Fakhreldine

This ever-popular Lebanese restaurant is a firm favourite for business lunches amongst the local business community and for a wider audience at other times. The fantastic views over Green Park, courtesy of a stunning location and large windows, real over-the-top Middle Eastern chic decor and of course very good quality Lebanese food give Fakhreldine a special flavour.

Divided into two areas, the more formal area provides a good space for those who wish formal dining in a romantic setting, and the 85 bar and lounge for shisha, cocktails, canapés, or backgammon.

On the menu you'll find delights such as traditional grilled skewers of minced meat with parsley, onions and tomato, char-grilled lamb cutlets, stuffed aubergine and excellent tabouleh. There is a strong emphasis upon head Chef Youssef Harb's revision of Lebanese home cooking, with its emphasis on slow-cooking and Lebanese ingredients. Amongst the dishes expect to find a puree of grilled aubergine, tahini and lemon, labne, a form of strained yoghurt, and red lentils puree with rice, known as moujadara.

Main courses of baby aubergines with minced lamb pine nuts topped with yoghurt and crisp bread, roasted fillet of sea bass with lemon and chive sauce served with citrus-scented rice, and a very special dish in the form of roasted lobster with rosemary and chunk potato. The traditional dish of five-spice lamb with Bukhan rice is always popular, and deep fried sea bream and baby aubergines with an aubergine dip and pomegranate sauce reflects the Lebanese association with the sea.

Pomegranate and wheat salad in orange blossom water may not sound what our Western tastes might at first take to, but it is uncommonly good. If you don't agree turn to pancakes filled with hazelnuts and chocolate served with vanilla ice cream.

The popular business lunches come as a main course and coffee at £17, or two courses for £19 with a choice from four starters and five main courses. House wine starts at £22, which may at first glance seem a little high but is justified by a high quality list with some notable Lebanese bottles amongst them.

Amongst it many attributes Fakhreldine, which takes its name from a leading figure in Lebanese history, Prince Fakhreldine II, has a reputation for being child friendly, with wheelchair access and late night opening as well as wi-fi access. Not perhaps surprising that the restaurant is a favourite of Arab royalty and for those who like to have the odd so-called celeb around them when they eat this is a place to be.

Group bookings are welcome and parties of up to 30 can join with other diners. Exclusive hire is available for parties of up to 100. There are three different set menus from which to choose ranging from £31 to £36, including one completely vegetarian. Canapes start at £8.

Nightly entertainment from Lebanese musician, with belly dancing Thursday-Saturdays, also adds to the appeal of the place and makes a great environment in which to relax after dining. Do check their Website for prices and availability.