Riyadh
This place serves Saudi food in a Saudi setting, where some rooms even have a traditional fireplace. It's the perfect place to sample popular regional…
Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula
Jeddah
The secret's out with this no-frills Pakistani restaurant, once frequented only by Little India's South Asian community. Now you'll be rubbing shoulders…
Bur Dubai
Escape Dubai’s bustle at this lovely courtyard cafe where the menu eschews meat in favour of a daily rotating menu of innovative vegetarian dishes, such…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Three-Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno brings his culinary magic to Dubai in this subtly theatrical vaulted dining room accented with black crystal…
Eastern Province
After an elaborate social media campaign launched this trendy restaurant, it has become the place to be seen for young, hip Saudis. A nice open-air garden…
Dubai
Looking for a place to drop an engagement ring into a glass of champagne? Make reservations (far in advance) at this impossibly romantic seafood house…
Bur Dubai
Enjoy dazzling views while floating down the Creek aboard this fancily outfitted, air-conditioned, glass-roofed dinner boat with panoramic windows, linen…
Bahrain
The regular clientele in this clean no-frills establishment speaks volumes: they're all Pakistani, and they're all here for the wholesome, authentic taste…
Jeddah
Jeddah's introduction to the Brazilian churrascaria is an excellent dining choice. Keep your wooden indicator in the upright green position and the…
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…
Jeddah
Styled like a traditional tent, with open sides to let the sea breezes in, the huge courtyard with large traditional couches is popular, especially on…
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…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Asia's multi-layered, spice-tinged flavours are presented amid a red-toned dining room replete with gorgeous Thai textile detailing. Malaysian, Thai and…
Saudi Arabia
The astonishing takeaway traffic tells its own story at this cosy South Indian restaurant, just north of the centre. It's popular with locals, and you'll…
Muscat
This top-class restaurant, with superb Arabian ambience created by fire pits and subtle lighting, serves exciting, complex fare in a luxurious beachside…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Liwa Oasis
You really don't get more romantic than sitting on Suhail's terrace with the rolling dunes as your backdrop. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort's fine-dining…
Sharjah
This chic space serves up contemporary Levantine dishes with creative flourishes. The mezze is what you want to focus on here, with beetroot and walnut…
Saudi Arabia
Soldiers, Yemenis, elderly uncles and local shebab (teenage boys) all arrive wanting the best Sudanese food in town: most will ask for the superb lahm…
Saudi Arabia
Located in a beautiful mock traditional house, this part-museum, part-restaurant is stocked with vintage and antique items across its two storeys. There's…
Ras Al Khaimah
Don't be put off by the humble looks of this hospitable haunt: its mandi (slow-roasted chicken or lamb served with rice and chilli sauce) is among the…
