Review: Comptoir Libanais New Menu

At an exclusive event last night (Thursday 5th July) we were given the chance to sample the brand new menu from Comptoir Libanais’ founder and culinary genius, Tony Kitous.

The new menu, which is available at their SouthGate restaurant right now, has grown it’s vegan and vegetarian offering, meaning the entire menu is now approximately 30% and 55% veggie! Not that you can’t indulge your carnivorous tendencies while you’re there, as Comptoir Libanais’ delicious slow-cooked meats are still a staple that fill the stunning restaurant with that ever-intoxicating aroma.

Tony says, “What is great is that the Lebanese and Middle Eastern style of cooking is perfect for catering for vegetarians and vegans. When we eat, we welcome loved ones and guests with Mezze as it encourages everyone to join and share. Then the feasting begins!”

Imagine a spread of vibrant salads, grilled meats and vegetables, steamed couscous, vermicelli rice, pickles, dips, olives and always followed by dessert, like the Rose Mouhalabia - a traditional Lebanese milk pudding flavoured with rose syrup and topped with toasted pistachios and finally finished off with some tea and something sweet. As Tony has experienced since he was a little boy, “You will never leave an Arabic table hungry!”.

So what did we think of the new menu? It just so happens that I’ve been vegan since last October, so finding a restaurant that includes vegan dishes without making a big song and dance about it is really refreshing. They serve food which just-so-happens to be vegan, not just adding a vegan option because it’s the thing to do in 2018.

Here’s what we had.

The evening began with canapés of Hommos, Lamb Kofte and baba ghanuj on a crispy base, perfect to wake up your taste buds. These were served with a choice of three home made vodka-infused lemonades, of which I opted for the pomegranate and rose blossom. It was absolutely delicious and had the most dangerous of characteristics where it was so flavourful and fruity you didn’t realize you were having something boozy!

After the canapés, I mentioned to the manager, John, that I was vegan. Upon hearing this he leapt in to action and requested a Vegan Mezze Platter be cooked fresh from the chefs. This was totally unexpected, but absolutely appreciated, the attentiveness from John and his staff was fantastic.

The Vegan Mezze Platter consisted of Batata Harra (Lebanese spiced fries with red pepper, fresh coriander, garlic & chilli), a selection of fresh Falafel which are hand made on site, two flavoured Hommos with fresh herbs and chickpeas, baba ghanuj and tabbouleh. Served with toasted pitta, salad and pickles it was exactly the kind of food I adore.

The way to eat at Comptoir Libanais is family style. Order lots and pick from each dish with your friends and family. After sampling the new menu, we’ll certainly be back!