What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

Al Hallab
Dhs100 for two

This consistently good Garhoud-based Lebanese restaurant is a popular takeaway, and also offers a two-floor restaurant that is never lacking diners. If it’s a quality shawarma or shish tawook you’re after, this is where to find it.

Garhoud Road, Garhoud, Dubai, daily 8am to 1am. Tel: (04) 2823388. Taxi: Opposite Dubai Creek Gof Club. alhallabrestaurant.com
ALSO: Dubai Mall, Downtown, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai

Jedoudna Restaurant
Dhs240 for two 

A family-run Lebanese restaurant that’s a hit with locals and tourists.

The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, Sat to Wed 8.30am to 2am, Thur and Fri 8.30am to 3am. Tel: (04) 4230766. Metro: Dubai Marina. jedoudna.com

Leila
Dhs200 for two

An extremely popular restaurant, serving a menu of well-made Lebanese classics.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Sat to Wed 9.30am to 11pm, Thur and Fri 9.30am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4483384. Metro: Dubai Mall. leilarestaurant.com
ALSO: Mirdif City Centre Dubai

Mir Amin
Dhs200 for two 

Filled with Lebanese classics, from grilled meats to salad, Mir Amin is a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily10am to 1am. Tel: (04) 3449921. Metro: Dubai Marina
ALSO: Jumeirah Beach Park

Zaroob
Dhs120 for two

Zaroob’s urbane décor, low-priced dishes and cool patio area have made it one of those spots you want to take friends to again and again.

Jumeirah Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 24-hours. Tel: (04) 3276060. Metro: Emirates Towers. zaroob.net

Abd El Wahab
Dhs250 for two

A popular bo-ho hangout with good Lebanese food, an excellent fountain, people watching and splendid views.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230988. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

Al Nafoorah
Dhs500 for two

A favourite of HH Sheikh Mohammed, this Lebanese institution serves a wide array of top quality starters and mains, with nearly all its staff and ingredients sourced from Lebanon.

Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur 12.30pm to 4pm, Fri and Sat 1pm to 6pm, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3198088. Metro: Jumeirah Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

Fish Basket
Dhs275 for two

Boasting a fresh haul of seafood for you to pick from, plus Lebanese salads and sides, Fish Basket is a popular place for casual dining.

Near Mövenpick Hotel, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 1pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3367177. Taxi: Near Mövenpick Hotel

Karam Beirut
Dhs260

This mall-based Lebanese boasts a very good menu, with standout dishes including kibbeh and grills. Frequented by Dubai’s Lebanese community, Karam Beirut is expensive compared to similar restaurants, but it is worth the extra.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3412202. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates.
ALSO: Dubai Mall, Festival City, Dubai

Levantine
Dhs500 for two

Getting to Atlantis can be a drive, but if you’re there, you can do a lot worse than this meat-heavy Lebanese offering. Definitely opt to sit outside on the terrace.

What’s On Awards: 2013

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com

Mays El-Reem
Dhs420 for two 

Freshly baked flatbreads, plus a set menu of mezze and assorted grilled meats at this under-appreciated Lebanese eatery.

JW Marriott Dubai, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira, Dubai, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 6077977. Taxi: Near Hamarain Shopping Centre. jwmarriottdubai.com

Zahr El Laymoun
Dhs295

Located right on the water, this extremely popular Lebanese restaurant offers a colourful, homely interior, busy patio and a menu full of lip-smacking dishes, with particularly good jumbo grilled prawns and fresh juices.

Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, daily 10am to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 4486060. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. soukalbahar.ae

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