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Food & Drink

Uncover the Middle Eastern foodie trail

8 Places

Delve into the taste profiles of the region, with succulent meals from the Levant, North Africa and Arabian Peninsula.
1

Mixing modern Middle Eastern cuisine with global flavours

Foodie Experiences Orfali Bros Bistro Wasl 51

Foodies rave about this modern Middle Eastern eatery, a family affair for Fatafeet's celebrity chef Mohammad Orfali and his brothers Omar and Wassim. The trio's labour of love, which landed a place on the Michelin and MENA 50 Best Restaurants list, serves an innovative menu blending regional flavours with international influences. Its central location, on one of the pretty plazas in Wasl 51 mall, offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Given two of the three owners focus on sweet treats, it's worth saving room for dessert. 

2

A traditional Lebanese restaurant that surprises

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Al Safadi is a successful chain of restaurants offering excellent authentic Lebanese cuisine with a 'homemade' experience. Head here for breakfast and you'll get to savour fresh creamy labneh, a medley of egg dishes and fresh hummus topped with spiced meat and pine nuts. Lunch favourites feature oven-baked breads, chicken and mushroom manakish, and an array of hot or cold mezze.

3

Showcasing delicious, authentic Arabic desserts

Al Safadi Restaurant in Dubai
When its original shop opened in 1872, the sugary delights at Al Samadi Sweets in Deira gave many a nostalgic taste of home, reminding them of festive get-togethers at their grandmother's house. Those new to Arabic desserts can't go wrong with the maamoul (a spiced date cookie) and bukaj (the cashew nut-stuffed baklava pouch) – both favourites to cap off celebratory feasts.
4

Tuck into succulent Middle Eastern favourites

Al Shami Restaurant in Dubai

Located along the atmospheric pathways of Al Muraqqabat Road in Deira, Al Shami Restaurant is a spot famous for generous spreads of Lebanese and wider Middle Eastern cuisine. Feast on fresh, from-the-oven pita breads with traditional dips like moutabel with smokey aubergine goodness, and move on to aromatic mandi, the traditional slow-cooked rice and meat dish. You're spoilt for choice.

5

Savour an authentic Lebanese feast

Al Nafoorah
Al Nafoorah is an award-winning restaurant promising delicious Lebanese food in an opulent setting at Madinat Jumeirah's Al Qasr hotel. Dine on chef Ali Fouad's authentic recipes in palatial luxury, perched by the pretty waterways of the resort, with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab from the terrace. Take friends and family to indulge in an array of hot and cold mezze, followed by signature mixed grills and decadent Arabic desserts.
6

Savour authentic Arabian food with a vintage touch

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe in Dubai
Soak up the rustic 1960s-style ambience at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, as you relish the best of traditional Emirati cuisine. The restaurant revives memories of Dubai, as a small town on the shore of the Arabian Gulf. At the time, cafes and social venues were cosy and developed alongside, residential areas. Visitors enjoy sitting in the 'al fresco' courtyard, with seating arranged around a tree.
7

Top-notch traditional Syrian dishes on Bluewaters Dubai

Sah El Nom Dubai
Quirky artworks adorn the walls of this modern dining space which has a hint of vintage glamour. Come down to Sah El Nom Restaurant at Bluewaters Island for an authentic Syrian food experience with spectacular views of Ain Dubai. The menu is filled with classic favourites, elevated to high standards. Don’t miss the cheese and ouzi lamb chops, they’re excellent. As is the sujuk roll — a crispy, meaty, spicy bite of Arabic bread stuffed with sujuk.
8

Traditional homestyle Levantine recipes and dishes

Bait Maryam Dubai

Starting as a collection of recipes handed down through generations, Bait Maryam has quickly transformed into a staple choice for unpretentious and authentic Middle Eastern meals. A proud Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, the restaurant is helmed by Salam Dakkar, who is award-winning in her own right, having clinched the MENA region's best female chef title by the World’s 50 Best in 2023. Those who enter are sure to feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia, thanks to the modern but cosy interiors with various vintage bric-a-brac filling the shelves and cupboards. Come ready for a feast and dive into moreish servings of manakish, falafel, lamb chops and Levantine specialities featuring spicy potatoes or fried eggplant.

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