Café Arabia

Top choice in Al Bateen & Al Mushrif

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Housed in a three-floor villa, this cafe is run by a Lebanese arts enthusiast, Aida Mansour. Vast breakfast choices from avocado toast to shakshuka (poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce) and a mains menu that waltzes from sweet potato and feta salad to harira (Moroccan lentil soup), falafel platters and a camel burger keep the crowds of regulars happy.

Many also come for the Middle Eastern ambience, photographs, hanging lanterns, eclectic furniture and book-swap service. It's something of a community meeting place, and arts exhibitions and literary groups are hosted here.

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