By Mackenzie Nichol
Offering an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to the people of York for over a decade, Middle Feast is a much-loved local eatery that’s popular with late-night revellers, early birds, and midday diners alike.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the unmistakable aroma of warm spices drifting out onto the street, a tantalising promise of what was to come. Inside the restaurant, we found the atmosphere to be lively and inviting, with an open kitchen enabling diners to watch the talented chefs freshly prepare each dish in front of them; this is a detail I’ve always loved in a restaurant – it creates a sense of theatre and trust that sets the tone for the entire experience. One of the most eye-catching features of the interior is the ‘money wall’, where countless notes from all over the world are proudly displayed as a marker of the restaurant’s well-travelled clientele, which consists of both discerning locals and international tourists.
We were warmly welcomed by the lovely host, Andra, whose friendly and attentive manner made us feel right at home. The restaurant is managed by Abdu, who is well known not only for the outstanding food, but also for his generosity; for the past three years, this beloved York eatery has opened its doors to offer free food to the homeless, refugees, and emergency service workers on Christmas Day, a gesture that speaks volumes about the heart behind the business.
The food itself was nothing short of exceptional. We started with fresh, creamy Hummus paired with Falafel, and the contrast of smooth and crisp textures worked perfectly together. For our main courses, I chose the famous Mixed Meat Shawarma served with salad and chips, and it did not disappoint. The chicken and lamb were perfectly tender, beautifully seasoned, and lightly charred, delivering a burst of mouth-watering flavour with every bite. The salad was fresh and crisp, while the chipotle sauce tied everything together flawlessly.
My girlfriend, Sammie, opted for the Shish Tawook: grilled chicken marinated in special Arabic spices, served with rice, salad, and sauce. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and she remarked that she had never tasted anything quite like it before. We finished by sharing one of my personal favourite desserts, the Pistachio Baklava, a Turkish staple made from delicate layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey. It was rich, indulgent, and the perfect end to our meal.
Middle Feast offers something truly special within York’s historic bar walls, a flurry of flavours you simply won’t find anywhere else, paired with impeccable service and genuine warmth. I would recommend everyone to give Middle Feast a try, if you haven’t already. For me, it’s a solid 10/10!
Visit www.middlefeast-york.co.uk to browse the menu or book a table at Middle Feast York. Visit www.themarrakeshyork.co.uk to browse or book a table for its sister restaurant, The Marrakesh.
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