Middle Eastern restaurants in Middle East
-
Yord Cultural Complex
In an enormous colourful yord (tent) about 8km northwest of town, this complex not only offers the chance to enjoy some fine Iranian-nomad food, but also to experience the Qashqa’i culture. The warm atmosphere, colourful costumes, live music and delicious food afford a dreamy escape from modern life into a Qashqa’i tented embrace. Yord is almost impossible to reach by public transport, so ask your hotel to write the name in Farsi and get a taxi (about IR25,000); it is also worth paying the taxi to wait for you (about IR70,000 total) as taxis out here are rare indeed.
reviewed
-
Al-Boom
Located in the hull of a boat, this inventive restaurant takes some beating - particularly as this isn't just any old boat; this is Mohammedi II, built in Culicut, India in 1979. A replica of the largest dhow ever built (Mohammedi I, 1915), it took three years to construct from teak wood and 2.5 tonnes of copper, and was completed with 8.8 tonnes of handmade iron nails.
Not that one spares much thought for the 35,000 days of labour that was invested in one of the most characterful cargo holds in the history of boat building: when ensconced in the curving hull, under a ship's lantern hung from the beams, the attention is much more carefully focused on the set-piece of gril…
reviewed
-
Bastani Restaurant
In the shadow of the Imam Mosque, the Bastani is the best-located restaurant in Esfahan. That, however, is where the compliments end. In recent years the quality of the food has been less consistent. Which is a pity, as the menu is full of interesting-sounding dishes. If you do eat here, the billing can be confusing so check it carefully. It’s a pity, as the menu is full of interesting-sounding dishes and it used to be good. Hopefully it will pick up.
reviewed
-
A
Azari Traditional Teahouse
This restored ‘coffeehouse’ in south Tehran is wonderfully atmospheric because it remains popular with locals, who use it as an unofficial community centre. The dizi and chicken kababs are rightly popular. A traditional band plays most evenings when the boisterous atmosphere is best enjoyed with a group, and bookings are recommended.
reviewed
-
B
Iranian Traditional Restaurant
This underground place is modern Iranian social interaction in microcosm, and full of young Iranians flirting, smoking and eating (in that order) under attractive vaulted and tiled ceilings. The dizi (IR24,000) and kababs are reliably good and well-priced for this location, though at busy times you won’t be allowed to linger.
reviewed
-
Hammam-e Khan Restaurant
Deep in the heart of the old city, this restored underground hammam is one of the original historic restorations in Yazd and deserves its ongoing popularity. The interior is all tranquil pools, arched ceilings and fine tilework, and the food is delicious (as long as it’s not too busy).
reviewed
-
Hummus Said
Deeply entrenched in the souq, this place has become something of an institution, doling up that much-loved Middle Eastern dip to throngs of visitors from around the country. For 15NIS, you'll get salads, pickles, pita and a big glob of hummus with fuul (fava bean paste) or garlic.
reviewed
-
C
Al-Shami Restaurant
In a lane between Raghadan and Zahran Sts, the Shami is another cheap place recommended by readers. The menu (printed in English outside) is quite extensive and the air-conditioned dining area upstairs has good views.
reviewed
-
D
Afghan Kebab House
Big hunks of meat – lamb, beef, chicken – charred on foot-long skewers come served with rice and bread. That’s it. Think caveman food. Eat with your hands. Tricky to find but locals can direct you.
reviewed
-
E
Kir Heres Restaurant
A cut above the rest, this award-winning restaurant is a surprise find in Karak. The chef (and owner), Saddam, is from Karak and he has a passion for food, reflected in the inventive menu. There are ostrich steaks (JD7) and chicken dishes prepared with local herbs (JD5.550). Vegetarians can choose from dishes including fried haloumi (salty cheese; JD2.250), and mushrooms with garlic and thyme (JD2.250). The owner laments that people take fright at the smart tablecloths, serviettes and tasteful interior of draped kilims and imagine the prices will be prohibitive. The secret is out, however, among the discerning palates of Karak, and a reservation is necessary at weekends. …
reviewed
Advertisement
-
F
Burj Al-Hamam
This circular restaurant at the end of a pier is like a piece of punctuation along the corniche - but don't let the rather unattractive steel exterior put you off. This is a great place to sample delicious Middle Eastern fare in a thoroughly convivial atmosphere among loudly chatting local families.
There is an inner and outer core to the restaurant with 280 degrees open to the sea - that's if you can glimpse it above the heaps of primary-coloured cushions and through the haze of peach-flavoured sheesha (around KD3). Try the kheshkhash (spiced mince meat with onions and parsley) priced at a very reasonable price.
reviewed
-
G
Khayyam Traditional Restaurant
Opposite the Imamzadeh Seyyed Nasreddin Mosque (look for the dome), this beautifully decorated restaurant is an oasis amid the chaos of the bazaar area. Originally part of the mosque, the 300-year-old building was separated when Khayyam St intervened. It was restored in 2002. The typically Iranian food (mainly kabab, chicken and fish) is well prepared and plentiful. But on this visit we felt service had dropped and the 15% service charge on top of all the extras you have to pay for is irritating. Still, for tea, qalyan and sweets (IR25,000) after an outing in the bazaar, it’s hard to beat.
