Al-Dar Edgware Road 020 7402 2541 Marble Arch	Dinner £10 ($!4)	The parent restaurant of this growing chain (a third branch of Al-Dar opened recently on North End Road in west London) is one of dozens of Lebanese eateries along the Edgware Road. It combines eastern decadence with the trappings of a fast food operation, the formica topped tables fastened to the plastic benches in the dining room contrasting with the marble lined bathrooms. The exotic ambience is further heightened by the appearance of huge hubble pipes being carried through the room for the use of discerning patrons, many of whom were seated at the pavement tables watching and greeting the promenading locals. From the open kitchen ranged behind the counter along one wall, we ordered several dishes, including haloumi cheese, pitta bread and salad, spicy chicken wings, mixed grill and sausages. Service is brisk and efficient. The menu is accompanied by a list of freshly squeezed smoothy fruit drinks.
Al-Dar II King's Road Sloane Square	Lunch £8 ($12)	A small café located on a corner near Sloane Square, the Al-Dar II on the King's Road caused me to double-take when I noticed the doner kebabs just inside the window - I tend to associate kebabs with the seedier parts of London. But taking a closer look proved worthwhile. The menu really invites with its range of Lebanese dishes to eat in or take away. We sat in the cool, green-hued dining area at the back with its regional, but intrusive, music and ordered shawarma and Lebanese sujuk (sausage) sandwiches (£3.50 each). These quickly arrived, freshly made and wrapped with spicy sauces and pickles in pitta bread which had then been rolled and toasted. Alongside we had a bowl of houmous (£3.00) served with additional warm pittas and pickled chillis with pink (beetroot?) coloured root vegetable, possibly celeriac. My shawarma, containing generous slices of well-done marinated lamb, was delicious, while my companion was very pleased with his sausage version. Both were quite filling. The fresh houmous was dressed with a splash of aromatic olive oil, soft whole chickpeas and a sprinkling of chopped coriander. The dishes on offer show attention to detail, use of good ingredients and are very reasonably priced. As well as a wide range of kebabs and mezes, which are worth returning for, Al-Dar II also offers a number of freshly squeezed fruit juices, from £2.50 to £3.00 and a selection of pastries including baklava. A nice alternative to the rash of coffee shops (Pret and Starbucks) springing up elsewhere along the street.
Prices are per head for two-three courses, sharing a bottle of wine or a beer or two where appropriate
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