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…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
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…
Tel Aviv
Neve Tzedek's 'Mama of Gelato' has a loyal local following, a fact that will immediately become apparent if you head here on a summer evening. Flavours…
Marina Breakwater
The second branch of this much-loved restaurant – the original is downtown – has a desirable waterfront location with marina views, making it a standout…
Beirut
Beirut is a croissant-loving town, and Cannelle's may be the best in class (especially the almond and zaatar, a thyme-centred savoury spice mix). The…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The pastas and risottos are already something of a legend around the capital, and even the most seemingly simple dishes are packed with rich and deep…
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…
Jerusalem
This grab-and-go ice-cream spot is ideally positioned on the edge of Mahane Yehuda Market, for a refresh after a morning dodging shopping trolleys and…
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Carnivores only apply. A dramatic 'flame wall' gives the dining room a Dante-esque quality at this swanky pad, created by British celebrity chef Marco…
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…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Stylish Japanese dining with delicious, if a tad minimalist, dishes. Don’t miss the seared sesame yellow-tail starter or the delicate and decorative maki…
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…
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…
Amman
This legendary shop is a good bet for Middle Eastern sweets and pastries. Sweet tooths of all ages line up for honey-infused, pistachio-topped and filo…
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…
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…
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…
Deira
The former fine-dining restaurant launched by Gordon Ramsay protégés Nick Alvis and Scott Price (now at the helm of Folly and The Lion) has been rebooted…
Yas Island
Whether you're here for a traditional breakfast of chabab (cardamom-spiced pancakes) stuffed with caramelised onions and cheese or getting your fix of…
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…
Jerusalem
Hidden in a vault underneath the Ethiopian Monastery, Zalatimo is famous for its mutabbaq (also called zaltomeeh), created using a family recipe finessed…
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…
Tel Aviv
Occupying two floors of a quintessentially white-plastered Tel Aviv apartment building, this chic eatery offers an opportunity to dine al fresco on one of…
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…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The bright red neon lights of Gad are a beacon for meals on the cheap. This Egyptian street-food chain (famed in its home country) is all about budget…
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…
Jerusalem
If you're craving high-calorie comfort food, head to R&R for a sophisticated version of classics like Philly cheesesteaks, reubens and pork chops,…
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…
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…
Al Ain
Part of a mini UAE chain, this is a good place to start if you're looking to dig into Emirati cuisine. Locals go for dishes such as robyan biryani (shrimp…
Deira
Making a change from the same-on-same airport chains, this Emirati restaurant serves authentic dishes like spicy lentil soup, sambousek (meat pies) and…
Beirut
Few things embody the Lebanese culture like its food does. To sample homemade food, visit the weekly open-air market Souk El Tayeb ('the good market'),…
Haifa
Stepping into this unpretentious eatery is like a quick trip to Addis Ababa, raucous soundtrack included. The satisfyingly spicy Ethiopian dishes are…
Tel Aviv
This entirely vegan shawarma joint is planted along the centre of Ibn Gvirol, Tel Aviv’s greasy food artery, and entices diners with roasting seitan on a…
Marina Breakwater
Local families love this alcohol-free restaurant in the Khalidiya Palace for its traditional Middle Eastern menu. This is the place to try fish sayadiya …
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…
Jerusalem
Decked out like a glamorous train station waiting room, this fashionable bistro spills into the First Station courtyard. The sophisticated pan-European…
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…
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…
Tel Aviv
While juice bars are easy to come by in Tel Aviv, the folks behind Urban Shaman – a naturopath and journalist duo – get a green star for their carefully…
