Hiba Express Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Hiba Express: Holborn's Hidden Palestinian Gem with 80+ Authentic Dishes

A family-run mezze paradise that proves quantity and quality can coexist

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Hiba Express and you're immediately transported from the bustling streets of Holborn into a vibrant slice of Palestinian culture. The décor is unapologetically authentic, with hanging lights casting warm shadows across cultural memorabilia that tells stories of heritage and tradition. The open kitchen adds theatre to the experience, with the sounds and aromas of Middle Eastern cooking filling the cozy 40-seat ground floor space. But here's where it gets interesting – venture downstairs to discover the Hiba Lounge, a 36-seat basement space that feels like unlocking a secret level in a video game. The Palestinian-themed décor creates an intimate, almost dive-like atmosphere that's both casual and vibrant. With energy levels sitting at a comfortable 6.5 out of 10, it strikes that sweet spot between lively conversation and relaxed dining. The sophistication score of 4.5 reflects its refreshingly unpretentious approach – this isn't about white tablecloths and pretension, but rather authentic cultural immersion.

Food & Drink

The sheer scope of Hiba Express's menu is genuinely impressive – 80+ dishes spanning hot and cold mezze, soups, wraps, mains, salads, and pastries. The signature items read like a greatest hits of Palestinian and Lebanese cuisine: shish taouk, lamb kofta, lamb shish, shawarma, and falafel form the protein backbone, while the batata harra wrap and mousakaat batinjan showcase the kitchen's vegetarian prowess. What sets this place apart is its commitment to inclusivity – separate extensive vegan and gluten-free menus ensure nobody's left out, while halal certification broadens its appeal. The fresh mint lemonade has earned a reputation as a standout beverage, perfectly complementing the rich, spiced dishes. Finish with baklava for the full cultural experience. The kitchen's ability to maintain quality across such an extensive menu is noteworthy, though one suspects the family-run nature keeps standards consistent through generations of recipes and techniques.

Service & Experience

The family-style service embodies the warmth you'd expect from a Palestinian household, though it comes with the caveat that things can slow considerably during peak times. This isn't necessarily a negative – it reflects the cultural approach to dining where meals are meant to be savoured rather than rushed. However, the two-hour table allocation policy does create a slight tension between the relaxed cultural dining experience and commercial necessity. The 12.5% discretionary service charge is automatically applied, which some might find presumptuous, particularly when service can be inconsistent during busy periods. The staff's knowledge of the extensive menu is generally solid, and they're particularly helpful in navigating the separate vegan and gluten-free options.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2 out of 4, Hiba Express positions itself firmly in the mid-range category for Central London, which represents solid value given the location just one minute from Holborn Tube. The real value proposition lies in the BYO alcohol policy – at just £2 corkage per person, this transforms the economics of group dining significantly. When you factor in the sheer volume of food that 80+ menu options represent, plus the separate specialized menus for various dietary requirements, the pricing feels justified. The automatic 12.5% service charge does sting slightly, particularly when combined with the two-hour table limit, creating a sense of being rushed while paying extra for the privilege. However, for groups looking to explore authentic Middle Eastern cuisine without breaking the bank, especially with the BYO option, it represents decent value in an expensive part of town.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive right at the 11am opening to secure the basement Hiba Lounge for larger groups, or visit during off-peak hours to avoid the service slowdowns that plague busy periods. The two-hour table limit means timing is crucial – don't arrive if you're planning a leisurely three-hour feast.

What to Focus On

Focus on the signature items: shish taouk and lamb kofta for meat lovers, the batata harra wrap for a satisfying vegetarian option, and definitely the mousakaat batinjan. Don't miss the fresh mint lemonade, and save room for baklava. With 80+ options, consider ordering family-style to sample the breadth of the menu.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the 36-seat basement lounge for groups of 30+ to unlock a completely different dining experienceBring your own wine or beer to take advantage of the £2 corkage – it's one of Central London's best BYO dealsThe extensive vegan and gluten-free menus are separate documents, so ask specifically if you have dietary requirements

The Final Verdict

Hiba Express succeeds in being exactly what it claims to be – an authentic, family-run Palestinian and Lebanese restaurant that doesn't compromise on cultural integrity for commercial appeal. The 80+ dish menu could easily be a gimmick, but the kitchen's commitment to quality across such breadth is genuinely impressive. Yes, the two-hour table limit and automatic service charge feel slightly mercenary, and service can lag during peak times, but these are minor quibbles against the backdrop of authentic cultural dining in the heart of London. The BYO policy alone makes this worth knowing about, and the discovery of the basement lounge adds an element of insider knowledge that elevates the experience.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

groups seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with BYO flexibilityvegan and gluten-free diners wanting extensive specialized optionsstudents and budget-conscious diners looking for value in Central London

Hiba Express

Hiba Express

Christoff's Take

Hiba Express: Holborn's Hidden Palestinian Gem with 80+ Authentic Dishes

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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Hiba Express

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