Rodizio Lebanon

I recently visited the Rodizio Lebanon in Fulham. I'd heard a lot about the plentiful meats available at the other locations, but this particular branch is quite different. It's specifically known as 'Rodizio Lebanon', and you won't find any pork on the menu. I went with a fellow meat-eating friend and we left very happy (and exceedingly full!).

The actual location is a little tricky to find. It's slightly off the main road, and you might have to park a few streets away. You could always use public transport of course, but there is something about this place that will make you want to stay a little longer than you intended... and a car is always useful on those occasions!

From the outside the restaurant looks clean, well designed and welcoming. There is ample outside space, and shisha pipes are on offer for those looking to smoke at the end of a meal (or just visit for a coffee/drink and some smoke). Because it is away from central London, there is more space to have a proper area for this. Unlike the small frontages in Edware Road, that have become even smaller recently thanks to a concerted council clampdown, the Rodizio Fulham looks like the place to go to this summer for Shisha connoisseurs.  

Once inside there is even more space than we expected to find. There is a bar, but this is thankfully kept at some distance from the general dining area and a large salad bar dominates the central area. Dining options are varied, more so at this location than some of the others. Vegetarians will find a lot at the salad bar, and can have other options from the menu. 

As we were seated we were handed a token each. The waitress explained the methodology of the Rodizio, and it was tantalisingly simple. Red side up means your plate is full, green side up means you want meat brought to your table. We would get the started on the salads and then "meat up". 

The main attraction is the double-whammy of unlimited use of the salad bar, and as much meet as you can handle. We had a table booked for 8.30, and as we arrived it was a quiet Wednesday evening. As the night progressed it steadily filled up, but the clientèle were of a discerning variety. It was great to be in a venue where there was no mad rush to get food in an rush. This is a leisurely dining experience, ideal for food-lovers and couples. It's also great for groups who are keen to try something a little bit different, but perhaps one to avoid if you want to fill up of cheap food and booze before a big night out.   

The term 'Salad Bar' doesn't really do justice to the options available. There are so many that you can easily come here for lunch and dinner and only dine from this area. This plateful was what i got to start off my meal, and it took an incredible amount of restraint not to head back for more before the meat itself arrived! A lot of classic 'Lebanese' favourites are here. It's very much an open Mezze bar scenario, and one that works brilliantly. 

Of course there is Hommos and Tabbouleh, but you can also have stuffed vine leaves and meatballs from the counter. There is a serious choice here, and you would have to be an awfully fussy eater not to find something to like. I liked the Hommos, and the meatballs were fine if a little unseasoned. 

However, two dishes stood out. The rice with lentils was incredibly tasty. It complimented the meatballs, and would go on to compliment the meat dished out that later.  I was already very happy with this plate, and then i tried something i thought i wouldn't like. I was wrong. Very wrong.

Both me and my friend went instantly for the Hommos, and took something that was nearby just to taste. It was a darker paste-like substance that i was hesitant to try at first. It turns out the dish was Moutabbal: Puree of Aubergine with Sesame sauce and lemon juice. I'm not a big fan of aubergine, but done like this... i'm definitely having more! It's probably the best veggie side dish i've had, apart from French Fries. Obviously. 

I had to pace myself though. So with a delicious fresh apple juice on the side... i turned my token over and waited. 

First up we were offered Lamb and Chicken Shawarma (Chawarma). I'm not a really keen on this dish, it's a driest meat served up in an uninspiring way. If you like this sort of thing, it's not bad, but i would suggest a tiny taste and then move on to the much better dishes on offer. 

We were left underwhelmed and thought the Mezze was going to be in need of another visit, but the meat kept on coming (and kept getting better and better). There was a swirl of Lamb, Beef and Chicken coming our way, all served up in every way imaginable. 

The majority of the meat is served to you off a skewer. You choose how much you want, and then it's cut off and placed in your plate. The two exceptions were chicken wings and lamb chops, which are individually brought to the table. To be honest, these two are also the weakest dishes i tasted, and could be taken off the menu without any complaints from me. They don't fit into the concept, although i suppose there are fans of these cuts of meat. 

All the lamb dishes were fantastic. Well flavoured, and with the Mezze bar remaining at your mercy, you can always mix it up with the right side-dish for you. The lamb was succulent, well-cooked and seasoned with the perfect amount of spicing. I can handle my chilli, but my friend is something of a self-confessed lightweight, and yet we were both satisfied with what we got. 

The lamb sausages, which i have had before in a tangy sauce, but not off the skewer, were delightful.

The beef was also surprisingly good. Not usually available in middle-eastern venues i've visited in the past, here it was a welcome addition. They were succulent cubes, and tasted like the prime cuts to a relative novice like me. 

The tasty beef cubes

The chicken Shish was another highlight, and this is just how chicken should be done. No artificial colouring, just pure meat. Lovely stuff. 

In all there are more than 10 different offerings that will come your way. To be frank, we lost count somewhere between the chicken hearts and grilled Halloumi. The best thing is... if you like one particular dish more than the others, you can have more of it! 

In fact it won't stop until you turn over to red! Finally, we had had enough. 

As we left, i spoke with the manager to get a bit more information. He told me a bit about the concept of the food, the focus is definitely on the Lebanese side of things at the Rodizio Lebanon. I wasn't previously aware that there was such a large Lebanese population in Brazil, and certainly in the dark about Lebanese/Brazilian fusion cuisine... but consider me a fan! 

This is a fantastic concept and dining experience. A little different from the norm, but all the more fun because of it. The dishes are all to a high standard, and cater to pretty much every requirement you might have. 

My advice is arrive with an empty stomach, taste a little of every Mezze dish (savouring the epic Moutabbal) and prepare for a veritable meat feast. You won't be disappointed!

Visit: www.rodiziolebanon.com  for more information and follow @Rodiziolebanon on twitter.