Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula

  • Milas

    Downtown Dubai

    Milas is how Emiratis pronounce majlis – the traditional guest reception room. This particular majlis has a sleek contemporary look (wood, glass, neon)…

  • Tarbouche Al Basha

    Abu Dhabi

    In the World Trade Center Souk, with pleasant food-court-style seating, locally recommended Lebanese-leaning Tarbouche deals in mezze and an extensive…

  • Saudi Kitchen

    Abu Dhabi

    This snug little den near the Mina Fish Market is decked out with partitioned cushioned floor seating (no shoes please). It's the perfect place to try…

  • Lebanon Mill

    Abu Dhabi

    The door name may not match that on the menu, but empty tables are as rare as hen's teeth in this simple family-friendly cafeteria that swoops through…

  • Isla Mexican Kitchen

    Doha

    Internationally renowned chef Richard Sandoval, called the father of modern Mexican cooking, has brought his authentic techniques to Qatar with the…

  • Jones the Grocer

    Abu Dhabi

    This outpost of the Australian chain has open kitchens overlooking a dining area decked out in stainless steel and earthy wood colours. The eclectic…

  • Marakesh

    Abu Dhabi

    Amid a hilariously over-the-top re-creation of a Marrakshi riad interior, dripping with lanterns, archways and some dubious desert-panorama murals, dine…

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    Brunswick Eatery, Bar & Terrace

    Dubai

    This former sports bar has rebranded into a hip new eatery, though there is still at least one sport-on-the-telly screen. The decor is cool industrial…

  • Galvin Dubai

    Dubai

    Tucked inside The Square, the only licensed retail space in City Walk, this swanky spot is the brainchild of the Galvin brothers, one of whom is a…

  • Shish Shawerma

    Abu Dhabi

    This shawarma joint buzzes in the evening when takeaway orders come fast and thick. Standard beef or chicken versions, stuffed in fresh pita bread baked…

  • Living Room Café

    Abu Dhabi

    This family-friendly cafe is beloved by foreign residents who come here for home-baked cakes, all-day breakfasts, soups, salads, toasted sandwiches and…

  • La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie

    Downtown Dubai

    Downtown residents regularly swing by the downstairs boulangerie (bakery) for buttery croissants, toothsome pastries or petit déjeuner (breakfast) on the…

  • Meat Co

    Dubai

    Surrender helplessly to your inner carnivore at this canalside meat temple where yummy cuts of aged steaks range from Australian grain-fed Angus to New…

  • Shakespeare & Co

    Abu Dhabi

    The chintzy Edwardian style may seem a bit out of place but this UAE chain restaurant is an Emirati firm favourite for its big breakfast menu that jumps…

  • Bait El Khetyar

    Abu Dhabi

    We think they're too heavy on the mayonnaise but many tout this as Abu Dhabi's best shawarma (meat sliced off a spit and stuffed in a pocket of pita-type…

  • Al Ustad Special Kabab

    Bur Dubai

    Sheikhs to shoe shiners clutter this funky, been-here-forever (since 1978, to be precise) kebab joint formerly known as Special Ostadi. Amid walls…

  • Lusin Restaurant

    Riyadh

    This pomegranate-coloured restaurant is Saudi Arabia's first small chain offering Armenian cuisine. Feast on gapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, meat and…

  • Sum of Us

    Downtown Dubai

    This two-floor industrial-style and plant-filled cafe with outdoor seating roasts its own beans, bakes its own sourdough bread and serves food that is at…

  • Automatic Restaurant

    Abu Dhabi

    Fuel up on falafel, fuul (mashed fava beans) and shawarma sandwiches or sit down for a char-grilled meat blow out with the full caboodle of Middle Eastern…

  • Sushina

    Abu Dhabi

    Aside from a few unusually spicy dishes and spring rolls stuffed with the local favourite hammour, the over-the-door promises of a Middle Eastern–Japanese…

  • Turtle Bay Bar & Grill

    Abu Dhabi

    Amid impeccable landscaping and a large staggered outdoor deck over the side of the pool, this is an undeniably beautiful spot by day or night. Downstairs…

  • La Brioche Café

    Abu Dhabi

    This little slice of Paris is famous for its breakfasts but also makes healthy salads, bulging sandwiches and some of the best bread, croissants and…

  • Jehangir's Kitchen

    Abu Dhabi

    A step above most mall food court options, Jehangir's Kitchen serves up value for money Mughal cuisine. The vegetarian dishes steal the show: go for a…

  • Couqley

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    This friendly French bistro imported from Lebanon plays it safe with classic decor (vintage Parisian posters, red and green checked cushions) alongside a…

  • The Daily

    Downtown Dubai

    Warehouse-style decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace – overlooking Burj Khalifa, no less – make an instant impression at this casual all…

  • Mythos Kouzina & Grill

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    Kitted out like a traditional seaside taverna with whitewashed walls and sea-green painted furniture, Mythos is a little slice of Santorini hidden away in…

  • Arabian Tea House

    Bur Dubai

    A grand old tree, white wicker chairs, turquoise benches and crimson bougainvillea create a sun-dappled refuge in the courtyard of an old pearl merchant's…

  • Koi

    Abu Dhabi

    We're here for the sushi and the starters rather than the mains, with lots of little flavoursome morsels to graze on. Order up a tuna tatare on wontons…

  • Basta!

    Downtown Dubai

    The decor here hits the spot (along with the cuisine): warm parquet flooring, leather chairs, lofty ceilings and a huge mural of Italian actress Sophia…

  • Play Restaurant & Lounge

    Downtown Dubai

    The decor here is all drama with floor-to-ceiling windows, edgy artwork and tiered, as well as secluded, dining areas. The imaginative menu is a truly…

  • Moshi

    Dubai

    In keeping with the culinary mash-up trend, Moshi creates truly tasty spins on Nepalese momo (dumplings) and sushi, many meat-free. Top contenders include…

  • At.mosphere

    Downtown Dubai

    The food may not be out of this world, but the views are certainly stellar from the world's highest restaurant (442m) in the Burj Khalifa. Book far ahead…

  • Three Sixty

    Doha

    This posh and novel restaurant on the 47th floor of the iconic Torch building slowly rotates a full 360 degrees during a meal, offering a different…

  • Bread Street Kitchen

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    At this recent Gordon Ramsey venture, the menu includes some heartwarming familiar British dishes, including shepherd's pie, beef wellington and sticky…

  • Assaha Restaurant

    Kuwait City

    Built to resemble an old Kuwaiti villa, Assaha is an atmospheric place to eat. The stone arches, snugs, majlis (reception room) area, tiled floors and…

  • Karma Kafé

    Downtown Dubai

    Look for the large Buddha guarding the dining room dressed in sensuous burgundy with gold leaf accents. The menu hopscotches around Asia with classic and…

  • Slice

    Kuwait City

    The humble doner has never looked as good as it does at this fast-food kiosk. All of the essential ingredients come into play: flaky pita bread, expertly…

  • Fümé

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    With its industrial-chic look, relaxed crew and global comfort food, Fümé brings more than a touch of urban cool to the Marina. The menu features plenty…

  • Typical Dutch Pancake

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    Step into the sparkling blue-and-white dining room, decorated with Delft tiles and decorative clogs, and order a pannekoek (Dutch pancake), which is…

  • Chac'Late

    Doha

    Chocolate fans should seek this place out: its full counter of irresistible pieces, plus beautifully crafted desserts in cabinets, all look almost too…

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