Muscat
This exquisite restaurant next to the Royal Opera House offers just the kind of refined fare demanded of a special occasion, such as a night at the opera…
Must-see restaurants in Arabian Peninsula
Dubai
Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar turns out innovative yet unpretentious Asian-influenced small plates at this tiny, unlicensed spot – a perfect foil to Dubai…
Doha
One of the city's most talked-about dining destinations, this is the world's largest – and arguably most architecturally outstanding – branch of chef Nobu…
Downtown Dubai
Every dish speaks of refinement in this perennially popular bi-level restaurant that gives classic Japanese fare an up-to-the-minute workout. No matter if…
Abu Dhabi
Amid a cluster of Middle Eastern snack and grill outlets, a short walk from the Qasr Al Hosn, the Lebanese Flower is a local legend, attracting a…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Prepare for a culinary journey along the Spice Road at this theatrically decorated restaurant, which is entered via a candlelit corridor that spills into…
Muscat
You know you're somewhere unique when the complimentary water is infused with frankincense. This delightful restaurant is housed in a renovated khan …
Abu Dhabi
Open for breakfast on weekends and lunch and dinner otherwise, this restaurant, with its emphasis on sunny Mediterranean flavours (think slow-cooked…
Downtown Dubai
A pioneer of the local-organic-fresh maxim in Dubai, this London import offers a seasonal bounty of dishes, prepared in-house and served amid charming,…
Dubai
This funky Emirati cafe is a great introduction to contemporary local cuisine. It's popular for breakfast dishes such as shakshuka (poached eggs in a…
Doha
Doha's first vegan and veggie cafe, Evergreen Organics is the brainchild of two young Qataris who are passionate about changing the health of the nation…
Doha
'Iron Chef' Masaharu Morimoto's first restaurant in the Middle East is inspired by ancient Japan, with interiors adorned with rose-gold pillars, artwork…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
It may be hard to concentrate on the food at this marina-adjacent al fresco pavilion, with its stunning skyline views. Come for nibbles and cocktails in…
Dubai
Always packed to the gills, this simple eatery is a Dubai institution famous for its dock-fresh fish and shrimp, marinated in a 'secret' masala curry…
Manama
This elegant balconied venue, with its velvet upholstery, wrought-iron banisters and polished-wood floors, is reminiscent of a 19th-century Parisian…
Doha
Part shop, part cafe, this cute and atmospheric spot would fit in London's hip Shoreditch area. It's adorned with crafted trinkets and vintage goods, from…
Abu Dhabi
You can't beat the beachy atmosphere of this restaurant, surrounded by narrow water-feature canals and looking out towards the sand. The pan-Asian…
Kuwait City
As unique as dining gets in Kuwait, this atmospheric restaurant is set on the huge Mohammedi II dhow. Built in Kozhikode, India, in 1979, it's made of…
Doha
Now here's somewhere special. Those with a sweet tooth should make a beeline for these splendid Middle Eastern and Turkish filo pastries such as baklava,…
Kuwait City
Fantastic views of the Kuwait Towers, a discerning menu, an exclusive chocolatier and a landmark steel-and-glass building make this one of the hippest…
Kuwait City
This unmissable waterfront restaurant is a terrific place to sample Middle Eastern fare. Grilled meat and seafood dominate, but there's also top mezze,…
Kuwait City
They've been serving excellent Middle Eastern cooking at this fine place since 1953. Charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and hearty rice dishes are menu…
Jeddah
'The man from Solo' (a city in Java Island, Indonesia) is an excellent budget Indonesian restaurant close to the start of Al Balad. It's been wholly…
Doha
Famed French chef Alain Ducasse's restaurant crowning the Museum of Islamic Art is one of Doha's best. Try the whole blue lobster, or the tender camel…
Muscat
With a choice of open-air and majlis-style dining (on sedans in small rooms), this Muscat favourite has spilt into a courtyard of illuminated trees to…
Bur Dubai
The chef here has Dorchester and Ritz cred, and studied under nouvelle cuisine guru Michel Guerard. Kickstart your menu with the dahi puri (stuffed crispy…
Doha
One hell of a dining experience, Argan serves tasty Moroccan cooking in a classy, convivial majlis (reception room), with mauve couches and patterned…
Greenland Vegetarian Restaurant
Kuwait City
A real find, this excellent vegetarian Indian restaurant has a light dining area decorated with Gandhi portraits and Indian street art. It does a popular…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
