Middle Eastern promise

This weekend marks the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr - the end of Ramadan during which Muslims observe a strict fast during daylight and enjoy a time of spiritual renewal and charity.

The festival of fast-breaking is a three-day celebration of prayer and huge meals. With so much delicious food on offer, why not join in? Of course, there are plenty of Punjabi, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Malaysian restaurants with amazing dishes for Eid, but here are some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants for garlicky grilled meats, salads glistening with pomegranate seeds, smoky aubergine dips, sesame-seed hummous and flatbreads.

FAKHRELDINE
This Lebanese restaurant is the place to see and be seen. Rosewater-scented fruit cocktails, mezze and fine meshwi (grilled meat) keep the Mayfair set happy and this Eid, a whole roast lamb is available to order 48 hours in advance (£350). There will also be a set menu of roast lamb, rice, minced lamb, gravy and Eid dessert (£20pp) and bellydancing Thursday to Saturday. 85 Piccadilly, W1 (020 7493 3424)

FAIRUZ
A classic restaurant, pictured above, Fairuz is named after Lebanese music's answer to Madonna. All the usual flourishes: bowls of crisp, brightly coloured salad, bread and juicy olives served as standard (with a £1.50 cover charge) but the friendly service and the expert cookingis among the best. From the mezze menu, smoked aubergine, broad bean dips and pickled aubergine with nuts are mouthwatering (£7.95). For a main course, try juicy lamb kufta pittas with spicy potatoes and baba ganouj. 3 Blandford Street, W1 (020 7486 8182)

ALWAHA
All the charm but none of the pretence of some competitors. Mohammed Bader Alden has successfully striven to create authentic food, faithful to Lebanese and Syrian traditions. Plenty of treats this weekend bringing in a huge selection of sweets and mountains of fette. Dinner for two, excluding drinks, is around £30. 75 Westbourne Grove, W2 (020 7229 0806)

NOURA
These wonderful Lebanese restaurants will set you back a bob or two but the à la carte dishes are faultless. The menu surpasses those of its contemporaries with dishes such as marinated lamb tartare and silver mullet fish roe raising the bar. Chef Badiha Asmar recommends kafta khashkhash (£14.50). The sweet-toothed should try atayef (£4.50). 16 Hobart Place, SW1 (0207 235 9444) Make sure to book ahead.

MAROUSH I
The original and, many believe, still the best of the Maroush empire. This is one of only two outlets that offer live music and bellydancing every night. A little kitsch, perhaps, but the menu is vast. Stick to what the Lebanese do best: a full mezze, including sparklingly fresh tabbouleh (£4.95), fried minced lamb parcels (£5), garlic grilled chicken wings (£5.50) and fresh flatbreads. For the sybaritic, head to Maroush V, Vere Street, where the chain's idiosyncrasies - excellent service, dependable menu, attention to detail - are emphasised. 21 Edgware Road, W2 (020 7723 0773)

MANGAL 2
Stalwart with locals, Mangal 2 is the emperor of its local Turkish scene. Offering great food and real value - main courses start at £6.95 - this ocakbasi (grill house) is worth the pilgrimage. The coals of the grill are laden with kebabs (ali nazik, £8.95) and warm pide. Look out for its No1 fans, artists Gilbert and George. 4 Stoke Newington Road, N16 (020 7254 7888)

ALOUNAK
Iranian locals are faithful devotees. The Arabian Nights feel provides an authentic backdrop. For value, go for the £9.80 mezze including mirza ghassemi hummous and salad olivieh. Farruj musakhan (£7.80), sea bass (£11.80) or marinated kebabs make finger-licking mains. No licence, so drink labneh bil goped, a yoghurt drink, or your own wine. 10 Russell Gardens, W14 (020 7603 7645). A smaller branch is at 44 Westbourne Grove, W2.

WHAT TO ORDER

Fette - warm flatbread topped with hummous and grilled meat

Farruj musakhan - roast baby chicken

Kafta khashkhash - chargrilled minced lamb with spices and tomato

Atayef - pancakes stuffed with walnuts or cheese, dipped in rose syrup

Baba ganoush/baba ganouj - smoked aubergine dip

Tabbouleh - a salad of bulgar wheat, tomato, mint and parsley

Pide - Turkish pizza with spicy tomato sauce, white cheese and grilled meat

Cacik - yoghurt and cucumber dip

Moutabel - aubergine dip spiced with green chilli

Ali Nazik - aubergine and minced lamb kebab

Salad Olivieh - diced chicken with boiled egg, gherkin, potato and olive oil

Mirza Ghassemi - roast aubergine casserole

Dough - yoghurt drink