Tel Aviv
The sounds of Carmel Market are many – but the most audible, in the heart of the market, is that of a sole man shouting 'bourekas, bourekas!' from a…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
Yas Island
Hailing from Saudi Arabia and best known for its exquisite date speciality shops, the cafe arm of Bateel is worth seeking out. Its largely organic…
Tel Aviv
A hidden hipster gem, the entrance to Romano is deceiving. Behind the graffiti and gates, through a courtyard and up a staircase, this restaurant is one…
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…
Iran
Fronted by a badgir (windtower), this late-Safavid house opened as an upmarket restaurant-teahouse in early 2017. Specialities include fish fillets, and…
Southeastern Iran
Max's large, contemporary fast-food place serves unusually good Iranian pizza in the vividly yellow-green upstairs section. Easily missed in the basement…
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…
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…
North Coast
Enjoy spectacular hill views from this warm and welcoming family restaurant in lofty Ayn Hawd, 4km up the steep road from the artists' village. Great…
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…
Jerusalem
In the ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of Mea She'arim, Lekach is a kosher vegetarian cafe popular with young Haredi men but still a comfortable place for…
Iran
The term 'traditional' refers to the excellent food, served with tanour bread fresh from the clay oven – not to the decor, which, while very comfortable,…
Doha
Chocolate fans should seek this place out: its full counter of irresistible pieces, plus beautifully crafted desserts in cabinets, all look almost too…
Tehran
Tiny, no-frills Khoshbin is an institution among Tehranis, who cram onto the fast-turnover tables for an authentic Gilaki (food from the Gilan region)…
Upper Galilee & Golan
Circassian specialities at this family-run restaurant include majmak (cooked lentils, eaten with pita), shush barak (ground-veal-filled dumplings served…
Tel Aviv
Not to be confused with its newer sibling restaurant, the Goocha Diner on Ibn Gabirol St, Goocha is the original and better of the two. Locals and…
Jerusalem
Angel Bakery is one of Israel’s leading bakeries and a go-to source for chocolate rugelach (croissants) and spinach, cheese or potato bourekas (flaky…
Deira
Ask your friendly taxi driver where he recommends for late-night shawarma in Deira, and he may well direct you here. But fussy friends (and vegetarians)…
Jerusalem
It's a hypnotic sight, watching pieces of bright-orange, syrup-soaked kunafeh (soft cheese topped with shredded pastry) carved from a huge tray. Kunafeh…
Jerusalem
Craving a protein hit, vegan brunch or juice stop? This stylish but casual kosher restaurant on the pedestrianised mall has you covered. Healthy recipes…
Beirut
Almayass is one of a number of classy Armenian restaurants in Beirut. Since its founding in 1996, the restaurant has opened franchises throughout the…
Jordan
Downstairs from the Al Joude Hotel, this is one of the most popular gathering places for Irbid’s cool set. Styled along the lines of a Western-style…
Sharjah
Head here for a breakfast of shakshuka and manakeesh or a mezze feast of a dinner with lesser-seen Lebanese specialities of hindbeh (dandelion) salad and…
Bur Dubai
Like a fine wine, some restaurants only get better over time and such is the case with Sind Punjab, the first family eatery to open in Meena Bazaar in…
Beirut
Makan’s serene space, bursting with antiques, is a feast for the aesthete as much as it is for the gourmand. The mostly Asian menus rotate weekly, the art…
Kuwait City
Decorated in a light and airy style, like a contemporary French cafe, this pleasant spot from the international artisan chain is a solid lunch choice. The…
Eastern Province
Close to the historic centre, this restaurant has a comfortable and clean family area and a wide-ranging menu that includes an extensive vegetarian…
Downtown Dubai
Decorated simply in muted earth colours with Torres wine barrels as a nod to Spanish vino, Boca has a menu that includes such chiringuito (beachside…
Tel Aviv
For one of Tel Aviv's best brunches, head here on Saturday between noon and 6pm, when the garden tables are full of locals noshing on organic egg dishes,…
Yas Island
With the tacky fake camel much loved by selfie-takers outside, this place looks like a total tourist-trap, but Emiratis rate the traditional dishes here…
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a haven for kosher eaters, who often can't eat the meat in less kosher-friendly cities around the world. Luckily Mahane Yehuda's newest meat…
East Jerusalem
The relatively chic and cosy Scandinavian-themed Nordic Café is a perfect place to stop for a coffee, fresh juice cocktail, pretty pastries or freshly…
Mashhad
Less central or authentic but considerably more reasonably priced than Mashhad's other sonati (traditionally styled) dining options, Fanous serves Afghan…
Deira
Camp out on the carpet in the main dining room or in a private 'Bedouin-style tent' at this traditional Yemeni eatery. Staff will spread a flimsy plastic…
Kuwait City
Smart Middle Eastern restaurant in a lovely setting with a large terrace and calming park views. The menu's mezze offerings are decent, including well…
Deira
Next to Twin Towers, this authentic hotpot restaurant works like this: a tasty bubbling broth inspired by Genghis Khan is placed on a hot plate on your…
Dubai
Secreted on the grounds of the fairy-tale Jumeirah Mosque, this comfy-luxe lair lets you sink into white couches for a camelccino (cappuccino with camel…
Jerusalem
Just off bustling Jaffa Rd, Dire is always a treat. Delicious vegetarian and meaty Ethiopian dishes are served on platters of injera (spongy teff-based…
Beirut
Finally this popular Souk El Tayeb farmer's market stall has a storefront! Famous for her country-style saj (grilled flatbread) with the freshest greens,…
United Arab Emirates
Chargrilled kebab plates are this Turkish restaurant's signature dishes, served in a dining room fit for a pasha. Start with mantı (Turkish ravioli) or…
