Al Hamra

We make a reservation for dinner at Al Hamra every time we travel to London from the US, which is 1-2 times a year. Wish it was more because we miss their food.

What I noticed about almost every unhappy review was that each person said they and their party ordered dinners vs enjoying their many authentic appetizers. Whenever we eat there (except once) we always have ordered small plates - at least a dozen of them. There's just too many to pass up and we have our favorites. The one time we did order dinner was a disappointment. We realized that this restaurant's strenghth is in their small plates. But as a former chef, restauranteur, and food writer I still pay close attention to the whole production, from our welcome to our departure. Many of you are right in that we found not all things rate a high score at Al Hamra.

Yes, their waits are a bit chilly and sometimes rude but the waits we've had found understanding and speaking English a bit challenging so we had to point to items on the menu. Beyond that, any communication with them was impossible. Yes, the atmosphere is a bit busy, loud, and too-close seating. But we aren't going for a romantic evening. We go for their fabulous array of small plates and are never disappointed. And just so all readers know, neither of us are Middle Eastern and, because of my former profession, dining anywhere is a big deal. It has to be great food or we never return and I will express my unhappiness the minute something isn't right or doesn't present itself as explained on a menu. Although Al Hambra staff may appear rude, if enough unhappy diners voiced a complaint, they might change their attitude.
Comment on this reader review

7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Al hamra is the best lebanese restaurant and I'm speaking as an Arab who knows good arabic food. All other comments should be disregarded as they do not truly appreciate quality food. Just because one might not like lebanese food in general that does not give one right to disrespect alhamra! ALHAMRA ALL THE WAY!!!
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The worst meal I've had in the last 12 months. Booked and took my girlfriend from the recommendation of a mate who had gone there some years ago (presumably after a few drinks). The decor reminded me of a curry house on Brick Lane, that's fallen on hard times. they had a serious issue with us changing tables away from the doorway.

Went there a few weeks ago and can't remember the exact starter but it was a standard humous type affair that was fine, but how can it not be?

the mains were absolutely awful. my girlfriend had a prime lamb cut (£18) and some lettuce. I had a mixed grill; the chicken was fine but the beef and lamb were poor.

Didn't bother with desert. Had service from 6 different people, all of which didn't pay any attention or really care. Sofra around the corner would be a better bet.

It goes to show that location is everything in the restaurant business. I've had better meals from a kebab shop.
Comment on this reader review

Fraser
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Friday, May 06, 2011

This is by far the worst pricy restaurant I have ever been to in over 20 years of regular eating out.

I don't know where to start or finish - the portions were hopelessly small/ the food was incredibly bland (the chef had forgotten to use salt/pepper/any flavouring)/ the food was cold/ the service was pathetic/ the seating uncomfortable. In fact this place is so bad I always tip but made an exception this time.

We booked a table for 5 - I ordered a grilled lemon sole for my father only to be told half an hour later that it was not available but I could opt for the charcoal grilled sea bass instead - more like incinerated sea creature instead - what arrived was a horrific tiny creature which had been scorched to oblivion on a plate with no dressing or accompanying vegetables or carbohydrates. Any moron can toss a fish in a pan. How about making an effort to present something edible and attractive.

I ordered the fried veal as it was the only appealing item on the menu- veal should never be fried but this one was veal in batter (Glasgow style) so bland it tasted like a worn Goodyear tyre (which is probably unfair to Goodyear as they make far more effort than Al Hamra Restaurant). The veal was so hard I had to wrestle with it and when I managed to chomp through it it exacted its revenge by giving me a toothache to remember. Dessert was a disaster as they had no fruit salad option (a surprise as even McDonalds offer this) so I ordered muhalabi (milk pudding) which I like warm but was served cold. When I asked the waiter to heat it he argued that it was bad for my health - thanks for that.

Overall, if I could give this restaurant a minus rating I would definitely do this. THIS PLACE IS SHOCKINGLY BAD.
Comment on this reader review

0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, March 14, 2011

I can only echo and emphasise what has been said below by most other reviewers -- the service is now beyond unfriendly, and this is simply not a good place to go anymore. I say this with sadness as this used to be one of my favourite Lebanese restaurants, but that was many years ago. I will not be going back.
Comment on this reader review

- View all reviews by this user
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Saturday, February 12, 2011

I wish I'd read the reviews before I dragged my unsuspecting partner here. Having lived and worked in the Middle East I am a huge fan of the flavours and cuisine. The bonus of this restaurant for me was the location. The food however was terrible, service bad, short of rude. Very over priced. I insisted I went Dutch on this one!
Comment on this reader review

- View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 0
Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bad service, rude staff, you are put under pressure to eat and leave so they do more seating,

will never go their again
Comment on this reader review

eater
2 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, February 22, 2010

This was a horrible experience. I read all the bad reviews and in spite of that went. It could not have been worse. Extremely rude staff. Even though I confirmed my booking 3 times they made me and the guests I was taking wait 45 minutes at which point we moved on to Boudin Blanc. Please listen to the reviews and DO NOT GO.
Comment on this reader review

mongun
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Saturday, August 22, 2009

very bad attitude staff and worst food. i went there for a dinner with my family and i asked to set outside but the waiter told my that they closed outside tables for that moment, but after few minutes another customers came and sat outside and served without any problem!!!!. another thing happened to me that while i was eating the starter meal the waiter came suddenly and took out my plates without asking if i have finished or not!!! and when i asked him why?! he reply that its their way to work!!!.

i'm highly recommended to not try to eat there and try some one else as there are many other lebanese restaurant much better and cheaper in the city. i have paid 150 pound for a bad service and food.
Comment on this reader review

ra7al al3omor
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Sunday, August 16, 2009

Pleasant but disinterested staff - expensive for what it is - the main course of chicken and kidney was appalling - but they had the good grace to remove the cost and of a bottle of wine from the bill - great for tourists and expense accounts but far better alternatives in London
Comment on this reader review

Paul
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Thursday, July 09, 2009