Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula

  • Bosphorus

    Doha

    Specialising in slow-cooked tajines served in copper pots, plus grills and salads, this casual place has indoor and outdoor seating for souq-watching…

  • Sadaf

    Sharjah

    The Sharjah branch of this popular mini-chain enjoys cult status among locals for its authentic Iranian cuisine. The spicy, tender kebabs are particularly…

  • Zaatar W Zeit

    Riyadh

    This little eating outlet built its reputation on its delicious, freshly baked manakeesh (flatbread), which can come stuffed with a host of ingredients,…

  • Peppercrab

    Bur Dubai

    If you’ve never had Singaporean food, Peppercrab is perfect for surrendering your culinary virginity. Prepare your palate with wasabi shrimp and seafood…

  • Dikakeen

    Kuwait City

    With a genteel air in the upmarket Salhiya mall, Dikakeen serves up classy interpretations of Middle Eastern street food, from tangy shish taouk (grilled…

  • Cafe Arsah

    Sharjah

    This brilliant little cafe inside Souq Al Arsah, its walls scattered with old photos and bric-a-brac, is as popular with local workers eating lunch as it…

  • Nova Beach Café

    Abu Dhabi

    A devoted local following fills this cafe, one of the few public places where you can have a coffee or meal overlooking the sea. If you're walking or…

  • D’Arcy’s Kitchen

    Muscat

    Next to the Omani Heritage Gallery in a sociable part of town, this friendly, award-winning establishment serves consistently good-value Western…

  • Reem Al Bawadi

    Jeddah

    In the heart of North Jeddah, opposite King Faisal Hospital, this two-level Lebanese place with outdoor dining offers a sweets counter on the ground floor…

  • Jolie Boutique & Café

    Dubai

    This fragrant cafe, dressed in pink, has a floral motif throughout and the gift of a rose with your dish. The breakfast selection is several notches above…

  • Planet Donut & Bakery

    Manama

    Get here before midday and the air will be filled with the smell of baked bread and the aroma of freshly ground coffee, both done on site. The bread…

  • Bait El Khetyar

    Abu Dhabi

    This place buzzes after dark when families pack the street-side tables, eating big shawarma plates with salad and hummus, while takeaway customers wait…

  • Barracuda

    Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

    Pick your poisson (mullet, sea bream, pomfret) from the ice display at this Egyptian seafood restaurant and have it prepared the way you like it. The…

  • Sallan Restaurant

    Oman

    Popular for its themed buffets, this attractive restaurant with its neatly laid indoor tables and terrace overlooking the garden, offers burger-and-beer…

  • Publique

    Dubai

    There's an informal vibe to Publique that extends from the decor, with its simple wooden tables and sports screen, to the menu with dishes for sharing,…

  • Almualem Yemeni Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    All the delicious Saudi staples that originate from Yemeni culture, such as fuul, muthabbak (omelette pancake) and masoob (a bread, banana and honey dish)…

  • Rebou Lebanon

    United Arab Emirates

    Right on the corniche, this little place is a winner for its mezze menu and hearty biryanis with chicken or fish. Despite the name (and the prominent…

  • Lemongrass

    Bur Dubai

    Lemongrass’ soothing mango-and-lime-coloured dining room is an ideal backdrop for brightly flavoured cooking that spans the arc from pad Thai (nicely…

  • Rayés

    Manama

    This is one of the most attractive places to sample Lebanese food, right by the water's edge in the Coral Bay complex. The chef prides himself on the…

  • Il Cafe de Roma

    United Arab Emirates

    This cafe with loungey chairs on the terrace, good espresso-based coffee and a short menu of pastries, sandwiches and pasta is the nicest place to stop…

  • Mom's Flavour

    Riyadh

    Let Mom take care of you at this cosy little eating spot with a personal touch. The menu is international and the food is great, but it's the wonderful…

  • Opal by Gordon Ramsay

    Doha

    Gordon Ramsay's bistro specialises in burgers and Australian steaks; try the lamb burger with harissa mayonnaise, homemade tomato ketchup, fresh green…

  • Pantry Cafe

    Dubai

    With its loft-like ceilings, concrete floors, red-brick walls and eco-aware attitude, the Pantry may scream 'Shoreditch transplant' but is actually a laid…

  • Ting Irie

    Downtown Dubai

    Come here for authentic Jamaican food, from the curried goat with coconut rice to oxtail and beans and jerk chicken. The all-time favourite snacks are the…

  • Anwaar Tiwi Restaurant

    Oman

    Located on the village's main street at a sharp bend in the road, this small local-style restaurant offers Middle Eastern staples, including mezze and…

  • Al Bandar

    Doha

    With perhaps the best seafood in the souq – or anywhere in downtown Doha, for that matter – this little place is a wonderful choice. Its casserole is…

  • Oysters Restaurant

    Sur

    One of the few venues in Sur where you can dine with a glass of wine, Oysters is a sociable gathering point. The Friday lunch buffet (OR6) includes fresh…

  • Golden Rice

    Saudi Arabia

    Resembling a palace from the Aladdin movies, this huge restaurant is part of a growing trend of stylish Indian eateries that cater to a more refined…

  • River Nile Restaurant

    Hajar Mountains

    With a rather elegant dining room, tables draped with cloths and upholstered chairs, this restaurant is a cut above the norm in a region of utilitarian…

  • Coco's

    Manama

    With indoor and outdoor seating, huge servings and an extensive international menu offering a range of delicious salads, rice dishes, pasta, impressive…

  • Publik Kuwait

    Kuwait City

    This cool space – with a mosaic tiled floor, exposed pipes and large art murals painted directly onto the concrete walls – is a cafe by day and occasional…

  • Mirage Indian Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    Although light on atmosphere, with small touches of Indian decor, the Mirage is still very popular with locals and offers an excellent biryani (rice dish…

  • Spazio 77

    Riyadh

    Located in the nook of the ‘necklace’ of the Kingdom Tower, Spazio 77 is a combination brasserie, coffee house and luxury restaurant serving fine-dining…

  • Layali Al Helmeya

    Kuwait City

    A lovely place to sit and enjoy the view overlooking Kuwait Bay, offering reasonably priced dishes; huge salads, delicious freshly made muttabal …

  • Bistro By Tao

    Riyadh

    This little joint has an air of zen about it. Eastern and contemporary-chic decor and mellow music create a relaxing atmosphere. The prices here aren't…

  • Zaki Restaurant

    Sur

    Located next to the Oman Oil petrol station, this popular local chain serves Omani, Indian and Chinese cuisine, including a signature fried-chicken dish …

  • Al Fannar Restaurant

    Hajar Mountains

    This large restaurant offers a range of international favourites and some pan-Arab dishes, too. Between October and March it sets up tables around the…

  • Pottery Restaurant & Café

    Salalah

    This smart little restaurant, with two floors of seating, has created a friendly, homely atmosphere with its cheerful and quaint interior. There is no…

  • Annabi Shisha Lounge

    Salalah

    Tuck behind an arabesque screen for private dining or sit outside on the landscaped terrace and watch the shoppers go by at this attractive restaurant…

  • Hashem

    Saudi Arabia

    A big green and yellow sign greets you at this popular, local establishment on the corner of a busy intersection. Famous for its delicious mezze, Hashem…

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