Bur Dubai
Prints by Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda decorate the simple, buzzing dining room of this purveyor of magically spiced dishes from the tropical Indian…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
Amman
Splendid pizza joint with red-checked tablecloths giving an appropriate nod for the decor. Pizza crusts are cooked to thin and crunchy perfection and…
Tel Aviv
Slightly smaller than its sibling branch on King George St, this Miznon is not lacking in atmosphere. The staff shout orders at the chefs behind the…
Beirut
One of Beirut's best manoushe (flatbread baked in a pizza oven) spots, conveniently located between Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhaël. Cheese and zaatar (a…
Lower Galilee
For a hearty, country-style meal in a rustic setting, head to this family-run restaurant, which has both meat (Cornish hen, steak, lamb chops) and veggie…
Kashan
Forget rocky road and chocolate chip, the defining flavours of this unimposing ice-cream cafe are pomegranate, saffron, vanilla and (given that this is…
Salalah
This local favourite (not related to the hotel of the same name) is a popular venue for an excellent brunch buffet (OR7) served between 9am and 1pm. The…
Manama
This fashionable restaurant, in the outstanding La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, is a magical place to enjoy a meal by a beautiful fountain in one…
Yazd
While the Iranian food here is very good, the delicious subcontinental curries are the most popular dishes among travellers, particularly those who've run…
Tyre
At first glance, this simple, informal place opposite the port doesn't appear to offer much to the diner. But after sampling Tony's ultra-fresh fish and…
Amman
This primarily Spanish restaurant and tapas bar just off 3rd Circle is a favourite with well-heeled locals, who want a drink and a table of dishes between…
Madaba
Housed in a beautifully restored typical Madaba residence and run by one of the town’s returning sons, this excellent restaurant has quickly become the…
Manama
Bahrain's high-end eateries have tried and failed to wrestle the mantle of best seafood spot from this no-frills restaurant. The menu varies with the…
Eastern Province
In this predominantly Southeast Asian shopping area, known locally as the Filipino Market, you'll find the best Filipino and Thai food in Dammam. Try…
Amman
Housed in an elegant traditional townhouse, Romero comes complete with period furniture, Venetian chandeliers, a roaring fire in winter and a delightful…
Deira
A winning idea, bringing street food under cover to escape the heat. There's around 16 different concepts to choose from, ranging from Lebanese to ice…
Jerusalem
Rachmo is a beloved staple of Mahane Yehuda Market that specialises in no-frills Kurdish Jewish cooking. Located on a corner off the market’s main street,…
Amman
Tastefully decorated and with crisp white linen tablecloths, this Lebanese fine-dining restaurant is located in a 1950s house with a beautiful outdoors…
Eilat
Run aground in a 1970s time warp (fishing nets dangle from the ceiling, French chansons pine for Paris and garlic butter figures heavily on the menu),…
Aqaba
This burger joint brings a decent slice of Americana to Aqaba. Patties are cooked just how you like them, and there are a variety of options to fill your…
Golan Heights
Hugely popular with locals, this brightly lit, sparklingly clean place serves both Middle Eastern favourites (grilled meats, hummus, eggplant dishes,…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
India's first Michelin-starred chef, Vineet Bhatia, is the menu maven at this gorgeous, intimate dining room lorded over by big brass Natraj sculptures…
Amman
If you’re wondering where Amman’s fashionable set go to escape their own cuisine, look no further than this glass-and-steel restaurant with a lovely…
Manama
The ambience at this smart, South Indian eatery is enhanced with mellow music and smiling staff. Dishes include an outstanding beef and green banana curry…
Riyadh
One to book for a special occasion, this upscale restaurant offers a refreshing spin on standard Indian cuisine. Creating dishes such as classic Punjabi…
Tabuk
Cheap eating options such as this are everywhere, but few do falafel wraps this well. Standard ingredients in Saudi falafel wraps are falafel, boiled egg,…
Esfahan
It's probably fair to say that the food in this beautiful restaurant is not the best, but if this isn't the prime concern, then it's worth a night out…
Eastern Province
You'll be greeted at the door at Al Marsah, the best seafood restaurant in Dammam, with a delicious range of fresh seafood for you to choose from. Sold by…
Iran
A fun mural of travelling nomads and their sheep on the outside wall beckons visitors to explore the gorgeous old house within. Arranged around a pretty…
Oman
Located along the seafront with a bright, no-nonsense interior and a few tables on astroturf on the pavement outside, this small Lebanese restaurant is…
Manama
A delightful terrace overlooking Orangery's neoclassical garden, where the only sound is that of a trickling fountain, helps whisk you off to Europe in…
Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s newest, most popular and possibly first kosher taqueria is constantly bustling with customers coming for homemade corn tortillas brimming with…
Doha
A steakhouse that delivers more than just steak, Prime imports choice cuts of Wagyu, which are some of the best in the city. Its menu also contains…
Sea of Galilee
Run by renowned chef Chaim Tibi, this sleek restaurant – the architecture has an alpine-chalet vibe – specialises in steaks from the Golan but also has…
Kuwait City
This slick little spot is best known for its frozen yogurts, smoothies and pancakes, but its concept of healthy fast food extends to ready-made sushi…
Amman
Amman's gourmet burger craze of recent years seems to have blown itself out, but Volk's Burger has stood the test of time. Fat juicy patties and good…
Eilat
Founded in 2015, this convivial microbrewery – Eilat's first – has quickly established itself among locals as a favourite spot for a drink and/or a meal…
Manama
One of Manama's most sophisticated cafes, My Cafe does dishes like tuna carpaccio and roasted hammour exceptionally well. The experience is enhanced by…
Muscat
Specialising in northern Indian Mughlai cuisine, Mumtaz Mahal is more than just the best Indian restaurant in town – it is part of the landscape of Muscat…
Manama
The tacky waterfall windows add to the charm of this popular Thai restaurant in the heart of Adliya, where locals come for the fresh mango and green…
