Looking to escape the Christmas shopping crowds on the King's Road and find somewhere for a spot of lunch I decided to head for Lebanese restaurant Comptoir Libanais – which translates as Lebanese Counter – situated in Chelsea's fashionable Sloane Square.

It seemed that lots of other people had the same idea as even on a chilly winter's day most of the outside tables were taken and people were queuing to be seated inside – the restaurant has a no reservation policy, but with plenty of eager customers coming and going and not tending to linger too long over their food the turnover is pretty rapid.

Described as a bright, buzzy Middle Eastern restaurant serving affordable, authentic cuisine, I had been suitably impressed a while back when I ate at their South Kensington restaurant in Exhibition Road .

Comptoir Libanais is the brainchild of Tony Kitous, who has been credited for putting glamour in to Middle Eastern cuisine with his Lavant, Pasha and Kenza restaurants and has now expanded his Comptoir empire to 10 outlets in recent years. The founder also recently launched a second cookery book full of fresh and healthy recipes – Comptoir Libanais Express - inspired by the best dishes and ingredients he has eaten in the Lebanon and surrounding region.

The brightly coloured Chelsea restaurant offers food and drinks from breakfast right through to dinner. Inside there is definitely a Middle Eastern feel and buzz with the tightly packed canteen style white tables and a large communal table ensuring the available space is well utilised.

Mezzet selection
Mezzet selection

Brightly coloured embroidered bags from Marrakech and other authentic Middle Eastern artefacts and gifts adorn the walls and shelf spaces and I am told the bags are particularly popular and can be used as handbags, shoppers or beach bags.

An open kitchen is on full display to dinners, with many of the dishes displayed and the delicatessen has delicacies from throughout the Middle East to tempt you. Traditional music hums away in the background to add to the authenticity as the cheery staff, many in brightly coloured orange t-shirts, hurry around taking orders and delivering food and dodging customers in the tightly packed space.

The menu offers a wide range of dishes including hot and cold mezze, wraps, salads, tagines, traditional grilled dishes and flat breads so there is no shortage of choice.

We shared two starters and both were perfect for the occasion. Lamb Kibbeh (£4.95) was warming minced lamb wheat parcels with hints of cinnamon, pine nuts and onion served with a mint yoghurt while Cheese Sambousek (£4.65) delivered tasty pastry treats filled with Lebanese cheese and lifted by a lively harisa dip. Glasses of refreshing Lebanese beer (£3.75) went down well but sadly the tap water was served in warm glasses, probably just out of the dishwasher.

Our mains quickly arrived – speed is off the essence here – and I was pleasantly surprised by my choice of Sojok Man'ousha (£8.95) which was a flavoursome lightly oven baked flat bread topped with spicy American sausage, halloumi cheese and tomato and came with a fresh well dress pre-dominantly green salad.

Fiona's Chicken Taouh wrap (£8.95) almost filled the plate and the chargrilled chicken was moist and pretty flavoursome and it came served with pickled cucumber and garlic sauce, a decent hummus and salad. It was tasty, simple lunch fare although my flat bread dish definitely had the edge over the two plates of food, and I would go back for it again.

Suitably full and ready to brave the Christmas crowds again we decided not to loiter but give up our tables to those queuing outside in the cold winter air.

The food at Comptoir Libanais is good and has plenty of authentic flavour and taste and represents value for money. For some people it might seem a little rushed and hectic if you are expecting a more leisurely lunch, and I would be interested to see if the restaurant takes on a different atmosphere in the evenings.