Uncover the Middle Eastern foodie trail

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. 

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.

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.

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.