Amman
You haven’t tried falafel until you’ve eaten here. This legendary eatery, more than 50 years old, is so popular with locals and visitors that there’s…
Must-see restaurants in Middle East
Amman
Housed in a lovely old villa with a terrace garden, this really is the place to eat well, and Sufra is about as good as it gets when it comes to…
Amman
We'll happily vote for this tiny, spotlessly clean place on Rainbow St as one of the best falafel spots in Amman. Tasty sandwiches (with tomato and…
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Amman
Rosa Damascena brings a welcome taste of Syria to Amman. The variety of hot and cold mezze is mouthwatering – make particular space on your plate for dips…
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Amman
Jasmine House is well-named, as the scent of the blooms on the terrace make dining a fragrant experience. The restaurant, in a 1950s villa, takes…
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Shiraz
This serendipitous little jewel in the middle of the Bazar-e Vakil is hidden behind a small door next to the Seray-e Moshir caravanserai. Decorated with…
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Amman
There are hundreds of shoebox-sized shawarma (meat sliced off a spit and stuffed in a pocket of pita-type bread with chopped tomatoes and garnish) kiosks…
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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…
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…
Jerusalem
On the upper floor of elegant Ticho House, Anna is a stylish spot for a coffee or an Italian meal. Nibble pastries, pizza bianca, linguine with mushrooms…
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…
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Jerusalem
This dining and entertainment complex, housed in a handsome 19th-century railway station, is an atmospheric place for a sit-down meal or a few beers…
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Amman
Highly popular with Fuheis locals and discerning expats from Amman, the ambience at Zuwwadeh is lively and warm. The food is delicious, especially the…
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Tel Aviv
Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian flavours shine through the elements at this upscale 'AsiaTerranean' fusion restaurant, and a dinner here…
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Manama
This elegant balconied venue, with its velvet upholstery, wrought-iron banisters and polished-wood floors, is reminiscent of a 19th-century Parisian…
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Umm Qais
Without doubt one of the best parts of visiting the Gadara site is pausing to take refreshment at the Umm Qais Resthouse, perched atop a small hill in the…
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Jerusalem
Is it New York comfort food, Italian fine dining or haute cuisine? This superb restaurant owned by three of Israel's most acclaimed chefs near Mahane…
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Shiraz
Wildly popular with fashionable Shirazis, this enormous restaurant complex near Quran Gateway offers four types of dining experience: there’s a generous…
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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…
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Tel Aviv
The vibe here is bustling, the prices are (very) reasonable and the staff is friendly and full of energy. And let's not forget the most important thing:…
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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…
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Beirut
There are loads of great restaurants in Beirut, but there's only one that commands the respect of every farmer, chef and foodie in the country – and that…
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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…
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Jerusalem
The main restaurant at the Israel Museum is as swanky as its setting demands, with a refined array of dishes: artichoke sofrito, stuffed ravioli and…
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Nazareth
This old-time coffeehouse is famous all over town for its katayef (sweet pancakes folded over goat’s cheese or cinnamon walnuts and then doused with…
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North Coast
Creamy Tomme cheese, tangy blues and yoghurt thick enough to snap a plastic spoon are just a few of the delights of this all-goat-milk dairy, 1.5km south…
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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,…
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Jerusalem
While locals swear by the hummus, served with pita and piquant garlic-chilli paste, this hole-in-the-wall's well-seasoned mains are also worth sampling:…
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Tel Aviv
As classic as the Hemingway novel of the same name, this Old Man is still at the top of its game. Spacious enough for dozens of waiters to serve hundreds…
