When we arrrived at Gaby''s, we hesitated at first since none of the food in the window was recognizable. We then lingered at the door staring at the picture menu trying to decide whether to go in.
I AM SO GLAD WE WENT IN.
Gaby's came highly recommended, and at first glance this diner did not seem all that extraordinary from the outside--but we were not the least bit disappointed. It offers takeaway and sit-down service for its wide range of home-cooked veggie and Middle Eastern specialties. The picture menu makes it easy to order.
For about $30, we had two falafel and hummus starters, pita bread, a stuffed pepper with assorted vegetables, a lamb kebab with fries, a Coke, and baklava. The chili sauce is super hot--just the way I like it--and we put it on everything. We were quite literally mopping up every last bite on our starter plate with the pita bread and nibbling even on the garnishes because it was all so good. We liked the baklava so much that we went back the next night to get one for each of us to takeaway to our hotel.
The decor was lacking--fake plants with lingering Christmas decorations. You don't go to Gaby's for the atmosphere, rather, its value, choices, location, and late hours (open until midnight Monday through Saturday and 9pm Sunday)-- are hard to beat. It's right near the Leicester Square tube station, so feel free to grab a takeaway falafel for a true London bargain.