Al-Dar III

This place has a new name and settings (still halal though), prices are expensive (£15 pound up for a main), we opted for the Indian restaurant around the corner.

Google Reviewer

Google

Feb 14, 2026

4

There is something deeply comforting about beginning an evening with a steaming cup of mint tea. I am not entirely certain of its origin, I suspect it may have been Moroccan, but wherever it came from, it was absolutely delicious, fragrant, warming, delicately sweet, and wonderfully restorative. It set the tone beautifully for what became a truly memorable evening. I had the pleasure of sharing the meal with a wonderful man and a developing friend, and that company alone elevated the entire experience. The restaurant itself was undergoing renovation, so we were surprised to find the interior closed. Fortunately, we had dressed for a cold evening and were well prepared. We were seated outside on the street under overhead heat lamps, and although the seating was simple and unpretentious, the warmth above us created an unexpectedly cosy and intimate setting against the crisp evening air. After a few cups of tea, the first course arrived, chicken soup. Unfortunately, it reached the table almost stone cold, which was disappointing. However, to the restaurant’s credit, they addressed the issue promptly, courteously, and without hesitation, returning it piping hot and properly prepared. From that point onward, it remained warm, comforting, and thoroughly enjoyable, and the service recovery was handled with professionalism and attentiveness. Then came the highlight. The lamb chops. My goodness, the lamb chops, rich, aromatic, perfectly prepared, and utterly irresistible. Now, I will admit that I had been fasting for four days prior, which might heighten anyone’s appreciation of food. That said, I consider myself a very discerning foodie, someone attentive to preparation, technique, and balance, and I know the difference between hunger enhanced enjoyment and genuinely excellent cooking. This was undeniably the latter. The lamb had clearly been pre seasoned and slow cooked with patience and skill. The fat was beautifully rendered, silky, balanced, and not at all excessive. Each bite was succulent, deeply flavorful, tender all the way to the bone, and infused with layers of seasoning that spoke of care and confidence in the kitchen. The flavours were complex and warming, perhaps subtly spiced, perhaps gently aromatic, though I could not immediately identify each element. What I did know was that the taste lingered, satisfying, rounded, and complete. In fact, it was so good, so compelling, and so memorable that I ordered a second portion without hesitation. Over the course of a few hours, my friend and I enjoyed both the food and rich, thoughtful conversation, warmed by the heaters, the atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of being present in good company. What began as a slightly uncertain evening, renovations, cold soup, and outdoor seating, transformed into something genuinely special, relaxed, and unexpectedly delightful. Compliments to the chef, sincerely and enthusiastically given. I will certainly return.