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Em Sherif at Harrods brings the warmth of Lebanese hospitality to one of London’s most prestigious dining destinations. Founded by Mireille Hayek, the restaurant has built its reputation around recipes inspired by family gatherings and generous shared dining, presenting traditional Lebanese cuisine with the polish expected of its Knightsbridge setting
Whether you’re breaking up a day at Harrods with a leisurely lunch or arriving for an evening meal, Em Sherif offers an experience that feels refined without becoming formal. The emphasis remains firmly on authentic flavours, attentive hospitality and dishes designed to be enjoyed together.
A Lebanese Dining Room with Harrods Prestige
The restaurant feels quietly elegant from the moment you arrive. Deep blue tones, brass accents and thoughtfully layered interiors create a space that complements Harrods’ luxury surroundings while retaining a welcoming character of its own.
Unlike many contemporary Middle Eastern restaurants that lean heavily into theatrical design, Em Sherif favours understated sophistication. Tables are comfortably spaced, lighting is warm, and the atmosphere encourages diners to settle in rather than rush through a meal.
Its position within Harrods also gives it a versatility that few London restaurants enjoy. It works equally well for a relaxed lunch after shopping, a business meeting over mezze, or a celebratory dinner where several courses naturally unfold over the evening.
A Menu Rooted in Lebanese Tradition
Em Sherif’s menu is extensive without feeling overwhelming. Rather than reinventing Lebanese cuisine, it celebrates the classics with quality ingredients and careful execution, giving diners the freedom to build a meal around sharing or larger individual dishes.
Cold Mezze
The cold mezze selection provides an excellent introduction to the kitchen. The Hummus arrives smooth and richly flavoured, with the option of roasted pine nuts for extra texture, while the smoky Mutabbal balances aubergine, tahini and pomegranate beautifully. Muhammara, prepared with roasted peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses, offers a sweeter contrast, while the creamy Labneh is lifted with olives, mint and oregano.
Several less familiar dishes reward adventurous diners. Stuffed Swiss Chard combines rice, tomato and parsley in delicate parcels, while Moussakaa, Berghoul Bil Banadoura and Bemieh Bil Zeit showcase traditional vegetable-based recipes that are rarely given such prominence on London menus. The Battrakh, featuring bottarga with wild zaatar and lemon zest, adds a more luxurious option to the selection.
Hot Mezze and Freshly Baked Specialities
The hot mezze continues the generous approach. Variations of hummus topped with sautéed lamb, spicy soujouk or Japanese Wagyu beef elevate one of Lebanon’s best-known dishes, while Prawn Mutabbal introduces seafood to the restaurant’s signature aubergine dip.
Traditional favourites remain central to the menu. Makanek and Soujouk bring bold, aromatic flavours, while Lahme Ras Asfour pairs tender sliced beef with pomegranate molasses. Kibbeh Sajiyeh, Pumpkin Kibbeh, Falafel and slow-cooked Kharouf demonstrate the breadth of Lebanese comfort food beyond the dishes most visitors already know.
Freshly baked pastries deserve equal attention. Zaatar Manoushe, Lahme Bi Ajeen and Spinach Fatayer arrive warm from the oven and are ideal for sharing alongside lighter dishes such as Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Raheb, the Beetroot Salad and the refreshing Tomato and Shanklish Salad.
Grills and House Favourites
The charcoal grill forms the heart of the main menu. Taouk, Kebab, Mint Kefta, Lamb Skewers, Beef Skewers and Fish Skewers are all prepared with restraint, allowing the quality of the ingredients and marinades to take centre stage. Those looking for something more indulgent can opt for the Japanese Wagyu Beef Skewers or grilled Lamb Chops, both of which sit comfortably alongside the restaurant’s more traditional offerings.
Away from the grill, dishes such as Fish Shawarma, Beef Shawarma and Musakhan, the classic combination of confit chicken, sumac and onions, reinforce the kitchen’s commitment to regional favourites rather than contemporary reinterpretations. The changing Plat du Jour provides another opportunity to discover seasonal specialities.
Desserts
Dessert continues the celebration of Lebanese classics. The restaurant’s Signature Rice Pudding, finished with orange blossom, rose water and caramelised puffed rice, remains one of its standout dishes. Equally tempting are the fragrant Rose Loukoum Pudding, creamy Muhallabiya, crisp Pistachio Baklava and syrup-soaked Kunafa.
Traditional desserts including Meghli and Aysh Al Saraya offer further insight into Lebanese home cooking, while weekly changing ice creams and sorbets provide a lighter finish.
Wines and Drinks
The drinks programme reflects the restaurant’s heritage without limiting choice. Lebanese producers including Château Musar, Château Ksara, Ixsir and Massaya feature prominently alongside respected French and Italian labels, making it easy to pair regional wines with the menu.
Those avoiding alcohol are equally well catered for. Fresh pomegranate juice, Jellab, Rose Lemonade and Minted Lemonade sit alongside an impressive selection of single-batch teas. A concise list of classic cocktails and premium spirits completes the offering without distracting from the restaurant’s Lebanese identity.
Hospitality That Invites You to Linger
Em Sherif succeeds because the hospitality feels genuine rather than choreographed. Service is attentive without becoming intrusive, with staff happy to guide diners through unfamiliar dishes or suggest combinations that suit the pace of the meal.
Meals naturally unfold over several courses, reflecting the Lebanese tradition of sharing rather than rushing from starter to main course. The pacing encourages conversation, making the restaurant particularly well-suited to long lunches, family celebrations and relaxed evening dining.
Presentation is polished throughout, but never at the expense of generosity. Portions remain true to the spirit of Lebanese dining, allowing tables to order widely across the menu and experience its variety.
A Standout in London’s Lebanese Dining Scene
London offers no shortage of excellent Middle Eastern restaurants, yet Em Sherif has established a character all of its own. Its Harrods setting undoubtedly attracts attention, but the restaurant’s lasting appeal comes from the confidence of its cooking, the breadth of its menu and a hospitality style that remains faithful to its Lebanese roots.
For diners seeking an elegant meal in Knightsbridge, it offers far more than a convenient place to eat while visiting Harrods. Em Sherif delivers a thoughtfully executed dining experience that balances tradition with refinement, making it one of London’s most rewarding destinations for Lebanese cuisine.
Location: Harrods, 87 135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
