We love Middle Eastern cuisine, and from the moment we stepped through the doors of Villa Mama’s London, we knew we were in for something special. Nestled in a charming corner of Chelsea, this charming and stylish restaurant offers not just a meal, but a deeply personal journey through the authentic cuisine of Bahrain and the Middle East. The experience was simply first class.

The first thing that struck us was the decor,  effortlessly stylish and cosy, with a touch that instantly made us feel at home. The space is decorated with beautiful textures, flowing drapes, giving a rather romantic feel, that sets the tone for an intimate dining experience, while subtle Middle Eastern accents throughout add a chic vibe.

We began our evening with some expertly created cocktails,  fresh, balanced, and utterly delicious. Each sip was a perfect start to what was to come.

And then came the food. Wow. The flavours were simply sublime,  bold, fragrant, and beautifully layered. We started with the haloumi, perfectly grilled to a golden crisp on the outside while soft and salty on the inside. Our charming server recommended we try the ‘world famous’ spicy chilli sauce to go with the haloumi, he was right, created with high-quality olive oil, garlic and chilli, it was amazing. It was beautifully presented, with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses that added a hint of sweetness to the dish. The chicken shish was another standout; succulent, tender, and chargrilled to perfection and accompanied by fragrant saffron rice, with subtle spices that lingered deliciously on the palate. Each bite transported us straight to the Gulf.

The real showstoppers, however, were the speciality desserts. Rich, aromatic, and decadently sweet, these were desserts delivered with love. Every spoonful was a celebration of texture and taste,  a true highlight of our evening.

Beyond the incredible food, what truly sets Villa Mama’s apart is the hospitality. The staff were warm, gracious, and genuinely passionate about the story behind every dish. You don’t just feel like a guest,  you feel like part of the family. It’s this heartfelt connection that makes Villa Mama’s more than just a restaurant. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet had a buzzy kind of vibe, and we felt it was a ‘locals’ hot spot’.

Villa Mama’s was born from the vision of Chef Roaya Saleh, whose mission is to share the comforting, home-cooked dishes she grew up with in Bahrain. Her love for food and tradition is obvious in every dish. It’s no surprise that Villa Mama’s has expanded beyond London, with locations in Bahrain and Riyadh.

Our evening at Villa Mama’s was a culinary journey full of authentic and completely amazing, artistically presented dishes. If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is mouth-watering, this gem is not to be missed. Whether you’re familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Villa Mama’s will leave you completely enchanted.

We’re already planning our next visit.

W: Villa Mamas London
A:  25-27 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 3NT
E:  Enquiries
IG: Instagram

Written by Luxuria Lifestyle International’s editor Debbie Stone