Sohaila, Shoreditch
"I can't believe I've never noticed this place before..." I thought as I looked up at the unassuming exterior of Sohaila. This would be the spot for my much-needed catch-up dinner with Sue and Claire.
"Trust me," Sue had insisted while we were confirming our plans, "their labneh is out of this world!"
And if Sue said it was good, we all knew we were in for a treat!
Let's talk about Sohaila – a vibrant Lebanese-inspired restaurant and wine bar with heart. More than just delicious food, they're a proud part of Fat Macy's social enterprise—empowering Londoners through culinary and hospitality training while helping them transition from temporary to permanent homes.
Upon entering, you're greeted by whitewashed brick walls, warm wooden furniture, and thoughtfully placed framed artwork throughout the space. The lights were dimmed, creating that typical East London vibes. The space feels warm yet cosy, and I immediately fell in love with their wine corner—an L-shaped floor-to-ceiling shelving unit filled with carefully selected bottles, accompanied by a lone square table with two chairs facing the street. It's the perfect spot for an intimate first date.
Sohaila's menu evolves with the seasons (though there are a few permanent dishes), showcasing the best local produce available. Most dishes are inspired by recipes from Culinary Director Nathalie Moukarzel's grandmother, offering diners a genuine taste of home and history.
With a mandarin & bergamot soda in hand (because I don't know how to appreciate wine), we ordered everything that tickled our fancy.
The labneh & chilli butter was one of the main reasons for our visit, and it didn't disappoint. Incredibly creamy and soft in both texture and flavor, it offered a slight tang from the yogurt, a lingering smokiness from the chilli butter, and an underlying sweetness that made it simply delectable. Divine when dipped in warm bread, I couldn't get enough but had to control myself since I was sharing.
I love potatoes in all forms, and these Za'atar pink fir potatoes & toum were no exception. Crispy with an aromatic tang from the Za'atar and zingy toum drizzled effortlessly over the top, then finished with fresh herbs and slices of chilli. Delicious.
The beetroot, pickled rhubarb, and pistachio salad were heavenly. The sweet beetroots harmonised beautifully with the pickled rhubarb. We loved it so much that we ordered a second plate—and then got one for free because the kitchen accidentally made extra! What a win!
Ful Medames, an Arabic fava bean stew, sounded promising as I love beans. While some might appreciate its earthy taste, it wasn't for me. After a few bites, I couldn't get past the strange bitter aftertaste it left. Not my cup of tea.
The Muhammara is criminally underrated yet serves as a perfect palate cleanser. Smoky from the roasted red peppers, slightly sweet from the pomegranate molasses, yet toasty with a modest crunch from walnuts and generous pine nuts. It's something I want to learn how to make and make sure I have enough to last me for a week!
I'll order almost anything involving squid, and the seared squid with blood orange, fennel, and chilli tasted familiar—reminiscent of something you'd find at a tapas place or fusion Thai restaurant. The simplicity of the dish worked well, though I wished the portion had been more generous.
The spiced brill with artichokes, potatoes, olives, and preserved lemon from their daily special blackboard, unfortunately, fell flat in terms of both flavor and texture. Like the squid, the portion was disappointingly small.
We couldn't tackle any desserts due to limited stomach space, but I'm hoping the tahini caramel choux bun and the chocolate Medjool date pot will still be on the menu for next time—they sound intriguing!
Like all independent restaurants, Sohaila is navigating through trial and error. But in terms of food quality, mission, and their willingness to make the world better, they're doing a remarkable job. It warms the heart knowing everything is done for a good cause, and it feels meaningful to support their work.
Sohaila has captured my heart, and I'll definitely be back for all their small plates and dips—especially knowing I'm doing my part for their cause.
Sohaila - 232 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