Must-see restaurants in Oman

  • Al Angham

    Muscat

    This exquisite restaurant next to the Royal Opera House offers just the kind of refined fare demanded of a special occasion, such as a night at the opera…

  • Bait Al Luban

    Muscat

    You know you're somewhere unique when the complimentary water is infused with frankincense. This delightful restaurant is housed in a renovated khan …

  • Kargeen Cafe

    Muscat

    With a choice of open-air and majlis-style dining (on sedans in small rooms), this Muscat favourite has spilt into a courtyard of illuminated trees to…

  • Al Bahjah Restaurant

    Northern Coast

    Seeb has a large expat community from India, and this is reflected in the presence of this very good Indian restaurant. It showcases dishes mostly from…

  • Sahari Restaurant

    Oman

    This popular Turkish restaurant, with its hand-painted murals and breezy terraces overlooking the lagoon, is a delightful place to watch dhows beaching at…

  • Al Mina Restaurant & Bar

    Salalah

    One of the best restaurants in Salalah, this open-sided terrace-style restaurant has an exotic ambience, with waves thundering on the shore and moonlight…

  • The Beach

    Muscat

    This top-class restaurant, with superb Arabian ambience created by fire pits and subtle lighting, serves exciting, complex fare in a luxurious beachside…

  • Aroos Musandam Restaurant

    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,…

  • Cornish Restaurant

    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…

  • Al Bahar

    Oman

    Highly popular among day-tripping Omanis and expats from Muscat, this very good restaurant (one of several at the resort) serves extensive international…

  • Bank Restaurant

    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…

  • Al Mandi Al Dhahabi

    Nizwa

    A popular venue with Western expats and visitors, this friendly restaurant serves standard Middle Eastern fare despite its billing as a specialist in…

  • Mersal Café & Lounge

    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…

  • Beach Restaurant

    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…

  • Wakan Restaurant

    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…

  • Dolphin Bar & Restaurant

    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…

  • Rozna

    Muscat

    As if Oman didn't have enough forts, they've just built a new one. Unlike its dusty old predecessors, however, with their all but empty interiors, this…

  • Zahr El Laymoun

    Muscat

    Bench seats with colourful cushions spill on to the pavement at this excellent Lebanese restaurant, inviting diners to make a night of it. That's easily…

  • Al Baleed Restaurant

    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…

  • Karim Beirut

    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…

  • Mumtaz Mahal

    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…

  • Al Shamalia Grill & Restaurant

    Khasab

    Near the big mosque in the new souq area, this brightly lit local favourite, with seating inside and on a small terrace outside, does a roaring trade in…

  • Dukanah Cafe

    Muscat

    For a chance to sample not just Omani food but also a representation of an Old Muscat house, Dukanah Cafe is a fun destination, particularly for breakfast.

  • Rawazen Restaurant

    Oman

    This popular upstairs restaurant on the main road in Ibra (opposite the Ibra Motel) offers cosy dining for reasonable prices. Particularly good value is…

  • The Cave

    Muscat

    This cave-like complex of seven different restaurants includes Al Manjur, an Omani restaurant with shuwa (slow-cooked, marinated meat dishes, OR8) on the…

  • Turtle Reserve Restaurant

    Oman

    Serving international cuisine, this canteen-style restaurant at the visitors centre isn't always open as billed outside high season, so call ahead to be…

  • Jebel Nights

    Jebel Akhdar

    Despite being on the edge of the cliff near Diana's Viewpoint, this restaurant doesn't in fact have a view even from the rooftop terrace. What it does…

  • Ubhar

    Muscat

    This Omani restaurant (with seating at tables rather than on the floor) offers an avant-garde menu. Camel features among other traditional meats. Leave…

  • Blue Marlin Restaurant

    Muscat

    With cheerful cloth-covered tables under brollies alongside the harbour, the Blue Marlin offers consistently delicious light bites at lunchtime – perfect…

  • Al Jood Restaurant

    Salalah

    With dishes of fresh kunafeh (an addictive syrup-and-cheese dessert) on display and fresh bread flipped from the ovens on to the plate, this restaurant…

  • Al Daleh Restaurant

    Muscat

    Nervous Omani hospitality students practise their culinary and waiting skills at this exceptionally good-value restaurant. Menus comprise mostly top-notch…

  • Sur Sea Restaurant

    Sur

    On the ground floor of the Sur Hotel (the entrance faces the other side of the block), this is a popular and lively local restaurant. It serves tasty bean…

  • Mirzab Restaurant

    Northern Coast

    Occupying an attractive location at the end of the corniche and helping to keep local traditions alive, this new Omani-run restaurant specialises in…

  • Bake Home Sweets & Pastry

    Sur

    It takes about five minutes to walk the length of the counter in this bakery: not because it's particularly large, but just because of the complex array…

  • Al Zuhly Restaurant

    Nizwa

    This simple venue with seating on the pavement has one of the best night-time views in Oman. Situated opposite the souq, the cafe overlooks the fort and…

  • D’Arcy’s Kitchen

    Muscat

    Next to the Omani Heritage Gallery in a sociable part of town, this friendly, award-winning establishment serves consistently good-value Western…

  • Sallan Restaurant

    Oman

    Popular for its themed buffets, this attractive restaurant with its neatly laid indoor tables and terrace overlooking the garden, offers burger-and-beer…

  • Al Falah Restaurant

    Al Wusta

    This bright, jolly restaurant, with its cheery staff, faux leather seats and whitewashed walls, attracts travellers all times of the day and night. Acting…

  • Areesh Multi-Cuisine & Juice Bar

    Al Wusta

    The smart, bright hotel restaurant can rustle up a takeaway biryani for one, four or eight people costing OR1.9, OR7 and OR13.5 respectively – great for…

  • Anwaar Tiwi Restaurant

    Oman

    Located on the village's main street at a sharp bend in the road, this small local-style restaurant offers Middle Eastern staples, including mezze and…