19/10/26

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen Returns to East London with a New Shoreditch Opening

Almost a decade after first introducing Londoners to the flavours of Damascus, celebrated Syrian chef Imad Alarnab is returning to East London with a new restaurant in Shoreditch. There is something rather special about a restaurant opening that brings a story full circle. For Syrian chef and restaurateur Imad Alarnab, the arrival of his second permanent Imad’s Syrian Kitchen on Blossom Street, Shoreditch, on 18 November 2026 is much more than another London address. It marks a return to the neighbourhood where his remarkable culinary journey first began.

Back in 2017, Imad introduced Londoners to the warmth and generosity of Syrian cooking through a pop-up on Columbia Road. Having previously run successful restaurants in Damascus, he was forced to leave his homeland following the devastation of the Syrian war. Rebuilding his life and career in London, he began sharing the dishes and culinary traditions of his childhood, gradually establishing a devoted following.

That journey eventually led to the opening of his much-loved Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Kingly Court, Carnaby, Soho, which continues to welcome diners today. Known for its vibrant cooking and wonderfully generous approach to hospitality, the restaurant has become a firm favourite on London's dining scene.

The new 71-cover restaurant will be situated in Norton Folgate, an atmospheric corner of Shoreditch where historic London architecture meets the neighbourhood's contemporary creative spirit. It feels a fitting setting for a chef whose own story combines heritage, resilience and a thoroughly modern approach to hospitality.

At the heart of Imad’s cooking is the food of Damascus: colourful mezze, fragrant spices, beautifully prepared vegetables and generous dishes designed to be shared. It is food that celebrates the pleasure of gathering around a table, where conversation flows, plates are passed between friends and the meal becomes as much about the company as the cooking.

Expect the bold, comforting flavours that have made the original restaurant so popular, with the new Shoreditch location continuing Imad’s celebration of Syrian culinary traditions.

Address: Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch, London

For more information, click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Render image courtsey of Imad's Syrian Kitchen

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen Returns to East London with a New Shoreditch Opening

32 minutes ago

2 min read

Almost a decade after first introducing Londoners to the flavours of Damascus, celebrated Syrian chef Imad Alarnab is returning to East London with a new restaurant in Shoreditch. There is something rather special about a restaurant opening that brings a story full circle. For Syrian chef and restaurateur Imad Alarnab, the arrival of his second permanent Imad’s Syrian Kitchen on Blossom Street, Shoreditch, on 18 November 2026 is much more than another London address. It marks a return to the neighbourhood where his remarkable culinary journey first began.

Back in 2017, Imad introduced Londoners to the warmth and generosity of Syrian cooking through a pop-up on Columbia Road. Having previously run successful restaurants in Damascus, he was forced to leave his homeland following the devastation of the Syrian war. Rebuilding his life and career in London, he began sharing the dishes and culinary traditions of his childhood, gradually establishing a devoted following.

That journey eventually led to the opening of his much-loved Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Kingly Court, Carnaby, Soho, which continues to welcome diners today. Known for its vibrant cooking and wonderfully generous approach to hospitality, the restaurant has become a firm favourite on London's dining scene.

The new 71-cover restaurant will be situated in Norton Folgate, an atmospheric corner of Shoreditch where historic London architecture meets the neighbourhood's contemporary creative spirit. It feels a fitting setting for a chef whose own story combines heritage, resilience and a thoroughly modern approach to hospitality.

At the heart of Imad’s cooking is the food of Damascus: colourful mezze, fragrant spices, beautifully prepared vegetables and generous dishes designed to be shared. It is food that celebrates the pleasure of gathering around a table, where conversation flows, plates are passed between friends and the meal becomes as much about the company as the cooking.

Expect the bold, comforting flavours that have made the original restaurant so popular, with the new Shoreditch location continuing Imad’s celebration of Syrian culinary traditions.

Address: Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch, London

For more information, click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Render image courtsey of Imad's Syrian Kitchen