Berber & Q — Restaurant in London

CULINARY TEASE

Walking into Berber & Q, you’re welcomed by dim lighting, a tantalizing waft of spices, and the promise of a culinary thrill ride. But like many great promises, this one soon revealed itself to be more of a tease. The staff, nudged us toward an array of small plates, arranging an Instagram-worthy spread that looked more aesthetic than meaningful.

The concept here is to share and graze, but I’ll caution you, you might find yourself at the kebab shop afterward.

Let’s start with the highlight: the grilled chicken. Juicy, smoky, with just enough spice to make you sit up a little straighter. It was genuinely delicious, the sort of dish that momentarily tricks you into believing you’re in for an amazing meal. But from there, the crescendo petered out, leaving us with mezze plates so stingy they were seemingly served with tweezers. Inspired by the famously abundant and generous Levantine table, these overpriced morsels seemed well suited to fill the menu than bellies. Each bite left me glancing down at my empty fork, as if it betrayed me.

And then, the drinks. My Diet Coke arrived as a towering iceberg with a thin drizzle of soda filling the gaps. Less a beverage than a crude ice sculpture, it left me feeling like a hostage, parting with pounds for the privilege of a proper pour.

As for the actual ordering process, it began to feel like a game of memory and patience—a sort of dinner-themed lucky dip. Some of our choices made it to the table, while others seemed to disappear into the restaurant’s Bermuda Triangle. It was culinary roulette: a mystery which dish would actually turn up.

All joking aside, Berber & Q serves decent food, but it’s a bit like dating someone with commitment issues. You’re intrigued, a little bit infatuated, but you’re ultimately left looking for something...

I came to this place years ago during my last visit to London and I was very much looking forward to coming back and enjoy the food I had such amazing memories of. I went out of my way to make it back to this place before I head back home and I am left with great disappointment. The reception was cold and rather distant, service was mediocre, as if nobody was really in the mood to be there that night. I arrived 10 minutes before my 6pm reservation time and I was turned away and told to come back later because they weren't open yet...They did let me use the bathroom at least on my request and they still had me leave the place even if by that time there was only 5 mins left for my reservation. I really didn't feel like going back after that, but I decided to honor my reservation out of respect for their organisation even if I felt very disrespected in that moment. The menu has changed completely which I was willing to give a chance. The portions were extremely small and the taste wasn’t impressive at all. I really wish I had more positive things to say about this dinner, but I have a hard time finding any + points. I felt so uncomfortable I couldn’t wait to finish the little food I had on my plate and get out of there. I will not be coming back on a next visit to London, I am sure there are better options in town when it comes to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and where customers are not turned away 5 mins before opening. But good luck to you, and I really hope you can make it back to the level...

Firstly the pictures I saw before visiting this place don't do it justice. It was a very warm environment with a dim lit atmosphere, great decor and good music playing at a perfect conversational level. The 'under the railway arches' look added a certain magic to it as well.

I arrived early so went to the bar for a cocktail. The barman was very attentive and helpful. I ordered the 'blazing sun' which was delicious! There were also some other cocktails tried on the menu, all of which were very well made. Price was very steep and out of place when considering the food prices, but still of good quality.

The food overall was very good. We shared the mixed grill platter which was a good size. The lamb sausages and chicken thighs were delicious. The beef skewer had a good flavour but the meat was incredibly dry. It needed something to retain the moisture when cooking like grated onion or breadcrumbs. But as I've said the flavour was good. The sides and sauces we very good and flavoursome. They tasted fresh and zingy. One criticism would be the meat and salad all being dumped on top of the bread when served. It caused all the bread to be soggy when it was served which wasn't pleasant although I could tell the bread was of good quality. May be best to serve this on a separate plate.

The staff here were great, very friendly and helpful when asked a question about the menu and drinks list. Didn't harass you whilst eating which I like.

Overall a good place which I'll be...