Experience the flavours of North Africa and the Middle East at Argan

Ringing the changes in Clapham

Argan has seen many changes in the local area since its inception — it first opened in November 1997, and at that time was the only restaurant on the now bustling Venn Street. Proving very popular, Argan quickly expanded, with the owners buying the building next door when it came up for sale. 

Initially, the menu revolved around traditional Moroccan meals, before incorporating a range of delicious Lebanese recipes. The venue has played a part in Clapham’s transformation from an ordinary commuter suburb, into a trendy sought-after district.

Sharing is caring

The team’s made it their mission to provide high-quality Lebanese and Moroccan food in the heart of Clapham. The ethos at Argan is all about sharing — not only the food but the Moroccan and Lebanese chefs’ tangible love of cooking. Order as many small mezze (tapas-style) dishes as your group can manage, so you can experience the most varied exotic flavours. 

Lots of the plates are vegetarian and suitable for those with gluten sensitivity, and the food is all halal. Moroccan cuisine has a wide diversity of influences, making it among the most important in the world in culinary terms. If you’ve never tried it, now’s your chance to tuck into a tagine or some baklava.

A tale of three menus 

There are three different menus which diners can peruse. The first is the main a la carte selection. If you’re unsure where to begin, why not order a hot mezze taster (kibbeh, falafel, batata harra, cheese sambousek and lamb sambousek) or a cold mezze taster (hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouleh, and vine leaves). 

There are also pastries, chef’s specials and charcoal grills like lamb mince khash khash. Then if you have room, order a honey and cinnamon pudding, or a chocolate ice cream bomb with a chocolate sauce centre, surrounded by real Belgian chocolate. 

The second is the Feast Menu. This adds in seafood starters such as Royal Mediterranean tiger prawns in a Moroccan texture sauce, with olive oil and fresh chillies; harira soup; Lebanese sausages flambéed in lemon juice and pomegranate sauce; and moussaka. And the third menu is for those planning an event — the restaurant offers private dining for up to 30 guests.

Alternative wines

No visit to Argan is complete without a bottle of something delectable to grace the table. The wine list is sure to delight the oenophile seeking something a little bit different. In addition to standard favourites like prosecco, chardonnay, malbec and pinot noir, you’ll find lots of unusual varieties hailing from Lebanon and Morocco. 

Pair a fish course with a glass of Les Trois Domaines Guerounane Blanc (a clean and lively wine with good acidity, ripe fruit characters and a hint of wild mountain herbs); your lamb with some Domaines Do Sahari (a full-bodied, well-balanced red with fruit that’s soft on the palate, straightforward and supple); and plant-based dishes with Chateau Kefraya White, Les Breteches from Lebanon (a fresh white wine from Muscat combining notes of exotic fruits and citrus).

Hot drinks and happy hours 

The drinks list also includes beers and ciders, such as Casablanca and Almaza. And a range of cocktails — keep an eye out on social media for details of Argan’s happy hours when you can get two for one. 

Plus you can enjoy a hot drink, such as a glass of mint tea to aid digestion after lunch, or a Moroccan coffee with a hint of warm and fragrant spices as you watch the world go by.

Come rain or shine

The outdoor seating is punctuated by potted palms, with rattan and leather upholstered/studded chairs. There’s a real pavement cafe culture around here, and on a sunny day you’ll find the terrace packed with a lively, summery vibe. Or book a table inside, where you’ll be enveloped into the Lebanese and Moroccan theme, with ornate decor including North African lamps and Arabic fabrics.

You’ll find the venue just off the High Street, across from the Picture House — ideal for a pre- or post-movie feed. And with such close proximity to Clapham’s famous green space, you can escape the concrete jungle for a while with a serene stroll after dinner at Argan.