Lebanese restaurants in Dubai
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A
Karam Beirut
Outpost of the famous Beirut restaurant, Karam’s extensive menu showcases everything you’ll find in Lebanon, including its most ambitious dishes – even lamb’s brain – all meticulously presented. There are six types of kibbeh (raw lamb), stellar mezze including a velvety hummus, and creative kebabs, one flavoured with pistachio and white cheese. The room’s look is decidedly upmarket (comb your hair), but a wall of windows overlooking Ski Dubai adds levity (call ahead for a window table; bring a sweater). Full bar. Note: service is erratic and the kitchen sends everything at once; order piecemeal.
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B
Awtar
Locals love the opulent Bedouin-tent-like atmosphere and warm welcome of this formal Lebanese restaurant, complete with a belly dancer and live band – it’s not uncommon for women to stand up, clap and sway to the music. The menu lists the usual mezzes and kebabs, as well as a full page of raw-meat dishes, all served in mountainous portions. If you’re loath to shout over the noise, book for 8pm. But for maximum fun, round up a posse and come at 10pm, when the scene gets rockin’. Request one of the swoop-backed booths for the best views.
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C
Al-Nafoorah
Tucked away in the base of Emirates Towers, Al-Nafoorah’s clubby, wood-panelled dining room feels like a Wall St power-lunch spot. The mezzes stand out – try the kibbeh (raw lamb) – more than the kebabs on the classic Lebanese menu, but really, the kitchen does everything quite well, if not beautifully. It’s quieter and more formal than most Lebanese restaurants, making this a great choice for a dressy-casual night out without the noisy fanfare of the big Lebanese party places.
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D
Zaatar W Zeit
In the wee hours, this Lebanese fast-food joint gets howling with night owls hoping to restore balance to the brain with manaeesh – flatbread topped with cheese, tomatoes, minced meats or, of course, zaatar (thyme, sesame, marjoram and oregano). Think Lebanese pizza. Laban taza (salted yoghurt drink) goes best with ’em, not cola. Other branches are in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and on The Walk at JBR.
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E
Al-Mijana
The wooden ceiling, keyhole windows and sweeping arches lend the dining room an abbey-like simplicity, but the Lebanese party scene is anything but subdued. Book a 10pm table, just before the belly dancer arrives, and fill the table with mezze and kebabs; if you’re an intrepid foodie, order the pomegranate-lemon sauté of sparrows. The food’s great, but the real reason to come is to whoop it up, spontaneously dance, and laugh too loud. Even the waiters join in.
reviewed
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F
Al-Tannour
While its traditional village-style décor doesn’t excite, the smell of freshly baked bread does. So does the rest of the food – this is some of the most authentic Lebanese food in Dubai. Go with a group that likes to get noisy, and fill the table with mezze from the unusually long list; round out the meal with a couple of grilled dishes (try the chicken). Book for around 10.30pm for maximum fun, when the band and belly dancer really get going.
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G
Sidra
Of all the Beirut-style pavement cafes lining pedestrian-friendly Al-Diyafah Rd, our top pick for mezzes is Sidra. Fantastic fattoosh, zinging muttabal (purée of aubergine mixed with tahini, yoghurt and olive oil), creamy-rich hummus, tangy tabouli and fresh, hot bread. The kebabs are okay, but the dips are what’s best. Inside is ugly; sit on the pavement and soak up the street scene. Ideal after a night out.
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H
Chandelier
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Chandelier was the only restaurant around - to most Lebanese expats, it is! This stylish slice of Beirut is known for its excellent mezze, grilled haloumi cheese and tasty sausages, such as makanek (spicy Arabic sausage with tomato, garlic and onion sauce). Meals usually finish with a marathon sheesha session. Great fun.
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I
Al-Qasr
Prepare to loosen your belt when tucking into this unbelievable cornucopia of delectables – meats, sushi, seafood, foie gras, beautiful salads, mezzes, all sorts of hot dishes, etc. It’s one of the most expensive brunch feasts in town but the quality and range justify the price tag.
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J
Saj Express
Saj Express is one of Sheikh Zayed Rd’s top fast-food joints – the fresh bread (cooked on the saj, a curved, iron-dome-topped oven) is what makes the shwarmas here so special. Pair your shwarma with one of the fresh juices and you can’t go wrong.
reviewed
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K
Shababeek
With its deep-purple walls, black furniture and Arabic design flourishes, this upmarket Lebanese restaurant channels Dubai trendiness but without the attitude – or the alcohol.
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