Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula

  • Lima Dubai

    Dubai

    Dubai is no stranger to the Peruvian food craze, but when Michelin-starred Virgilio Martinez opened his outpost, it marked another milestone. The food…

  • Tomo

    Bur Dubai

    The name of this gorgeously formal restaurant translates as 'long-time friend', which is quite apropos given its league of loyal followers. No gimmicky…

  • Jones The Grocer

    Doha

    This Aussie-born gourmet cafe has a simple industrial-style space with metal chairs and serves high-quality ingredients. Excellent breakfast and lunch…

  • Carnival by Tresind

    Downtown Dubai

    Fun is firmly on the agenda at this wildly popular restaurant, which offers a playful take on Indian molecular gastronomy. Behind the smoke and mirrors,…

  • Miss Wang

    Bur Dubai

    A neighbourhood hotspot, Miss Wang attracts a diverse crowd here for the food, the cocktails, the live band – or the karaoke (thankfully in a separate…

  • Savannah Grill & Lounge

    United Arab Emirates

    Bringing a fine-dining touch to the flavours of Africa, the restaurant of Al Sahel Villa Resort is a treat for even the most well-travelled palates. Dig…

  • Rozna

    Muscat

    As if Oman didn't have enough forts, they've just built a new one. Unlike its dusty old predecessors, however, with their all but empty interiors, this…

  • Tom & Serg

    Downtown Dubai

    This always-bustling warehouse-style cafe with concrete floors, exposed pipes and an open kitchen would fit right into Madrid or Melbourne, which is…

  • Zahr El Laymoun

    Muscat

    Bench seats with colourful cushions spill on to the pavement at this excellent Lebanese restaurant, inviting diners to make a night of it. That's easily…

  • Ricetta

    Bur Dubai

    The decor here is pure rustic Italian eatery, from the red-and-white chequered tablecloths to the traditional pizza oven and pics of actress Sophia Loren…

  • Eric's

    Bur Dubai

    Prints by Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda decorate the simple, buzzing dining room of this purveyor of magically spiced dishes from the tropical Indian…

  • Al Baleed Restaurant

    Salalah

    This local favourite (not related to the hotel of the same name) is a popular venue for an excellent brunch buffet (OR7) served between 9am and 1pm. The…

  • La Fontaine

    Manama

    This fashionable restaurant, in the outstanding La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, is a magical place to enjoy a meal by a beautiful fountain in one…

  • Fish House

    Manama

    Bahrain's high-end eateries have tried and failed to wrestle the mantle of best seafood spot from this no-frills restaurant. The menu varies with the…

  • Indego by Vineet

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    India's first Michelin-starred chef, Vineet Bhatia, is the menu maven at this gorgeous, intimate dining room lorded over by big brass Natraj sculptures…

  • Golden Plates

    Manama

    The ambience at this smart, South Indian eatery is enhanced with mellow music and smiling staff. Dishes include an outstanding beef and green banana curry…

  • Maharaja East by Vineet

    Riyadh

    One to book for a special occasion, this upscale restaurant offers a refreshing spin on standard Indian cuisine. Creating dishes such as classic Punjabi…

  • Karim Beirut

    Oman

    Located along the seafront with a bright, no-nonsense interior and a few tables on astroturf on the pavement outside, this small Lebanese restaurant is…

  • Orangery

    Manama

    A delightful terrace overlooking Orangery's neoclassical garden, where the only sound is that of a trickling fountain, helps whisk you off to Europe in…

  • Prime

    Doha

    A steakhouse that delivers more than just steak, Prime imports choice cuts of Wagyu, which are some of the best in the city. Its menu also contains…

  • Pick

    Kuwait City

    This slick little spot is best known for its frozen yogurts, smoothies and pancakes, but its concept of healthy fast food extends to ready-made sushi…

  • My Cafe

    Manama

    One of Manama's most sophisticated cafes, My Cafe does dishes like tuna carpaccio and roasted hammour exceptionally well. The experience is enhanced by…

  • Mumtaz Mahal

    Muscat

    Specialising in northern Indian Mughlai cuisine, Mumtaz Mahal is more than just the best Indian restaurant in town – it is part of the landscape of Muscat…

  • Banana Leaf

    Manama

    The tacky waterfall windows add to the charm of this popular Thai restaurant in the heart of Adliya, where locals come for the fresh mango and green…

  • Le Domain [34]

    Manama

    This is the pick of the restaurants at the Domain hotel, serving fabulous seafood inspired by European cuisines. The stunning views over Manama from the…

  • Honey's Thai Restaurant

    Manama

    Around since the 1980s, Honey's is an award-winning downtown stalwart serving up excellent Thai food at fantastic prices until the early hours. The tom…

  • Rasoi by Vineet

    Manama

    Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia brings Bahrain's finest Indian food to the table, showcasing what he calls 'evolved Indian' cooking. Try the cashew…

  • Al Shamalia Grill & Restaurant

    Khasab

    Near the big mosque in the new souq area, this brightly lit local favourite, with seating inside and on a small terrace outside, does a roaring trade in…

  • Dukanah Cafe

    Muscat

    For a chance to sample not just Omani food but also a representation of an Old Muscat house, Dukanah Cafe is a fun destination, particularly for breakfast.

  • Zero Gravity

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    Next to the Skydive Dubai drop zone, this stylish outpost with attached beach club checks all the culinary boxes, from breakfast to late-night snacks…

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    Salt

    Dubai

    Salt started life as a roaming food truck serving delicious mini-burgers, before graduating to two silver Airstreams parked permanently at Kite Beach…

  • Al Dhafra Restaurant

    Abu Dhabi

    This aged, flamboyant gem, with fading decor, sports a sumptuous majlis (reception room) that has entertained princes and sheikhs over decades. The lunch…

  • Cut by Wolfgang Puck

    Doha

    This restaurant by eponymous steak connoisseur Wolfgang Puck is set within the quirky Mondrian hotel. The avant-garde interior is in keeping with its…

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    Fish Beach Taverna

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    Thanks to whitewashed walls, flagstone paths and breezy blue and white decor, this charming beachfront restaurant conjures up thoughts of summer on the…

  • Cho Gao

    Abu Dhabi

    This upbeat joint at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is a favourite for its tasty fare, which hopscotches from Japan to Singapore and China to Thailand…

  • Al Jazeera Media Cafe

    Doha

    This cafe operated by news broadcaster Al Jazeera serves decent salads and mains, from chicken tikka and fish and chips to pan-roasted salmon and…

  • Arabica Booza

    Abu Dhabi

    You might hear this small kiosk serving up booza (Middle Eastern ice cream) before you see it. Staff wield a giant wooden pestle, rhythmically beating…

  • Operation Falafel

    Dubai

    Despite the name, this hip home-grown chain doesn't stop at falafel, here served with a side of creamily nutty tahini or tucked into a pita or saj …

  • Al Mina Modern Cuisine & Restaurant

    Abu Dhabi

    Most visitors steam on past this glass-fronted restaurant in the hunt for its more famous neighbour, Al Dhafra. That's a pity because the ambience here,…

  • Maison Mathis

    Dubai

    Tucked away in the Arabian Ranches suburb, this European-style brasserie is a favourite with expats, especially at the weekend, so be sure to book ahead…

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