reviewed
-
Roots Restaurant
By far the most expensive up-scale restaurant in Gaza, Roots is where important people dine on steak au poivre and chicken cordon bleu, though, since alcohol isn't served, there's no washing it down with a good vintage of anything other than Coke. Owner Basil Eleiwa and partners sunk US$1.1 million into the place, which has a nice outdoor area for evening dining, and incorporates the Green Terrace Café, serving sandwiches, mezze and light lunches all day long in less formal surroundings.
reviewed
-
H
Al-Sahari
RAK's locals keep coming back to this popular eatery for its friendly service and cheap tasty food. How can you resist the charm of a place that boasts ‘our objective is salubrious food and the sweet taste and the special arabic kindness'? The expansive menu features Lebanese staples, a few Emirati favourites, with some ‘international' dishes thrown in, from fried Sultan Ibrahim fish and shish tawooq to ‘Chateau Briand' and ‘chicken Maggi soup'.
reviewed
-
I
Khangostar Restaurant
Located in Julfa Hotel, Khangostar Restaurant offers probably the best food in Esfahan – locals, our own experience and overwhelmingly positive reader feedback can attest to this. Servings are enormous here, (even by Iranian standards!) and the menu large and varied, but mainly Iranian. It’s busy rather than romantic, and the salad and dessert bars might seem a bit Sizzler, but hey, you won’t complain when you get there.
reviewed
-
J
Sharzeh Traditional Restaurant
Talk about atmosphere! The night we ate at the Sharzeh it was going off like the proverbial frog in a sock, with diners singing and clapping along with musicians playing traditional music in the centre of the two-level space. Great fun! The Iranian food was well-prepared, tasty and plentiful. It’s diagonally opposite the entrance to the Vakil Bazaar. There’s no English sign; look for the man in costume outside an arcade.
reviewed
-
K
Al-Bandar
On a balmy evening in the cooler months, there can't be anywhere much more pleasant to enjoy the breeze than in the collection of restaurants at the end of the dhow jetty. Eccentrically shaped like dhows, with split-level wooden flooring and a garden of potted trees around the terrace, it's always brim-full with local families. Try the whole hamour wrapped in banana leaf or the barracuda and chef's spices for a taste of deeper waters.
reviewed
-
Chelokababi Tavakol
This would be the backpacker meeting place, if there were any backpackers. Excellent value Iranian food is served in an atmospheric once-grand old bathhouse that’s slightly gone-to-seed. Charming owner Ali Rahban looks somewhat like Dudley Moore, speaks good English and can rustle up eggplant delights for vegetarians. Head downstairs through white-framed doors with coloured glass panels.
reviewed
-
L
Abu Shukri
Our constant search to find the best hummus in Jerusalem landed us at this place, as recommended by many a local. It was good hummus – maybe not the best, but definitely worth trying. The standard platter includes a bowl of fresh hummus, sliced tomato, pita bread and a couple of felafel balls. Add 10NIS for a cup of freshly squeezed OJ. It’s located near the Fifth Station of the Cross.
reviewed
-
M
Kourosh
Kourosh wins no prizes for décor but offers numerous typical Gilani dishes including dill-rich bagilah qotoq, zeitun parvarden (olives in walnut paste) and garlic mast. On a good day the mirza ghasemi (mashed eggplant, squash, garlic, tomato and egg, served with bread or rice) can be superb but the fesenjun (chicken with walnuts) is rather tart.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Bin Atique
This is one of the few places in town to serve a variety of local Omani dishes. As the restaurant caters mainly for homesick Omani traders, you'll be seated on an old carpet in a private room. If you can put up with the unglamorous surroundings, however, the food is generally good quality and authentic. Try harees, a glutenous, Omani dish often mixed with chicken.
reviewed
-
N
Iranian Club
Feast at this Persian-cuisine showcase owned by the Iranian government. Start by rolling cheese and mint in hot bread, then sample soups and marinated salads, followed by tender kebabs and stews from an enormous buffet. Pace yourself. Women must wear headscarves, men long trousers, and there’s no alcohol, but it’s worth altering your habits for a culturally rich afternoon.
reviewed
-
Al-Kiran Terrace
For Muscat's best Friday brunch, in gorgeous surroundings and with a bar licence after 14:00, this is more of a day out than just an excellent dining experience. Walk off that extra slither of smoked salmon under the coconut palms, or snooze away the rest of the afternoon on the beach lounge chairs - if the management sees sense and allows its customers out after lunch!
reviewed
-
O
Sofreh Khane Ayyaran
This subterranean chaykhaneh makes an attractive escape from the fumes of Ferdosi Sq, though prices are aimed at tour groups (ie, high). However, the large Iranian menu has some hard-to-find dishes and a couple that you might not expect in your standard Tehran basement, such as ‘Submissive: IR25,000’. Apparently it’s eggplant, master.
reviewed
-
P
Shater Abbas Restaurant 1
The low light, open kitchen, bustling staff and modern design touches create an atmosphere that is hugely popular with middle-class Shirazis. The menu mixes the classic range of kababs with some less familiar dishes – turkey kabab and mushroom steak, for example. Prices seem to have climbed with demand, sharply. Look for the flame torches outside.
reviewed
