Isme Restaurant

Thornbury’s High Street holds a brilliant, buzzing slice of Beirut. Isme fires out contemporary Lebanese plates inside a moody, industrial-chic space—high warehouse ceilings, exposed fixtures, pure atmospheric edge. Northern suburbs culinary obsessives are fiercely protective of the prawn fatteh here—plump, succulent crustaceans swimming in deeply complex spices. Then there are the sujuk dumplings. Absolute, unapologetic flavour bombs. You’ll want to chase them with something from the seriously inventive cocktail list, crafted to cut right through those bold Middle Eastern aromatics. *Ahlan wa sahlan*—the hospitality is famously warm. Diners routinely highlight the deeply personal, accommodating touch from the owner, making a loud Friday night out or a milestone anniversary feel instantly like home. Tender lamb shoulder draped over silky hummus. Vibrant, perfectly seasoned mezza. Generous, share-heavy portions. Go hungry. Order heavy. *Sahtayn*.