In a quiet pocket just off the bustle of Oxford Street you will find Toum, the freshly opened French-Lebanese rotisserie on Maddox Street. This is more than just another trendy Mayfair opening—it’s a celebration of real Lebanese cooking with some beautiful flavours and awesome cocktails. It is rare that restaurants make you want to REALLY come back but Toum has it all – great food, super value, outdoor seating and something different.
Founded by Tarek Farah, also behind the ever-popular Aline Lebanese Kitchen, Toum Mayfair is a stylish celebration of the intertwined legacies of Lebanon and France. Here, the humble rotisserie chicken is elevated into something soulful and theatrical—marinated, slow-roasted, and carved with reverence. It’s cooking with history and heart, and it doesn’t shy away from making a statement. You will also find the super brilliant Mark running front of house with a young, dedicated knowledgeable team that know their stuff.
Rotisserie Royalty
The name “Toum” is taken from the garlicky Lebanese sauce traditionally served with grilled chicken—naturally, it’s front and centre here. The rotisserie chicken, served as a quarter, half, or whole bird, is the star. Marinated in a blend of lemon, herbs, garlic, honey, and spices, air-dried for 24 hours, and cooked to precision in a state-of-the-art Rotisol oven, it is a masterclass in balance and technique. Making toum is a real labour of love. Using oil, lemon and of course garlic, to make this gorgeous dip needs patience as you slowly and gradually make the toum come to life. It is light, fluffy, garlicky and moreish as any true Lebanese will tell you.
The quarter chicken ‘Poule Frites’, served with golden fries and a bright green salad, is executed with finesse. There are also some next-level sauces like a Chimichurri, Café de Paris Butter, or of course toum—each a well-considered accent to an already impressive dish. The Café de Paris Butter is as good as our friends at Relais de Venise, which is not an easy task.
Beyond the Bird
While chicken is the main event, the rest of the menu offers some brilliant Lebanese classics. Hummus is served with some fried chickpeas on the side alongside some zahtar infused bread. The chicken livers are also a must.
Larger dishes include the bold and beautifully presented Samké Harra—a sea bass dressed in a rich walnut, tahini and coriander sauce. Meanwhile, vegetarians will love the Aubergine dish, layered with yoghurt, toasted markook bread and scattered pomegranate seeds.
The Small Plates menu offers variety, with everything from Roast Octopus to Romero Peppers, and sides like Spicy Corn and Tomato & Onion Salad are vibrant additions.
What about the cocktails?
Toum’s drinks list is as creative as its food, thanks to the expertise of Lebanese mixologist Jad Ballout. The 30 Sec to Pandan, blending Diplomatico Rum with pineapple and pandan, is smooth and aromatic, while the Artichoke Sour brings an earthy depth with gin, Amaro and lemon.
Cocktails are inventive without being gimmicky, and pair so well with Toum’s elevated menu. There is also a selection of excellent wines including a brilliant Château Musar Jeune Red 2021.
A Chic Mayfair Hideaway
Designed by Gundry Ducker, the interiors strike a balance between Parisian bistro charm and Middle Eastern warmth. A deep burgundy palette sets a sultry tone, softened by glowing glass lampshades and rich wood finishes. The open rotisserie kitchen, surrounded by a counter for up to 24 guests, brings drama and energy to the room.
Large windows flood the space with natural light, and seating outside on pedestrianised Pollen Street extends the experience to a relaxed, café-style terrace where it felt like Paris.
An Encore Below
Just when the evening feels complete, Toum offers one more surprise. Downstairs, Encore—a soon-to-launch listening bar—invites guests to unwind to a soundtrack of jazz, soul and Bossa Nova. Inspired by Beirut’s nightlife, Tokyo’s vinyl cafés, and London’s eclectic soundscape, the space is intimate and thoughtfully designed.
With mirrored walls, velvet banquettes, and a bar led by music lovers, Encore promises a whole new layer of experience. The drinks list downstairs includes inventive creations like the Artichoke Sour, and playful bites like fried chicken with caviar and crème fraîche.
The team at Toum Mayfair
A Mayfair Must-Visit
Blending classic French technique with vibrant Lebanese soul, Toum isn’t just another fusion restaurant—it’s a love letter to shared history and great hospitality. Whether you’re drawn in by the golden rotisserie chicken, the addictive small plates, or the promise of music drifting up from the floor below, this newcomer is already proving it’s here to stay.
For more information, visit Toum
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All Images courtesy of Toum Mayfair.