CERU, the home of Eastern Mediterranean fusion cuisine in London, has opened its new restaurant in Queensway. Following the success of the original restaurant in South Kensington, CERU Queensway will continue to champion Levantine dishes, showcasing the culture and heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean with every plate.
Open from noon until late, the restaurant seats 68 covers, including 5 counter seats, 12 sofa seats and 8 bar seats. Diners will be greeted by the scent of spices thick in the air and a kaleidoscope of colours, aromas, and tastes. CERU invites guests to discover the dining culture of the Levant whether stopping by for a working lunch at the counter, settling in for a relaxed dinner on the sofa seats, or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch.
CERU’s menu contains nearly 100 ingredients and more than 20 spices, promising a flavour journey that transports diners from the very heart of a bustling bazaar in Turkey, through the fertile soils of Israel and Lebanon, and over to the sun soaked shores of Cyprus.
To start, there’s a selection of dips: Houmous, Fadi (Roasted zucchini, garlic, yoghurt and tahini) and Hamara (tangy red pepper dip with walnuts & pomegranate molasses) all served with freshly baked pita bread for scooping. Catering to all diets, there are a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as flavoursome salads including Blood Orange, Celeriac & Radicchio and Warm Salad of Artichoke, Green Peas & Baby Onions, ideal for those looking for a lighter meal.
CERU embodies generosity and conviviality with dishes designed to be shared, inviting diners to come together and feast on Sticky Roasted Baby Aubergines with date syrup & tamari dressing, Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder with pomegranate sauce and Zucchini & Feta Fritters. Classic plates of Shish Taouk generously laden with marinated, grilled cubes of chicken breast and Karides (sauteed King prawns with tomato and fenugreek) join the menu, feeding their way from the kitchen to expectant tables. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a rich Dark Chocolate & Tahini Mousse with crystallised ginger, Ipsola, ginger and coconut crème profiteroles with date molasses and the indulgent Jerome’s Bird Nest, a dessert of fine shredded filo pastry with citrus whipped double cream, lemongrass infused syrup and pistachios.
The carefully curated wine list also reflects the rich history and culture of the Levant with wines taken from across the Eastern Med, taking oenophiles on a grand tour. Cocktail lovers won’t be disappointed as the bar team shake and stir classics with a twist from the CERU Cosmopolitan to the refreshing Cucumber Martini.
On weekends, CERU will host a decadent brunch featuring dishes of Turkish Eggs, Spicy Lamb Hash with a fried egg and Greek pita bread and their signature CERU Kahvalti with Merguez sausages, grilled halloumi and baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. For those looking for a little something extra, there’s a ‘Spiked’ Turkish Apple Tea laced with Morgan’s spiced rum and Champagne by the glass.
“At CERU, we have worked hard to create a place where dining out feels like eating in; a home away from home. Our menus have always been reflective of our travels across The Levant and we can’t wait to bring more of this culture and the amazing flavours to London.” Patricia and Barry Hilton, Founders of CERU.
CERU Queensway is located at 11 Queensway, London, W2 4QJ. It is open Monday through Friday from 12pm – 11pm, Saturday from 11am – 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.
For more information or to make a reservation, head over to the restaurant’s official website.
