Libano Restaurant Balham — Restaurant in London

Arrived after 7pm the restaurant so loud i struggled to get in with my buggy no one welcomed or assist to pass the tables I had to navigate alone by speaking loudly. Came to celebrate my mums birthday to have a family meal. Suffice to say we should have stuck to other Lebanese restaurants which are consistently superior but we tried this one due to reviews. I quickly ordered the main meal only we waited so long to the point of the baby was crying for chips. Food was dry and it was queried by the staff finally the meal that was unsatisfactory was changed. Others arrived long after us and was attentively cared for. When asked why our food was taking so long it then took for me to put mine and my little ones coat and turn the buggy then miraculously our dinner appeared. When they got an order wrong they blamed us where the main man came out and announce and assert his dominance with clearly a god complex "who is complaining then he went on to say its only me in the kitchen!" On departure they didn't stipulate that they had a specific process and then incredulously insinuated that we'd not pay for the water only the meals. Service was slow and poor so the very least to make the whole experience somewhat redeeming to provide a discount was the very least on top of that everyone who celebrated their birthday was treated well and everyone sung for them minus my mum! He became most disgusting when I stated no service shall be paid only what was consumed due to the lack of care and how dismissive they were to our table comparison to all the other diners. We were predominantly black. This is one of my favourite cuisines and Im always treated well no matter the location I have always enjoyed the attentiveness of the staff in Lebanese restaurants. Despite my sister calling ahead 3 times including the booking they somehow failed to add our booking on the system and then gave her a hard time when they arrived early My brother had to return to tell the man about his candor and conduct or...

We had the pleasure of dining at Libano Restaurant in Balham, and from start to finish, it was a fantastic experience!

We ordered two mixed platters, and wow—what a treat! The starters were fresh and full of flavour, setting the tone perfectly for the meal. The main dishes featured incredibly high-quality meats—tender, juicy, and full of authentic Lebanese seasoning. Best of all, nothing was greasy, which made the whole meal feel clean and satisfying without the heaviness you sometimes get from grilled dishes.

The interior decor was warm and inviting, a lovely balance of traditional touches with a modern, comfortable vibe. A quick heads-up: bottled water is already on the table, and if you open it, it gets added to the bill. If you'd prefer tap water, just ask—they're more than happy to oblige.

One of the standout aspects of the visit was the customer service. The management team were exceptional, going above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. They were observant, thoughtful, and really took the time to understand our needs. We came in with a large group including several kids, and despite the limited space, the team was incredibly accommodating and flexible, helping us settle in without any fuss.

A small point to note: the platters didn’t come with large serving spoons, which made it a bit tricky to share among a big party—but honestly, it was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise smooth experience.

It’s lovely to see that this is a family-run business, and you can feel that personal touch in both the food and the hospitality. We'll definitely be coming back—the food was excellent, the staff were wonderful, and it’s great to support such a passionate local team.

Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Lebanese food with a side of genuine...

Welcome to Libano, the place where you can experience the true meaning of “mediocre” Lebanese dining. Nestled in Balham, this restaurant prides itself on slow service and a truly "generous" platter that’s meant to feed 4-5 people, but realistically caters to a group of 3—if they're not particularly hungry. £99 it was!

Let’s start with the starters... EVERYTHING was tart! It's like its all seasoned with lemon!

Now, for the pièce de résistance: the platter. It was presented with one (yes, one) lonely sheep kebab to be shared between five people. One. dry chicken and lamb—honestly, I’ve had more moisture from a sandpaper sandwich. They could’ve used a bit more seasoning or, you know, the ability to cook meat properly. The rice, oh the rice—undercooked enough to make you reconsider your life choices. If you're into chewing through uncooked grains, this is your paradise. And don’t even think about getting more chicken wings—there’s precisely one wing per person, which is just enough to leave you hungry for… well, anything else.

The bread? Not freshly made, just like the enthusiasm of the staff. You’ll get a flat, sad version of what could’ve been a warm, pillowy delight. As for sauces, good luck finding any. A teaspoon of chilli and garlic sauce was somehow rationed like it was the last bottle of Sriracha on Earth.

In conclusion, Libano is like a diet version of Lebanese food, where portion sizes are small, the food’s dry, and the service is agonizingly slow. But hey, if you’re looking for a dining experience that will leave you hungry, disappointed, and slightly irritated, this place is chef's kiss perfection.

Maybe the chef was off tonight ey. Who knows! Disappointing night for us...