Golan Heights
Renowned for its flavoursome steaks, chops and hamburgers (250g to 750g), made from Golan-raised, 1½-year-old calves and lambs. Also serves vegetarian…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
Muscat
This top-class restaurant, with superb Arabian ambience created by fire pits and subtle lighting, serves exciting, complex fare in a luxurious beachside…
Aqaba
With views of the marina, this elegant, wood-panelled restaurant is the place to savour a romantic sunset and mingle with Aqaba’s nouveau riche. The…
Israel
Decorated with musical instruments, this jaunty cafe with a soundtrack of Arabic pop is a relaxing place to puff on a nargileh (water pipe) or tuck into…
Khasab
This cosy restaurant in the centre of town is a cut above the rest in terms of decor and service. There's an emphasis on the catch of the day (lobster,…
Tehran
There's fierce competition for diners at the many restaurants and teahouses that line the babbling river that flows through Darband, but most in-the-know…
Saudi Arabia
The ultimate spot for an authentic taste of what has become classic Saudi fare. Fuul (thick broad-bean soup), masoob (a Yemeni sweet of bread, banana and…
Tel Aviv
One of Florentin’s finest, Dalida is named after and inspired by the former Miss Egypt and iconic '60s singer who, like the food here, blended Arab,…
Iran
Delicious traditional food served on carpeted platforms makes this relaxed, modern caravanserai the best eating option in town. There's also a limited…
Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa's best restaurant specialises in Jordanian food and serves up to 500 people in one lunch sitting. There is no menu – lunch and dinner are buffet…
Manama
Balmy Bahraini evenings were created for eating in places like this. Put your feet up (literally), order the house special and tuck into delicately spiced…
Eastern Province
The best bakery in Dammam. The sweet and savoury pastries baked in brick kilns here are simply delicious, especially, the pide (a boat-shaped thick-crust…
Deira
A Dubai restaurant serving Syrian food to adoring crowds since 1980 must be doing something right. A perfect meal would start with hummus and a fattoush…
Esfahan
Famous for its beryani (which is served with a glass of dugh; churned sour milk or yoghurt mixed with water), Azam has several branches. This one inside…
Doha
No-frills but utterly delicious Turkish food, including fantastic breads (cooked on-site) and mezze in truly epic portions that may leave little room for…
Oman
In the heart of the busy fish market, this attractive, bright-windowed restaurant serves up the best of the catch, fresh from the incoming fishing boats…
Tehran
Rustic wooden beams, glazed tiles and a lively, friendly atmosphere all set the scene for the delicious Gilan-region food served at one of Tehran's most…
Oman
Highly popular among day-tripping Omanis and expats from Muscat, this very good restaurant (one of several at the resort) serves extensive international…
Manama
The kitchen here wins plaudits for its cooking, born in the Mediterranean and making creative use of fresh local ingredients. Standout dishes include Earl…
Aqaba
Serving consistently good-quality seafood, including sayadieh (fish, delicately spiced, served with rice in an onion and tahini sauce) and a delicious…
Northern Coast
Snacks and salads are served at this attractive beach club by day, but the restaurant really comes into its own at night when the pool is bathed in colour…
Saudi Arabia
Eating here, in one of the old town properties overlooking the seaport, is as much about the location as the food, which is excellent. Beautifully…
Dubai
An abra ride, a canalside table and candlelight are the hallmarks of a romantic night out, and this enchanting spot sparks on all cylinders. If your date…
Jerusalem
Abu Shukri is so popular that it's spawned imitators around Jerusalem. The standard platter includes a bowl of rich, smooth hummus – topped with chickpeas…
Nizwa
A popular venue with Western expats and visitors, this friendly restaurant serves standard Middle Eastern fare despite its billing as a specialist in…
Doha
The fabulous food has made this basic, very casual restaurant an institution in Souq Waqif. Traditional Yemeni cooking draws a local crowd, who share…
Aqaba
No longer quite the star draw with locals that it once was, this evergreen restaurant still pulls in the tourist crowd. The outdoor seating area is a good…
Sur
This stylish new cafe occupying a bright, multi-windowed corner of City Centre Sur is a great place to sample Middle Eastern–style breakfasts. With soft…
Tabuk
Serving the most popular no-frills local cuisine in town, Alfi comes highly recommended and you can see why. Fresh grilled meat is turned over rapidly as…
Northern Coast
This elegant outdoor restaurant, designed in shades of white with wood decking and sepia photographs, is a perfect venue for lunch. Oysters and lobster…
Shiraz
This tiny restaurant, more shop than diner, is an absolute favourite with locals, foreign expats and the odd tour group whose guide is in the know. Would…
Oman
This delightful terraced restaurant sits on the side of the cliff with views plunging to the Wadi Mistal basin far below. The menu caters largely for…
Tel Aviv
If hummus is a religion, then Ali Caravan could well be its Mecca. This tiny restaurant near Jaffa Port offers a limited menu of three hummus choices:…
Jerusalem
Tucked into a cave-like corner of the Muslim Quarter, just off the Mouristan Market, Abu Kamel serves some of the city's best hummus, topped with pine…
Golan Heights
Opened in 1989, this veteran meatery is famed for its mouth-watering Golan-raised steaks (sirloin and entrecôte) and hamburgers, and also serves fish,…
Riyadh
One of five restaurants in Al Faisaliah Tower, the Globe Lounge has spectacular views that make it the most romantic spot in town. Cosy and dimly lit,…
Oman
This sea-salted restaurant, with its open-air terrace overlooking the sea, has a licence to serve alcohol, something of a rarity in Oman's hinterland. A…
Kish Island
This perennial fave, with large windows overlooking the beach, serves exciting fish dishes and shrimp as well as excellent salads. The food is super fresh…
Upper Galilee & Golan
When the mayor has VIP guests, this is where he brings them. Specialities include grilled meats, steak and Moroccan pastry 'cigars', and fish. Vegetarian…
Iran
Nice and airy, the Doorchin has a delicious modern take on Iranian favourites. The soup is elegantly spiced, the yogurt fresh and piquant, and the service…
