Berber & Q: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors Under the Railway Arches

Nestled under the railway arches of Haggerston, Berber & Q delivers a vibrant dining experience that fuses Middle Eastern and North African cuisine with American BBQ techniques. Founded by chef Josh Katz, this atmospheric grill house has established itself as a destination for bold, smoke-infused flavors in East London.

Signature Dishes Worth Trying

The menu at Berber & Q celebrates both meat and vegetables with equal passion. Their cauliflower shawarma has achieved near-legendary status - charred florets topped with tahini, pomegranate, and rose. Meat lovers shouldn't miss the hand-pulled lamb mechoui or the beef short rib with its dark crust and tender interior. The joojeh chicken thighs marinated in saffron, turmeric, yogurt and lemon offer an Iranian-inspired flavor explosion.

Atmosphere and Experience

The restaurant's converted railway arch setting creates a distinctive ambiance with exposed brick, moody lighting (including fez hat lampshades), and a lively soundtrack. The communal tables and counter seating foster a convivial atmosphere, though the venue can get quite busy and noisy during peak times.

While the restaurant doesn't take reservations for dinner service, the wait is well worth it for the multi-layered flavors that emerge from their open kitchen. Their creative approach to mezze and pickles provides perfect accompaniments to the smoke-kissed mains.

Whether you're a dedicated carnivore or vegetarian, Berber & Q offers a memorable culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the Middle East and North Africa, all with a distinctive East London twist.