Mecca
One of the kingdom's most popular fast-food outlets, Al Tazaj offers local food served super-quick. Conveniently open 24 hours a day and next to Al Masjid…
Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula
Dubai
Locals praise the chicken shawarma and grilled chicken at this traditional joint (which started life as a juice bar some 30 years ago). It is located on…
Deira
With dishes from China, Japan, India, Italy, Mexico and Mongolia, plus seafood and loads of desserts, this been-here-forever buffet restaurant delivers…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Michelin-decorated chef Gary Rhodes is famous for bringing British cuisine into the 21st century. At his plant-filled white-and-citrus-hued Dubai outpost,…
Fujairah City
A branch of the popular Sadaf franchise, this always-busy eatery serves up traditional Iranian fare, including grilled kebabs and delicately spiced…
Northern Saudi Arabia
The speciality at this local fast-food chain are the wraps filled with chicken, meat or fish. It also does chicken boxes, subs, salads and burgers. In a…
Nizwa
The biggest bakery in Nizwa and part of a chain operating all over Oman, this establishment sells a range of local- and Western-style bread, cakes and…
Muscat
Catering to homesick traders from the interior, this restaurant is one of the few to serve genuine Omani food the traditional way with seating on old…
Al Ula
Of Al Ula’s small selection of restaurants, Al Ula Bukhari, which lies 100m south of the Saptco bus station, has the best reputation. It’s signposted in…
Hajar Mountains
Men and women sit apart (or in family groups) at this highly popular restaurant serving Omani dishes, such as chicken mandhi (OR1.7) and Indian favourites…
Dhofar
This simple coffee shop serves black tea, tea boiled with milk, soft drinks and a few basic snacks. With a shaded terrace, it's a good spot from which to…
Jebel Akhdar
Serving simple but well-prepared fare such as shawarma (shaved grilled meat in bread) and whole roasted chickens (OR2.8), this local-style restaurant has…
Bur Dubai
Follow Afghan tradition: find a spot on the carpet, order lots of food and eat with your hands. All dishes are served with a soup, bread and salad, making…
Hajar Mountains
This coffee shop sells snacks and simple fare in a jolly, red-decked restaurant with some chairs on the pavement. It offers a quiet place to watch…
Oman
This tiny cafe serves up tasty shawarma (pockets of bread filled with shaved meat and salad) into the small hours of the night. During the day, it offers…
City Tower Grill Restaurant & Cafe
Muscat
Ignore the entirely irrelevant name of this venue and have an egg roll-up and fresh orange juice in view of Al Mirani Fort in this corner street cafe,…
Deira
In a prime people-watching spot near the Gold Souq, wallet-friendly Ashwaq may be just a hole-in-the-wall with a few pavement tables, but its shawarma is…
Deira
Though not as dynamic or sophisticated as some Asian restaurants, Yum! is open plan–informal and a good pick for a quick bowl of noodles when you’re…
Oman
Used to rustling up rice and dhal or an egg roll-up for breakfast for the occasional foreign guests from the neighbouring hotel, this local-style…
Dhofar
One of the only places to buy food and provisions for many kilometres in either direction along this desolate stretch of coastal highway. It is tucked…
Khasab
This supermarket sells fresh biryani, tandoori chicken, salads and pastries – all the ingredients needed for a picnic. It's also handy for camping…
Masirah Island
Abu Shabeeb is the most comprehensive supermarket in town (useful for camping provisions), but if you require any ‘must haves’ it's best to bring them…
Northern Coast
Near the harbour in the heart of Seeb, this is a cheap and cheerful venue for roast chicken, chopped salad and hummus.
Muscat
Lulu is the region’s favourite supermarket chain, and its food halls include many Middle Eastern favourites such as hummus and muttabel (smoked aubergine…
Muscat
The ubiquitous Al Fair supermarket chain, found in many of the main shopping areas of Muscat, is the perfect shop for picnic ingredients with an expansive…
Manama
You're not going to come all the way out here for a fast-food booth version of the popular Isfahani restaurants, but should you find yourself shopping in…
Doha
If you happen to be on Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St, this is one of the only stand-alone coffee shops in the area. It serves reasonable coffee and freshly baked…
