Dubai’s culinary scene is renowned for its mosaic of varied cultural influences that span the breadth of the Arab region. This culinary legacy is today manifested in the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai that pay an ode to the storied traditions of the region while maintaining a firm eye on the modern and contemporary. Whether you are looking for a memorable meal with your family or good Arabic restaurants in Dubai with a view for date night, take heart in knowing that a new crop of fine-dining haunts are embracing history in their own unique ways. On days when you are looking to take the guesswork out of where to eat next, seek inspiration from our round-up of the best Arabic restaurants in Dubai 2024 that will elevate your weekend:
Instagram.com
For a Levantine dining experience unlike any other, you’ll want to book a table at least once at Olea. With a menu that champions the distinctive flavors of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Southern Turkey and Cyprus, you will come for the open kitchen that churns out mouth-watering dishes inspired by these regions. Allow your palate to be tempted with a wide array of regional staples—from Lebanese el hummus Beiruti and Syrian nayeh (raw meat) to Cypriot sultan ibrahim. After the dishes have been cleared, head towards the tranquil terrace for an après-meal coffee or to explore the flavors that have earned this eatery a spot among the best Arabic restaurants in Dubai with shisha.
Instagram.com
Flip through the pages of history at Ninive as your handcrafted plate transforms into a time machine that whisks you through the region’s culinary heritage, acquiescing to the changes that have evolved over time with the introduction of modern gastronomical techniques, while staying faithful to the roots. This is a mission that isn’t too lofty for Ninive that is known to serve up some of the best Arabic food in Dubai.
Instagram.com
Designed as a bedouin tent, the Middle Eastern influences are further manifested in the a la carte menu that offers up a tempting array of hot and cold starters, delectable skewers and grills before winding up to a grand climax with a selection of regional desserts—you’ll come for the grilled lamb chops and stay for the baklava served with Turkish ice cream.
Whether you are craving sizzling hot kebabs or a juicy slice of meat dribbled with molten cheese, Sirali is the place to head to. The jewel-toned interiors set the mood for what’s to follow: a giddying, flavor-filled ride of some of the best Arabic food in Dubai. Warm up your palate with the Arabian meatball before moving on to the meats that mean serious business: picture lamb chops seared on a cast grill and then cooked over oak charcoal in small batches to retain flavor consistency. For patrons looking to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the culinary artistry, a glass cube allows one to spot the butchers at work.
Instagram.com
The search for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai can only lead you to the doors of Cleo, where the wafting aroma of charcoal-grilled meats will envelop your senses. Old and new staples come together to break bread—and possibly, to break fresh ground. Set against the backdrop of coastal hues, the menu lays a valid claim to the best Arabic grill restaurants in Dubai. Think lamb shawarma from a live spitroast, rib-eye with confit potato and grilled skewers that are laid on your plate with a sizzle.
Instagram.com
If you are looking for the best Arabic restaurant in Dubai with a view, all roads can only lead to the crown jewel of Palazzo Versace’s culinary offering. Enigma is today counted among the most famous Arabic restaurants in Dubai—courtesy Michelin-starred executive chef Mansour Memarian. Its status as one of the must-have dining destinations in the city is further underscored by outdoor seating options that offer diners the chance to feast their eyes on sweeping views of Dubai Creek.
Instagram.com
Those in quest of a worthy picture for the ‘gram won’t want to miss out on the gold menu—featuring cold salads, warm starters, kabab sultani and orange blossom tarts topped off with the lacquer of gold leaves. The eponymous kabab Versace makes for a mouthwatering experience with a beef tenderloin rolled with walnut and sweet basil smoked on charcoal. The spectacle continues with the dessert line-up that features treats like brownie in a treasure box— a moist slice served in a literal treasure box dripping with jewels—and an imaginative take on the classic baklava.
Levantine and Latin American flavors fuse together with a dash of global music at Soul Kitchen, which is guaranteed to make it to your list of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai. Step inside the millennial pink interiors and you might just believe that you have been transported to a vintage speakeasy. The experience is further heightened by sessions with original jazz bands scouted from around the world and celebrated creatives.
Instagram.com
When you finally tear your gaze away from the sights and sounds unfolding around you, there’s a lip-smacking menu that lies in wait. Expect some of the most famous Arabic food in Dubai, including the beef short rib birria braised for 36 hours and innovative desserts like corn brûlée served with honey yogurt ice cream for a memorable finish.
For an avant-garde dining experience, all doors can only lead to this Michelin-star offering by the three Orfali brothers. Taste, texture and ingredients are transcended to create unforgettable dishes. Every plate is a work of art and every bite is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Instagram.com
Gastronomical enthusiasts can choose from upgraded staples—like Orfali Bayaldi that takes its cues from folklore of an imam who fainted from the exquisite taste of aubergines —or discover why the oval sourdough pizza has often been crowned the best in the city. The dessert selection yields crowd-favorites like karaz and Mont Blanc tart. Spoiler alert: consider this the newest addition to your favorite Arabic dining spots.
Step within the breezy doors of Ibn AlBahr, and you will be transported to the shores of Lebanon. Against the backdrop of idyllic beach views, the fishermen-owned eatery serves up some of the freshest catches of the day. Seafood enthusiasts won’t want to miss the succulent lobster, tender calamari and fried prawns.
Instagram.com
Mama’esh
‘Palestine is a bite away,” promises the manifesto for this foodie-favorite eatery and over the course of the last decade, it has done little to disappoint. The menu extends from hearty breakfast platters to its signature beef wraps and scrumptious oven-baked snacks, like the Palestinian musakhan chicken rolls and the oven-fresh arrayesin Arabic bread.
Instagram.com
Moonrise
The latest culinary haven to be awarded with a Michelin star, chef Solemann Haddad’s first solo project has been lauded for its quality Middle Eastern ingredients and flavors that are further heightened through the skillful deployment of Japanese culinary techniques. Expect a menu that runs the gamut from Syrian-style sashimi and loomi tikka to an elavated take on an all-time classic: grilled cheese.
Instagram.com
Read next: 13 Best Breakfast Places In Dubai To Kickstart Your Morning
