This Mecca of a restaurant dishes up some tasty Lebanese portions in the heart of Central London with its sumptuous decor and added entertainment thrown in for good measure.

The Venue
Levant is positioned on Jason Court just off Wigmore Street and close to the plush surroundings of Marylebone High Street. Inside the feeling is as if you have escaped the humdrum of the capital and immediately transported to the shores of Marrakech. The restaurant together with the Mezze Bar benefits from having deep colours, plush materials and plenty of traditional features added into the mix including low ceilings and lanterns to set the mood. An added bonus is the belly dancers who parade every night.

The Atmosphere
Just like being abroad. Sultry, hot and moody and that’s not even describing any of the belly dancers on display. A certain date place, Levant has created a unique palace of delights in the centre of London.

The Food
A good choice of dishes across the board which range from meat and fish to seafood with plenty of North African spices used in the range of plates on offer. To start why not try the Chicken Kibbeh which is shells made from cracked wheat that are filled with a combination of onions, pine nuts and chicken that has been infused with several spices. The onions are well cooked and provide a rich sweetness that goes well with the meat while the chicken is done to a T and you can certainly taste the complexity of spices inside. The hummus is also a classic which is smooth and deserves a couple of glugs of olive oil to round it off.

For mains choose the Farruj Meshwi, a sizzling baby chicken which has been marinated in lemon juice and cuts through the chicken like a knife through butter. The Lequss Meshwi is beautifully presented as sea bass fillets which have been grilled and cooked in a combination of herbs and garlic. The simplest things are always the best usually and this is exactly the same here as the fish is smooth and soft.

To finish desserts are a little more exciting than the usual baklava and rose water ice cream. Try the Honey and Pistachio Creme Brulee which is sweet and takes advantage of the nuts in its depth and crunchiness while the Hazelnut Chocolate and Banana Mousse ticks most boxes for taste and flavour. The texture is well done and the banana comes through to provide an extra layer to this rich dish. Prices are pretty hefty for the a la carte menu, with main courses at about £15 - £20 and even £400 for a whole roast lamb.

The Drink
A decent wine list covers a considerable amount of European reds and whites and there’s also a nice touch with a focus on Moroccan and Lebanese wines including elegant whites such as Chateau Ksara "Blanc de Blancs" 2005 and Beka'a Valley from Lebanon at around £17. For the more adventurous amongst you and for those with a wallet to match then there’s some vintage Bollinger, Dom Perignon and Cristal at a whopping £195 per bottle.

The Last Word
Not the cheapest place in the capital, Levant’s all round experience is certainly worth a one off visit.

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