Brews & Eats
REVIEW: Comptoir Libanais, Oxford

227 The Westgate, Queen Street, Oxford OX11PE

For anyone in love with Lebanese/Middle Eastern food, casual dining vibes, and all-in-all a really fun time, you should check out Comptoir Libanais in Oxford’s Westgate.

The Ocelot had the priveldge of a rather personal dining experience with the founder himself, Tony Kitous, who was there to oversee the opening of his twenty nineth restaurant. Day three and this place was packed. Whilst still undergoing some decorative renovations, no one seemed to mind. In a rather comical juxtaposition to a dreary and glum street view, Comptoir Libanais was the liveliest place on the block. From the moment you walk in you’re hit by a sea of vibrant colours, from the various Middle Eastern crockery and ingredients on sale, to countless tiles, and the take-away counter which curves around into the restaurant. Tony fixed the two of us up with a meal for eight with various dips, meats, fresh salads, juices, Libanais wine, and Turkish beer, as he explained what this place is all about. Amidst incoming calls from his mother, who’s dying to see the latest venue via FaceTime, Tony describes how food has always been at the centre of his family. He says how it’s all about fun, and art - the whole culture is Middle Eastern - as well as generous amounts of food. And he’s not kidding. Comptoir Libanais has both quality and quantity in perfect balance. The menu is incredibly healthy and so delicious - you’re full and in this most satisfying way. Furthermore everything is handmade, and Tony’s not just talking about the food. From each tile to the smallest artistic carving on a table, it’s been made with care. Up top on shelves are also bags handmade by women from Algerian villages - each and every one unique. There is so much life, so much colour, and above all, so much community in this restaurant. As Tony excitedly showed us round he laughed that “nothing matches, I love it! Everything has a place. I’m not organised, but everything has a place.” So much heart and soul has gone into Comptoir Libanais, and it’s even more evident from Tony’s energy. He said: “The team is my family, and the thing for the guests,” as he doesn’t think of them as customers “is to feel the love. Most importantly, you can’t take anything too seriously.“ Whilst eating, and Tony darted from guest to guest making sure everyone was enjoying themselves, this team spirit was echoed by our other fabulous hosts Sara Masiello and Haurizio Limongello. They looked like they were having a grand time for people at work, whilst answering any questions we had about the authentic and mouthwatering menu. Speaking as guests, we had the most marvellous time at Comptoir Libanais. Sitting down with Tony felt more like hanging out with a friend for an overdue catch up. Team Ocelot will definitely be returning. For further information about Comptoir Libanais, click here.

  • REVIEW: Comptoir Libanais, Oxford
  • REVIEW: Comptoir Libanais, Oxford
  • REVIEW: Comptoir Libanais, Oxford
  • REVIEW: Comptoir Libanais, Oxford