
Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant
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Quick info
About Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant
Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant is a Middle Eastern restaurant at 284-286 Kensington High St in London, serving Iraqi food with some Assyrian dishes and a stated aim of preserving Mesopotamian culinary heritage. The kitchen centres on Masgouf, grilled Iraqi fish, and also cooks quzi and a mixed grill. Mezze are on the menu, and freshly baked, house-made bread comes with meals. This is a sit-down restaurant that opens daily. Fresh juices, including carrot juice, and tea are served alongside the food.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention generous portion sizes, lamb chops, Iraqi kebab and fresh flat bread.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention generous portion sizes, lamb chops, Iraqi kebab and fresh flat bread.
Customer Review Summary
Generous portions come up most, across lamb chops, the Iraqi kebab served on yogurt, lamb kofta with rice and a mixed grill, with one reviewer saying they would not be hungry for two days. Kebabs and quzi earn the strongest praise, and one diner rates them above any Iraqi food eaten outside Iraq. Freshly baked bread, dolma, hummus, moutabal and carrot juice are also singled out. A few wish for more spice, and one found the grilled chicken too small to share. Service is the recurring caveat. One reviewer waited a long time for drinks the waiter forgot, another was refused the traditional fish meal because it had to be preordered, which the website does not say, and a third felt an automatically added service charge described as discretionary was unfair. Others call the staff friendly and nice, and several describe the interior as beautiful. First-time Iraqi diners mention being welcomed with complimentary lentil soup.
Customer Review Summary
Generous portions come up most, across lamb chops, the Iraqi kebab served on yogurt, lamb kofta with rice and a mixed grill, with one reviewer saying they would not be hungry for two days. Kebabs and quzi earn the strongest praise, and one diner rates them above any Iraqi food eaten outside Iraq. Freshly baked bread, dolma, hummus, moutabal and carrot juice are also singled out. A few wish for more spice, and one found the grilled chicken too small to share. Service is the recurring caveat. One reviewer waited a long time for drinks the waiter forgot, another was refused the traditional fish meal because it had to be preordered, which the website does not say, and a third felt an automatically added service charge described as discretionary was unfair. Others call the staff friendly and nice, and several describe the interior as beautiful. First-time Iraqi diners mention being welcomed with complimentary lentil soup.
Featured reviews
- Orville Mowatt
“I have to give everything 5 stars because my experience was just that. My first time eating at an Iraqi restaurant and it did not disappoint. My goodness the portion sizes are generous. So I will be more strategic next time with my orders. The food was very tasty and the salad was out of this world. The carrot juice reminds me of my mother's carrot juice growing up in Jamaica. Overall full marks my wife and I enjoyed it. It was over 30th anniversary and the restaurant did us really well”
- Verónica Díaz
“Beautiful restaurant inside, the food is very good, from the bread to the kebabs. Everything was delicious. The portions are big and the price is reasonable considering how big the portions are. You wont be hungry for 2 days.”
- Joud Hanoun
“A great place to try Iraqi food for the first time! The portions are generous, the restaurant is beautiful, and the atmosphere makes for a very enjoyable dining experience. Recommend!”
- Canadian sommelier and foodie
“Nice place serving typical Iraqi and assyrian food. Unfortunately, the service was not at the hights of the meal quality. The drinks came after half an hour, the waiter forgot about it. I was also interested in having a traditional fish meal, the reason for coming to this restaurant and I was refused. I was told that I should have preordered it, which doesn't say in the website. But the food is really good and traditional.”
- Cadel Tales
“Had a great first experience here trying Iraqi food for the first time! We were welcomed with complimentary lentil soup, a warm and comforting start. The lamb chops were the highlight. tender & juicy, and full of flavour. The Iraqi kebab served on yogurt was something different but worked really well, rich and well-seasoned. Grilled shrimps were nicely marinated and paired perfectly with the rice, and the fresh juices were refreshing. Portion sizes are generous, making it great value overall. Would definitely come back!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Located in the heart of Kensington, Samad Al Iraqi brings the rich and diverse flavors of authentic Iraqi cuisine to London. The restaurant is dedicated to preserving the culinary heritage of Mesopotamia, offering a unique dining experience that blends tradition with modern elegance. From our signature Masgouf (grilled Iraqi fish) to flavorful Quzi, Tashreeb, and Kababs, every dish is crafted with the finest ingredients to deliver an authentic taste of Iraq. With a warm and welcoming ambiance inspired by Iraqi cultural heritage, Samad Al Iraqi is the perfect destination for family gatherings, intimate dinners, and special celebrations.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible car park
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Restaurants near Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant
- Joseph’s Brasserie4.76120.2 miWheelchair accessible
lamb shawarma, rice with kharouf, dessert specials
- The Abingdon4.56600.3 miOutdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
sticky toffee pudding, sunday roast, aged beef burger
- 0.3 miWheelchair accessible
green goddess salad, pancakes, wooden train play area
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant | 4.32,009 | — | generous portion sizes, lamb chops, Iraqi kebab |
| Joseph’s BrasserieWheelchair accessible | 4.7612 | 0.2 mi | lamb shawarma, rice with kharouf, dessert specials |
| The AbingdonOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.5660 | 0.3 mi | sticky toffee pudding, sunday roast, aged beef burger |
| Daisy Green at Holland ParkWheelchair accessible | 4.4564 | 0.3 mi | green goddess salad, pancakes, wooden train play area |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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