hazy day of sunshine in the City of London. We decided to visit this Restaurant and we were greeted with the most beautiful authentic Morocco decor as well as great friendly service. We were serviced with a range of complamtory nuts and dates, as well as lentils soup. The main courses were a fusion of tastes from all over the Middle East and we were offered Moroccan and Iraqi (Karak) tea. Overall, our experience was more than pleasant and we willdefinitely return in the near future.

One of my favourite places to enjoy a drink and relax.

Amazing food, cosy and wicked staff

Goooooood