Downtown Dubai
Milas is how Emiratis pronounce majlis – the traditional guest reception room. This particular majlis has a sleek contemporary look (wood, glass, neon)…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
Deira
This huge spot is all lofty ceilings and a palette of blues, greys, whites and golds. A buzzy open kitchen adds atmosphere indoors, or you can sit outside…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Live dance shows provide the entertainment for one of the city's best Friday brunches. If that isn't enough sparkle for you, there are 27 live cheffing…
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…
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…
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…
L'Atelier du Miel Workshop & Cafe
Beirut
Walk up the stairs off bustling Armenia St and step back to old Beirut, to a warren of alleys and stairs, balconies and roof terraces. You’ll have to buy…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Beyond the gatekeeper and sleek glass doors lies a casual and lively spot to dig into fajitas, tacos and tamales from the vast Mexican menu. Sit outside…
Jerusalem
Various factors place this rather average steak and pasta place directly in the sights of tourists: it's open on Shabbat, it serves alcohol, and it's…
Amman
This family-run restaurant serves a mix of traditional Arabic dishes, such as mansaf (chicken or lamb over rice with a thick, meaty broth), shawarma and…
Doha
Internationally renowned chef Richard Sandoval, called the father of modern Mexican cooking, has brought his authentic techniques to Qatar with the…
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…
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…
Jerusalem
Somewhere between homey and ramshackle, this Jerusalem institution specialises in nourishing soups, which change daily. Leek, lentil and tomato are in…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Bord Eau at the Shangri-La Hotel is le restaurant for French fine dining in Abu Dhabi. The classic French fare (onion soup, foie gras, chateaubriand steak…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Downtown Dubai
Downtown residents regularly swing by the downstairs boulangerie (bakery) for buttery croissants, toothsome pastries or petit déjeuner (breakfast) on the…
Beirut
'Conscious' eating has arrived in Beirut with this new breakfast and lunch spot in a light-filled leafy greenhouse set back from Monnot St. Gwyneth…
Tel Aviv
Younger and bigger than its sister branch on Ben Yehuda St, Benedict Rothschild has its own unique charm and is based more on a New York–style diner. As…
Tel Aviv
This is a vegan restaurant with attitude. The concept is simple: take comfort food favourites and serve them with all the trimmings (without harming any…
Jerusalem
The atmosphere is enough to lure you to the Armenian Tavern. Step down into the Crusader-era building, and pearl-embossed mirrors glitter, iron…
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…
Tel Aviv
Going strong for nearly three decades, Barbunia is older than most of Tel Aviv’s residents. The no-frills, paper tablecloths add to the charm of this fish…
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…
Beirut
The Cafe Sho concept is unique in Beirut. Build your own Asian-French fusion plate, selecting from carbs (noodles, rice or potato), protein on a skewer,…
Tel Aviv
For a special night out, look no further than the Montefiore's French-flavoured restaurant with a Vietnamese twist. Though not quiet (the place is far too…
Amman
At the ecofriendly cafe at Wild Jordan Center, the emphasis is on locally sourced produce, healthy wraps, organic salads and locally plucked herbs. It's…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
This stylish South African transplant is all warm wood, earthy tones and jovial staff. The menu is big on creative salads utilising quinoa, roast…
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…
Beirut
Authentic Mexican food and margaritas are slung by California transplant chef Justin and his jovial staff. Order the slow-cooked, juicy pork or beef tacos…
Notre Dame Cheese & Wine Restaurant
East Jerusalem
The scent of ripe brie and pungent gruyère tickles your nostrils the moment you step out of the elevator to this 4th-floor rooftop restaurant. The view is…
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…
Tel Aviv
Despite its 100% vegan menu, chef Harel Zakaim’s restaurant – hidden down an alleyway off 98 Allenby St – is a taste-fest for nonvegans. Dishes range from…
Riyadh
This pomegranate-coloured restaurant is Saudi Arabia's first small chain offering Armenian cuisine. Feast on gapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, meat and…
Jerusalem
Hauled from a taboun (clay oven), crisp focaccia, laden with goat cheese, aubergine, smoked goose and more, are top of the menu at this popular place. You…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Bright, elegant and airy, Cafe Milano opens directly onto a terrace where sparkling blue waters and city views grab the attention. The contemporary…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Billed as gourmet Indian fast food, the 'Pot' does yummy biryanis all spiked with plenty of cardamom – including raved-about gluten-free organic versions…
