Dubai’s Best Middle Eastern Restaurants

Reminiscent of her mom’s home cooking, the Levantine dishes created by chef Salam Dakkak are nothing short of warm and generous. She dedicates herself to cooking up traditional plates shared and loved in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. One of her signature dishes, “Maryam Fukhara”, which is her take on the classic kibbeh – seasoned meatballs shaped like a “spinning top” – fried in oil and served in an iron pan with a pomegranate molasses and tamarind sauce, giving an almost spicy jus taste, and is definitely worth a try.

This pleasant eatery in DIFC pays tribute to dishes found across the Middle East and North Africa. The décor, almost majlis-like and adorned with greenery, harmoniously compliments the menu’s aromatic dishes. Here, diners will enjoy a diverse range of ingredients and flavours well known to Middle Eastern cuisine but prepared with a twist, such as their seabass fillet. This fragrant dish is made with an onion sumac crust and roasted fennel, and served on tahini, touching on classic flavours found in traditional Arabic plates.

Take a trip to Iran in this restaurant located on the second floor of the Radisson Blu hotel in Deira, one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods. The bright eatery serves views of the traditional boats floating along the Dubai Creek, as well as authentic Persian dishes. A traditional specialty of theirs is the Tahchin, which is a generous serving of crunchy saffron rice cake stuffed with chicken and wild Persian berries. Their grilled meats are also a must try, especially when with a big group.

Come here for the celebration of traditional Emirati cuisine and the views overlooking the fisherman’s floating fish stalls. Located in Al Seef, this rustic-style Emirati restaurant is a lovely spot to enjoy some of the UAE’s most loved seafood dishes, such as jesheed – a signature plate made with shredded and seasoned baby shark, served with a large portion of rice – and of course, the ever so classic dessert, Aseeda al Tamor, which is a set and spiced date pudding served with syrup.

Located in Al Fahidi Historical District, this authentic Emirati restaurant sits in a tented (and air-conditioned) courtyard, where diners are warmly greeted by aptly dressed staff. The menu boasts signature Emirati dishes simply cooked in generous portions, serving an array of slow-cooked meats marinated in local spices, freshly made bread and the ever-so addictive luqaimat, made on the spot! It’s a favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Nestled along Downtown’s Boulevard in Souk al Bahar, this restaurant is an ode to Arabic heritage. Its interior is influenced by oriental design made stylishly contemporary. Diners can enjoy a mixture of traditional flavours of Emirati and Levantine cuisine, but with a subtle hint of modernism. Its comfortable terrace overlooks the iconic Dubai Fountain show and the towering Burj Khalifa, which bodes well for an evening out.