Em Sherif

The convivial buzz. The tantalising menu. The opulent surroundings. It’s not hard to imagine how Em Sherif captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Beirut in 2011 with its first restaurant. Founded by the brilliant chef patron Mireille Hayek, the franchise is credited for putting Lebanese fine dining on the map. Just last year, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants listed it as one of the top nine female-led restaurants to watch – and watch we shall, as Hayek opens her 11th outpost (her first in Europe) on the Second Floor.   

Come with a voracious appetite. The menu, delivered by Mireille’s daughter Yasmina (who trained at Paul Bocuse in France), is abound with delectable dishes. There are pillowy zaatar manoushe still warm from the oven – perfect for dipping in silky-smooth hummus with sautéed Wagyu beef. Salads to cover the entire table, from vibrant fattouch to lentil soujouk with spicy sausage. Sesame-studded falafels. Succulent grilled meats. Daily specials. And desserts! Oh, the desserts… Infused with orange blossom and rose water, and topped with caramelised puffed rice and pistachio powder, the signature rice pudding is worth the trip alone.  

It’s Hayek homage to traditional Lebanese food, elevated and served in an oh-so-chic dining room. “Lebanese cuisine by nature is casual,” she says. “And over the years we upscaled it to keep it traditional yet trendy.” And it’s certainly Insta-ready. Bespoke tiles a deep shade of Yves Klein blue have been flown in from Turkey featuring hand-painted white pomegranate flowers. And before the restaurant opened, fans were seen excitedly taking selfies outside against the logo.  

Wondering why you’ve never heard of Em Sherif until now? Hayek’s culinary prowess may have been the Middle East’s best-kept secret. But not for long. You heard it here first: Lebanese fine dining has arrived at Harrods. Come in, sit down, FEAST.