YOUR favourite Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is one of the few cities in the world where residents and visitors are more likely to feast on any cuisine other than native fare – whether that’s Emirati, or even broader Middle Eastern food. Thanks to the multi-cultural melting pot we live in, we can indulge in dishes from Italy and India, to Mexico and Malaysia. And whilst that makes for diverse dining choices, it saddens me that food from the Arab world is far from a go-to cuisine here. Emirati cuisine is slowly moving out of the home and into quirky restaurant and café concepts, but it’s far from mainstream. I would never dream of visiting Napoli without tucking into pizza, or Tokyo for sashimi, or my home in Nicosia for souvlaki. Yet how often do visitors eat harees here, or even common street food like shawarma?

So with this guide, I want to shine the light on the myriad of Middle Eastern restaurants Dubai pays homage to, whilst also throwing Egypt, Turkey and Morocco into the cauldron given their prevalence in Dubai. Many will debate the countries that qualify for the Middle East region (if you want a culinary history and geography lesson, please read Anissa Helou’s latest encyclopaedic cookbook – Feast) – however for the purpose of this round-up, let’s celebrate restaurants serving food from the following countries:

UAE
Lebanon
Syria (including Aleppo with its own intrinsic cuisine)
Jordan
Palestine
Iran
Iraq
Egypt
Turkey
Morocco

I didn’t pick these countries – YOU did. Readers and followers – you recommended a total of 45 restaurants when I posed the question on social media: “what’s your favourite Middle Eastern restaurant in Dubai?” Some were even suggested a handful of times. I have also included a few of my go-to spots. I have categorised these establishments as licensed and unlicensed; and then alphabetically. Some, as you will see, have more than one outlet. I am sure many more abound, so feel free to drop in with a comment here or on social. Let’s start eating more Middle Eastern fare. Sahtain (bon appetit).

LICENSED

Al Hadheerah: with a location out in the desert at Bab Al Shams, this movie-like setting is THE place to take visitors for a Middle Eastern buffet feast complete with multi-cultural dance show, falconry and a heritage village.
Al Makan: a long-standing Middle Eastern restaurant in Souk Madinat Jumeirah with a terrace and views to Burj Al Arab.
Al Nafoorah: with two locations at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Zabeel Saray, it’s the former that gives this Lebanese restaurant a glorious well-deserved reputation. If the weather allows, enjoy the charming terrace.
Amaseena: bedouin tents grace this al fresco setting at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Jumeirah where a Middle Eastern buffet feast awaits.
Anar: overlooking Souk Madinat’s water canal sits this Iranian restaurant serving a mix of traditional and modern Persian dishes.
Aseelah: when this restaurant first opened at the Radisson Blu Deira, the cuisine was originally Emirati – however, the menu has expanded to cover broader Middle Eastern dishes.
Babel: a modern Lebanese import from Beirut that natives rave about. The sterile fine dining décor sits at odds with the food though, however, it’s well worth a visit or two.
Em Sherif: as a guest reviewer pens, “Em Sherif is Lebanese chef Mireille Hayek’s first restaurant in Dubai, a licensed concept imported from Beirut. Conveniently nestled at the foot of The Address Downtown Dubai and facing Burj Khalifa, the restaurant can either be accessed through the hotel or from the Dubai Mall promenade. Em Sherif, Hayek’s nickname, claims to offer a prestigious fine dining experience based around authentic, traditional Lebanese cuisine.” Note – with a never-ending meze feast, only go if hungry.
Ibn Al Bahr: the Club Vista Mare development on Palm Jumeirah’s eastern shoreline boasts many restaurants, but this Lebanese seafood tavern run by fishermen stands out. Choose your fish from the daily catch on display, along with the cooking style, and enjoy it on the terrace overlooking the sea, if the weather allows – otherwise settle for the rustic indoor seating.
Karam Beirut: a Lebanese restaurant chain with a couple of locations – Mall of the Emirates overlooking the ski slope, and Dubai Mall.
Khaymat Al Bahar: a beachside view from this indoor-outdoor Lebanese restaurant at Jumeirah Al Qasr makes for a compelling location.
Ninive: as per my review, “Ninive is an al fresco-only location (with retractable roof for the summer) on the podium terrace of La Cantine du Faubourg at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard and is named after Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian city of Upper Mesopotamia in modern-day northern Iraq – better known as the site for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And that’s where the design takes inspiration. Amongst all the foliage, imagine a plethora of majlis-style alcoves with lounge seating – all in warm textures of brass, wood and leather. Ninive is a feast for the eyes in a similar manner to long gone Q’bara – one that oozes atmosphere even early on in the evening when quiet. Cleverly, the designers have segregated alcoves for those who want to dine without shisha – and in fact these boast more covers than the central shisha-cum-eating spots – something our friendly Moroccan waiter is keen to point out.” The food is Middle Eastern and North African with a strong Moroccan influence.
Rüya: as written by a guest reviewer: “set on a waterfront terrace in Grosvenor House, Rüya is an elegant Turkish restaurant and lounge in Dubai Marina. The menu is playful, paying homage to what Rüya calls traditional Anatolian cuisine (the region that makes up most of Turkey) reimagined for a modern palate with hints of Japanese and contemporary European influences. Spearheaded by executive chef Colin Clague, whose culinary experience includes Jean-Georges, Q’bara, The Ivy, Zuma and Jason Atherton – and owned by the Dogus group who operate Coya, La Petite Maison and Zuma, I can’t help but feel intrigue.”
Shabestan: a golden oldie Iranian restaurant institution at the Radisson Blu Deira. Ask anyone hailing from Iran and, undoubtedly, they will recommend this spot for classic Persian marinated meats.

