Khamsa

The food was wonderful, the staff was attentive and very friendly. It really shows how much they care about the food they serve.
Why choose between the seven delicious sounding appetizers when you can get the sampler and get to try them all? From the vegetarian tajine to the chicken cous cous to the lamb meatballs, each dish was unique in flavor and really delicious.
We’re sorry we’re on vacation from the states and will it be able to come back soon.

My friend asked me what Algerian food would be like. Not knowing, I guessed ‘a bit like Moroccan or Turkish’. It was a perfect blend of the two. A tagine of cous cous with 2 small chicken and lamb shish sticks on top, and a lovely spicy sauce to pour over.
We ordered some curious fruit drinks (freshly blended pear & basil), but the sound of the blender from the open kitchen means nobody will be speaking for the next 20 seconds. So absurd, you could only laugh.
The service wasn’t particularly friendly or attentive, and the waitress was intent on straightening the empty chair at our table despite bashing my leg every time. When we finished, though, the chef seemed to care if we’d enjoyed our meal, which we had.

What a nice surprise. Really authentic fresh food at very reasonable prices. I had chicken with couscous fro my main, delicious! The fruit juices are also delish, especially apple and mint. The service was friendly. I will definitely be going back, a hidden gem.

Let’s not kid ourselves: It’s hard to have high expectations for food when living in London, especially when so many ethnic food restaurants dumb-​down their flavors and serve up bland fare. Khamsa though is a huge exception. I came in here with some friends recently before checking out a show at Plan B and was just completely floored by this place. My chicken tajine had the perfect blend of sweet (yams and juicy sultanas) and hardy (big, succulent pieces of chicken). The delicately flavored couscous– sprinkled with nutmeg and pomegranates– was the best rendition of the grain I’ve ever had.
This place also gets major bonus points with me for its very friendly owners and homey atmosphere– you can watch the chef cook up all the dishes from your seat on the first floor and talk to him about how he cooks the spices till they sizzle and pop in the pan. Head downstairs to the restaurant’s lower level, if you’re up for a more bustling, local scene. On the Saturday night when I was there, big groups– many of them ethnic Algerians– sat at the tables on the lower floors, socializing and enjoying the food and cooing over a few toddlers running between the tables.
I’ll definitely be back here quite soon, despite it being far from my house in North London. This is among the city’s best.

Great value food which is freshly cooked on premises. Authentic tastes. Not over fussy but attentive service. This place will only grow in popularity. Well worth a visit.

An excellent Algerian restaurant: great food, large portions, super friendly people and very affordable prices!
Everything is home made and it tastes like it!

Tucked away on Acre Lane in Brix-​Clapham are potentially the two nicest resto-​owners I’ve ever met.
Was heading to pick up friends to head to a show, and needed something in da belly beforehand, and popped in here.
Fabulous food, low prices, and super-​friendly people. Not too many tables, but I was informed that they’re opening the downstairs.
Standards, done well, with excellent service.
Plus, it’s BYO, and no corkage or anything.
For more options on solid, low-​key dining, head to Acre Lane.
And get the mixed salads plate. It’s awe-​inspiring.