Kinz, an all-day Lebanese brasserie housed in a former Lloyds Bank branch in Notting Hill, has been awarded 4 out of 5 stars by Time Out. Founded by Jad Lahoud, Karim Lahoud, and Rasha Khouri Bruzzo (co-owner of the nearby Palestinian restaurant Akub), the venue offers Lebanese dishes, wines from independent producers, spiced cocktails, and photographs of Lebanon. The triple-height space, with patterned patio flooring and abundant greenery, creates a celebratory atmosphere far removed from its banking past.
Mezze highlights and standout dishes
Dinner at Kinz features classic small dishes such as fatayer and rikakat, larger plates including fatteh and kibbeh, salads, and mashawi grilled skewers. In true mezze style, food arrived within minutes of ordering, with over half a dozen plates appearing on the table: elegant swirls of hummus, plump pitta discs, neat pastry parcels, a rich green tabouleh, and cheese skewers.
Despite the speedy service, quality remained high. The creamy hummus was dappled with tickly spice, while baba ganoush combined earthy aubergine with tart pomegranate. Chunks of halloumi were notably un-squeaky and paired with a fresh coriander dip. The cheese rikakat and spinach fatayer were fragrant, well-crisped, and just greasy enough.
Minor flaws and drink recommendations
A couple of dishes were overpowered. The tabouleh’s rough foliage clashed with tangy lemon, outweighing the tomato garnish. The cabbage mehshi varied from parcel to parcel: some were balanced bundles of crunchy texture, while others were forcefully minty.
For drinks, Time Out recommends a sumac- or chamomile-infused cocktail, a bottle of the Bekaa Valley house white, and a Lebanese coffee with a slice of the chocolate cake. The former bank vault has been transformed into a bar area for post-meal drinks.
Vibe, food, and practical details
The vibe is described as East Mediterranean magic in a former bank. The food menu offers a concise but hard-to-choose selection of classic Lebanese dishes, from baba ganoush to kibbeh. The drink list includes herb- and spice-infused cocktails and a wine list covering Lebanon’s vineyard regions.
Kinz is located at 50 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JD. The restaurant is recommended by Time Out, with pricing rated 3 out of 4 and a 4 out of 5 overall score.
