April Restaurant of the Month

Having opened its doors in 2015 in Haggerston and setting up shop in a camper van in Exmouth Market a year later, Berber & Q is one of the most talked about Middle Eastern restaurants in London.

Nestled within the railway arches of Haggerston in an old taxi repair shop, Berber & Q Grill House serves up delicacies from across the Ottoman, taking inspiration from North Africa and the Middle East. Led by head chef Josh Katz, former chef at Ottolenghi and Galvin the menu comprises of a range of BBQ’d meat dishes including Syrian beef kofta, wood-roasted prawns pil-pil and a smoked lamb shoulder for two. Grilled over an open charcoal flame not only adds theatre in the open kitchen but adds a deep chargrilled flavour that cleverly complements the accompanying side dishes. Although on the offset it may seem on the meat heavy side, the team at Berber & Q value the importance of vegetables just as much as the meat offerings. Cauliflower shawarma with tahini, pomegranate and pine nuts or wood-roasted beetroots with labneh and hazelnut dukkah offer just a glimpse of the vegetarian dishes on the menu. The dishes are simple and honest but make up for this with the bold, punchy flavours that are conveyed in each dish.

Although it might not have a W1 postcode, Berber & Q Grill House is well worth the visit.