Fluid London
Warda Review Top 10 things I discovered about Warda restaurant:
1) Lebanese food is my second favourite food of all, and the way they cook it, in this friendly, welcoming, recently opened (9 months) restaurant, is just the best;
2) The location is a bit North North North London, but easy to find as it’s almost opposite to the Tube station exit (Southgate);
3) The ambience is what you’d expect for a Middle Eastern restaurant in middle England: golden, brownish and orange colours with a mixed audience (all ages, all styles, and all types) and incredibly welcoming staff. The décor (including real roses on the table) is standard but still provides a cosy, comfortable environment;
4) The General Manager (and partner owner) Pierre is so enthusiastic, attentive and confident about his food, that he makes the experience quite unique. I glance around and observe how he is friendly and hospitable with all of his guests;
5) The food is a-m-a-z-i-n-g, just brilliant. It is abundant (maybe even too much), perfectly presented, and deliciously decadent;
6) I love the mezze entrée (which is definitely more than an entrée): hummus, halloumi, aubergines in vine leaves, falafel, all perfect and accompanied with fragrant, warm pitta bread. If you are a bit uncertain about what to have, go for their “8 mezze” fixed price menu;
7) In this ocean of amazing food I am disappointed by one of my very favourite dishes ever: the sea bass entree is a bit too watery and too rich in condiments (such as the thick layer of tomato sauce on top). I can overlook this faux passe, though, since everything else is so gorgeous;
8) The mains are astonishing - I know I am repeating myself - lamb, chicken, cashew nuts, garlic sauce and the king of all: perfectly cooked rice. A rainbow of flavours and textures so simply wonderful;
9) The desserts are the most enjoyable sweets I have ever tasted in my life: miniature super fresh baklava; Lebanese cheesecake; Lebanese fritters; and an incredible choice of rich, filling but also uniquely laudable puddings. The wide variation of teas, among which the orange blossom one is a great surprise, taste almost like nectar of the Gods;
10) This is the kind of place you’ll want to spend a great evening with friends, eating stunning food whilst experiencing the legendary Arabic hospitality. Warda is such a little gem, hidden away in far North London.
Alessandra Frosoni 23 Mar 2014
http://www.fluidlondon.co.uk/venue/enfield_and_barnet/warda-n14
