Soraya Marylebone: Persian Grill Sensation Taking London by Storm
A New Culinary Landmark Arrives in Central London
Just over a month into trading, Soraya has already established itself as a must-visit destination in Marylebone’s increasingly competitive dining scene. The restaurant occupies an impressive L-shaped space within a contemporary building on George Street, and the team behind it—the Pachamama Group—has created something genuinely special with the interiors. Walking into Soraya feels like stepping into a warmly candlelit sanctuary, despite the venue’s substantial capacity of nearly 200 covers.
For locals familiar with the area’s dining landscape, this is significant. Marylebone has seen explosive growth in restaurant openings over recent years, making it increasingly challenging for new venues to stand out. Yet Soraya has managed to create an atmosphere that feels both spacious and intimate—a rare achievement in hospitality. The design work here matters because it sets the tone for the entire experience, transforming a potentially cavernous room into somewhere you’d actually want to linger with friends. The restaurant’s successful opening speaks to thoughtful planning and execution that benefits the broader West London business community, from Hounslow through to Richmond and Whitton, where independent restaurant groups are increasingly looking to expand their footprints.
The Menu: Persian Inspiration Meets London Sophistication
The dining experience at Soraya centres on Persian-inspired cuisine, with the kitchen notably transparent about this positioning rather than claiming absolute authenticity. The menu structure encourages exploration across different sections, beginning with house-made flatbread and mezze selections. The standout starter here is the borani laboo—a sophisticated combination of beetroot, feta, Greek yogurt, and tangy barberries—though the hummus and smoked aubergine dip also deserve attention.
For groups of three to four, the mixed grill platter represents excellent value and theatrical dining. This substantial sharing plate features lamb koobideh, lamb shashlik, chicken joojeh, and chicken wings, accompanied by saffron rice and house-prepared red and green shatta sauces. The lamb koobideh and chicken joojeh emerge as particular stars. Those dining solo or in pairs should prioritise these individual items. The stews section, particularly the gheymeh bademjan with fried aubergine, split peas, and tomato, rounds out the offering beautifully. For dessert, the deconstructed Napoleon Millefeuille—presented in an elegant silver bowl—provides a playful finish that demonstrates the kitchen’s attention to detail throughout.
What This Means for West London’s Dining Future
Soraya’s rapid success signals something important for the broader local community: talented restaurant groups continue to see opportunity in London’s neighbourhoods. The Pachamama Group’s track record—having moved beyond their founding Peruvian concept to explore different cuisines—demonstrates how local businesses evolve and adapt to market demands. This flexibility is crucial for neighbourhood vitality.
For residents across West London, from those closer to Hounslow’s business districts to families in Whitton and Richmond, Soraya represents the kind of ambitious independent dining that makes urban areas genuinely liveable. The wine list particularly merits mention, featuring sections dedicated to ancient wine regions (Georgia, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenia) alongside French and Italian selections—an approach that encourages discovery and conversation. As local independent businesses continue navigating post-pandemic recovery and economic pressures, Soraya’s confident opening reminds us why supporting these ventures matters. Whether you’re planning a group celebration or simply seeking somewhere that understands hospitality, this venue belongs on your list. Watch this space—the Pachamama Group historically builds on early successes, and Soraya looks positioned to become a reference point for Persian dining in London.
Source: Soraya Review | Big Grills & Good Times In One Hell Of A Marylebone Space