UNLICENSED

Al Bait Al Shami: for Syrian food with a wonderful atmosphere in Garhoud and Dubai Marina.
Al Falamanki: a charming Lebanese restaurant with an old-school retro decor in a converted Jumeirah villa, serves slightly more unusual dishes typical of home cooking.
Al Fanar: a cosy Emirati restaurant with locations in Dubai Festival City and Al Seef.
Al Hallab: a Lebanese chain with outposts in Garhoud, Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Allo Beirut: retro Lebanese street food joint on Hessa street.
Al Mandaloun: a DIFC stalwart, this Lebanese restaurant is consistently excellent, counting the royal family as regulars.
Al Ustad Special Kabab: this family-run Iranian joint in Bur Dubai set up shop in 1978. Go here for the authentic Persian char-grilled kebabs.
Al Safadi: a Lebanese chain with restaurants in Deira, Sheikh Zayed, Umm Al Sheif and The Pointe.
Al Shorfa: a first for Dubai perhaps with Aleppian dishes? This cuisine from Aleppo in Syria marries culinary traditions from Turkey, Persia, Europe, China, India and Armenia. At Dubai Marina, opposite the Royal Meridien JBR.
Aroos Damascus: a Syrian restaurant serving authentic fare since 1980 in Deira.
Arz Lebanon: a chain of Lebanese restaurants scattered across Dubai.
Bait Maryam: a family-run Levantine restaurant in JLT with Palestinian mama (chef Salam Dakkak) in the kitchen. Brimming with original artefacts from the grandmother’s ‘bait’ aka home (read: an Instagrammer’s dream). Ideal for brekkie or lunch. Al fresco seating for the cooler months.
Bebabel: the unlicensed and more casual Lebanese sister to Babel. In Dubai Mall’s fashion extension overlooking the fountains.
Beirut Khanum: located in Downtown in the alcove that fronts the Address Palace hotel, as the name suggests, the food here is Lebanese, with a focus on long-forgotten dishes.
Hadoota Masreya: an Egyptian restaurant on the Sheikh Zayed, known for its authentic stuffed pigeon and, of course, koshari.
Kaftan: Dubai boasts many traditional Turkish restaurants, but not many that manage to elevate Turkish cuisine to a finer, exquisite level in the relaxed setting of a converted Jumeirah villa with its magical garden. There’s a La Mer location too.
Keif: a Lebanese restaurant with terrace seating at Business Bay overlooking Dubai canal.
Khan Murjan: an Aladdin’s cave of Arabian restaurants set in an open-air marble courtyard hidden amongst the depths of Wafi Mall’s ‘souk’. The menu dishes up Lebanese, Egyptian, Iranian and Moroccan cuisine. Hugely atmospheric.
Logma: a modern Khaleeji concept in Dubai Mall and Boxpark.
Mama’esh: a quirky Palestinian joint in Al Manara, Business Bay and DIFC known for its manakeesh flatbreads.
Operation Falafel: a contemporary café concept reigniting street food falafel, with many a franchised location.
Reem Al Bawadi: authentic Levantine cuisine across six Dubai locations.
Samad Al Iraqi: go here for Iraqi ‘maskouf’ – fish skewered and charred over an open-flame. Two locations in Jumeirah and Deira.
Sarouja: a Syrian restaurant in Dubai Marina.
Seven Sands: as a guest reviewer pens, “stepping into Seven Sands, a contemporary Emirati restaurant in Dubai, felt like stepping into a spa; a very quiet sanctuary cut off from the hustle and bustle of JBR with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach. I arrived with an Emirati friend just as sun was setting; perfect timing.”
Sikka Café: where Emirati food meets Indian and Persian influences. I’ve tried the restaurant at Last Exit in Al Khawaneej – with two more locations in City Walk and La Mer.
Siraj: Emirati meets Levantine cuisine in Souk Al Bahar with a location overlooking the fountains.
Somewhere: the only restaurant in Dubai Mall that always requires advance reservations (outside Ramadan), otherwise expect to queue. Emirati owned, the menu magically spins native and broader Levantine fare to create dishes with style and substance.
Wafi Gourmet: I’ve been a regular at this seriously authentic Lebanese restaurant, take-away and gourmet grocer all-in-one at Wafi mall since I arrived here two decades ago. A second Dubai Mall location overlooking the fountains retains the Wafi name.
Zaroob: quirky and consistent Levantine street food at this small chain of five restaurants in Dubai.
Zou Zou: a restaurant in La Mer with an odd combination of Turkish and Lebanese food, however, apparently, the breakfast spread, in particular, is superb.

NOTE: SINCE THIS GUIDE WENT LIVE, readers have suggested the following restaurants as well:

Saba’a in Zabeel House Al Seef Heritage Hotel (licensed).

Aghatti at La Mer (Iraqi – unlicensed).

Al Damyati in Karama (Egyptian – unlicensed).

Arabian Tea House in The Mall and Bastakiya (unlicensed).

Asma in Dubai Mall (unlicensed).

Automatic with multiple locations (unlicensed).

Kabab Erbil Iraqi in Jumeirah (unlicensed).

Masgouf on Jumeirah Beach Road (Iraqi – unlicensed).

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

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