Stepping inside Oula is like being given a warm hug. The pink-hued Tunisian café in Fitzrovia is owned by French-Tunisian chef Boutheina Ben Salem, who created Oula to celebrate matriarchal culinary traditions. The womblike interior and extremely amiable service make it a welcoming spot.
A Delicious Start
I arrive before lunch service (which takes place 12-3pm), but Ben Salem kindly offers to make me a brik – a delicious half-moon parcel of golden filo pastry stuffed with tuna, potatoes, tangy capers and an egg. It’s fried to perfection and finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice. I think I’ve discovered my new favourite brunch.
Menu Highlights
The rest of Oula’s menu ranges from kastrout – a beloved Tunisian street food in the form of stuffed baguette sandwiches, with bread from Quince bakery – to drô gourmand – a sorghum porridge topped with pumpkin seeds, coconut chips and pomegranate. The coffee is good, or you can try a traditional mint tea, served with pine nuts.
Location and Hours
Oula is located at 93 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7SS. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
