London’s love affair with shawarma shows no sign of slowing down. From sizzling spits of marinated meat to pillowy flatbreads stuffed with crisp salad and creamy tahini, the city’s Middle Eastern eateries offer something for every palate.
Below we round up ten of the best shawarma experiences across the capital with the wildly popular Mazal London taking the top spot highlighting what makes each one special and how to get in touch.
1. Mazal London – Hawley Wharf’s Kosher Street‑Food Star
At the top of the list is Mazal London, a colourful street‑food stall run by Israeli chefs Neta and Aviv in Camden’s Hawley Wharf.
Their kosher shawarma is carved straight off the spit and served with homemade amba and pickles. Alongside chicken and lamb, the menu features crispy falafel, hand‑cut chips and daily specials inspired by the owners’ Tel Aviv roots.
There’s no table service, grab a wrap and pull up a stool in the market, or take it to go and enjoy by Regent’s Canal.
Signature style: Kosher chicken and lamb shawarma cooked on a rotisserie, soft pitta and bright pickles.
Why go: Authentic flavours from two Israeli chefs, generous portions and a buzzing Camden vibe.
Contact: Unit 192, 2nd Floor, Hawley Wharf, London NW1 8AA
2. Likya Ocakbasi – Golders Green’s Turkish Grill & Shawarma
Likya Ocakbasi in Golders Green brings the warmth of a Turkish ocakbasi (open grill) to north London.
The menu centres on succulent lamb and chicken shawarma sliced from a rotating spit, alongside shish kebabs, kofte and meze made from family recipes. Everything is cooked over charcoal, giving the meat a smoky edge and crisp exterior.
Inside, traditional décor and a glass‑fronted charcoal grill create a lively dining room, while takeaway is popular with locals looking for a fast, satisfying meal.
Signature style: Charcoal‑grilled shawarma and kebabs served with rice, salad, flatbread and tangy sauces.
Why go: Generous portions, authentic Turkish hospitality and an open grill that fills the room with enticing aromas.
3. Shawarma Bar – Exmouth Market’s Levantine Eatery
Part of the Berber & Q family, Shawarma Bar in Clerkenwell pays homage to Tel Aviv’s bustling cafés.
The chefs marinate meat for 24 hours before slowly‑roasting it over charcoal and slicing it into juicy shawarma plates and pita sandwiches. Expect flavours such as chilli‑spiked lamb, turmeric chicken and a cauliflower shawarma for vegetarians. A thoughtful drinks list features Levantine wines, arak cocktails and local beers, making it as much a hangout as a lunch spot.
Signature style: Charcoal‑roasted meats, vibrant pickles and sauces served in fluffy pita or on hummus plates.
Why go: Warm service, regional wines and inventive vegetarian shawarma options.
Contact: 46 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE; 020 7837 1726; open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
4. Café Helen – Edgware Road’s Late‑Night Favourite
Edgware Road is lined with Middle Eastern eateries, and Café Helen is a local institution. Open from late afternoon until the early hours, it draws night‑owls with its smoky shawarma, charcoal‑grilled kebabs and freshly baked flatbreads.
Diners queue up at the counter for lamb or chicken carved straight onto a wrap and finished with tahini, pickles and salad. The casual interior and late‑night hours make it perfect for an after‑theatre snack or end‑of‑evening feast.
Signature style: Thinly sliced chicken and lamb shawarma wrapped in soft bread with pickles and garlic sauce.
Why go: Open until dawn, hearty portions and authentic Lebanese street‑food atmosphere.
Contact: 105A Edgware Rd, London W2 2HX
5. Maroush – Kings Road’s Lebanese Pioneer
Maroush has been serving Lebanese food in London since the early 1980s. The Kings Road branch in Chelsea pairs traditional hospitality with a lively dining room and a menu of mezze, grilled meats and shawarma wraps.
Expect juicy lamb or chicken sliced to order and tucked into warm bread with garlic sauce and tangy turnip pickles. It’s ideal for both a casual lunch and a late‑night feast, the restaurant stays open until 1 a.m. most evenings.
Signature style: Classic Lebanese shawarma and mezze, generous platters and fresh juices.
Why go: A long‑running institution with live music on some evenings and late opening hours.
Contact: 338 Kings Rd, London SW3 5UR
6. Bababoom – Charcoal Kebab Kitchen in Battersea
Bababoom started as a “charcoal kebab kitchen” in Battersea and has since expanded across London. The Battersea Rise site specialises in kebabs and shawarma cooked over charcoal, using high‑quality British meat and halal chicken.
Wraps are packed with colourful salads, pickles and Baba’s house sauces, and there are vegan and gluten‑free options. The restaurant’s fun, modern décor and cocktails make it a lively evening out.
Signature style: Chargrilled shawarma and kebabs served on pillowy flatbreads with homemade sauces.
Why go: Friendly staff, healthy options and a buzzing neighbourhood vibe.
Contact: 30 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EE; 020 3161 7505; battersea@bababoom.london
7. Shishawi – 24‑Hour Egyptian Eatery & Shisha Lounge
Rounding off the list is Shishawi, a 24‑hour Egyptian restaurant and shisha lounge on Edgware Road. It serves an extensive menu of mezze, grilled meats and pastries, the shawarma comes in generous portions and can be enjoyed in wraps or on platters with rice.
The vibrant atmosphere, late‑night opening and outdoor seating make it a popular meeting spot after gigs or nights out.
Signature style: Egyptian‑style chicken and lamb shawarma with mezze and salads; shisha available.
Why go: Open round the clock, affordable menu and a relaxed shisha lounge vibe.
