Tony Kitous, the founder of Comptoir Libanais, has announced the relaunch of the Chelsea restaurant. Perfectly located in the heart of Chelsea in Duke of York Square, the restaurant has been through a huge revamp of both the large outside terrace and restaurant interiors.
Kitous said, ‘We are so excited to be relaunching the incredible restaurant. We want to create a place where diners are transported to the Middle East and with the new look and design we feel we have achieved that.’
Comptoir Libanais Chelsea jas lovingly replicated the feel of a Lebanese home through its detailed design. The bright and beautiful mix of colours and patterns bring to life Kitous’ childhood memories, so that guests are transported on a journey to a souk somewhere in Beirut, Marrakesh, Istanbul or Cairo.
The restaurant walls and floors are filled with the colourful tiles found in Arabic homes, courtyards and kitchens. The brass tables and booths are set amongst grandmother’s oilcloth chairs, harrisa tins, vintage silver trays, old family pictures and Fez hats, which all add to the setting.
The menu is made of recipes which Middle Eastern and Lebanese mothers use at home. Comptoir is a restaurant where everyone can eat casually and the food is served with warm and friendly hospitality, just like back home in the Middle-East and North Africa.
The menu includes a huge variety of different dishes from a large selection of hot and cold mezze which are ideal for a quick snack or to share with friends and family. All the usual dips, salads and dishes are also available, from Baba Ghanuj to Chargrilled marinated chicken wings with garlic, lemon & pomegranate molasses. Warm Lebanese wraps - served with a Comptoir salad and pickles - are especially popular, as are their vegetarian and vegan dishes.
No Lebanese meal is complete without something sweet there is a selection of Baklawa and Lebanese desserts, which are delicate, fragrant and delicious, such as Dark Chocolate Orange and Cardamom Cake.
Refreshing homemade lemonades such as Romana - orange blossom water and pomegranate lemonade and Rosa - rose, lemon and lime lemonade, as well as Fresh Rose Mint Tea, served in a silver teapot are the perfect accompaniment to the meal as well as freshly squeezed juices, cocktails and a selection of Lebanese wines and beers, specially imported from the Bekaa Valley.
The cocktail menu also offers the perfect excuse to while away the hours sitting in the new look terrace. There will also be a take-away menu, ideal for a summers picnic.
There will also be a breakfast menu full of authentic Lebanese dishes and twists on English classics. Dishes include Shakshuka a slow-cooked tomato, red onion, pepper & garlic sauce, mixed with parsley and coriander and topped with an egg & crumbled feta. Served with pita bread. It can also be served with lamb sausage.
A firm favourite of Kitous and the team is the Lebanese Full Breakfast, a Lebanese twist on the classic. The dish will feature spicy lamb sausage, spiced hommos, za’atar roasted mushrooms, sumac fried egg, chargrilled tomato, Lebanese potatoes served with flatbread.
The restaurant also offers a large dedicated children’s menu with an activity pack and colouring in section to keep the little ones entertained. It includes a main course, drink and dessert and includes favourites such as Halloumi platter with falafel and hommos and Chicken wings with hommos and Lebanese fries. There will also be a delivery and a click and collect service.