Abu Zaad

Reviews

• Syrian Jewel

  I need to thank ceedoubleu at Trusted Places for this recommendation. Abu Zaad is billed a Syrian restaurant based in bustling Shepherds Bush. Just as ceedoubleu suggested this restaurant is a perfect alternative to the ‘been-there, done–that, not-so-sure-now’ offerings found at the Westfield shopping centre. The thing that immediately struck me about this place on first entering was the welcoming sight of Arabic speaking diners tucking in. The interiors look a tad tired and the slightest hint of any resemblance to Old Damascus was duly acknowledged by yours truly. Like all Middle Eastern establishments in London, Abu Zaad’s ambience reminds me of a café but without the hookah pipes being smoked indoors. The service was relatively efficient, helpful and ‘ok’ friendly.On perusing the menu, I thought aloud to myself that this couldn’t be Syrian cuisine (but then again what is?) especially if Moroccan tagine dishes were being healthily touted here and there. We started with some excellent Kibbeh Shamieh (Deep fried lamb meatballs mixed with cracked wheat and mashed onions) and a generous portion of delicious Falafel. The shared mains of Farrouj Abou Zaad (Grilled boneless baby chicken) and Afghani Rice with Lamb were equally pleasing. The poussin was beautifully tender and superbly seasoned. The boiled lamb (not too unlike the Italian Bollito Misto), although melting was bland and needed some of the wonderful yoghurt and chilli sauce to give it some kick. Let it be known that the portions here are the absolute antithesis to Scrooge’s. Desserts were unfortunately left out this evening due to us being too stuffed.I need to come back here to try out some of the other grilled meat dishes to see how it fares against my absolute reference of Mangal Ocakbasi Restaurant. On the account of dinner alone tonight, Abu Zaad is top notch and by George, it’s extremely cheap. Highly recommended.

  Bellaphon
  Review Date: 11/01/2009 Report review
• Great value for healthy meals!

  When it comes to middle eastern cuisine in London, it can either be expensive or of poor quality. Abu Zaad eliminates both of these problems as the food is of the highest standard and the ingredients seem very fresh. The menu contains mostly very healthy options that are good for those who wish to cut down on their fat and calorie intake but still wish to enjoy themselves. The service was also very decent and the people are friendly. I would definitely recommend it to those who can afford £10 a person (which allows plenty of food) and enjoy middle eastern cuisine.

  Jeedo
  Review Date: 06/09/2008 Report review
• Abu Zaad

  Abu Zaad is a restaurant located in shepherds bush. They serve lebanese/north african food. The atmosphere is nice but the place can sometimes be quiet crowded (weekend evenings). The servers are nice and the food tastes great!

  Sami18988
  Review Date: 04/10/2007 Report review
• Abu Zaad

  I ate here a couple of weeks ago. It is a friendly, bustling place serving delicious freshly cooked food. The menus are in Arabic and English and the waiters are happy to explain any dishes for those that need a little help.It's a Syrian restaurant, owned, I believe, by the same people that run the excellent Damas Gate foodstore just up the road. Syrian and Lebanese food are very similar, so if you like one, you will almost certainly like the other.Portions are large and vegetarians (which I'm not) also have a wide choice.I should also add - no alcohol is served.The fresh fruit juices are excellent and I can particularly recommend the Lemon and mint.Its not expensive, the bill for six of us came to £75.00.

  Ceedoubleu
  Review Date: 04/09/2007 Report review