The Best Lebanese and Levantine Restaurants in Dubai

From luxurious Michelin-starred dinners to cozy family cafés—discover the treasures of Middle Eastern cuisine right in the heart of the emirate.

Forget about skyscrapers for a moment. The true pulse of Dubai lies in the aroma of freshly baked pita, the smoky haze from the grill where juicy kebabs sizzle, and the dozens of shades of hummus on your plate. Levantine cuisine here isn't just another culinary trend—it's the language the city speaks. But in this polyphonic chorus of over 26,000 establishments, it's easy to get lost. How do you distinguish a genuine culinary gem from a tourist trap? This guide is your personal navigator through the world of Dubai's finest Lebanese and Levantine cuisine: from dining under the stars at Madinat Jumeirah to a lively family lunch where the mezze never seems to end.

How we chose: Our selection criteria

To ensure this guide becomes your reliable advisor, we didn't leave anything to chance. Every restaurant in our selection underwent rigorous screening. We delved into hundreds of reviews on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, filtering out those with ratings below 4.4, and took into account the opinions of reputable gastronomic guides. But numbers aren't everything. We were looking for places with soul and a unique concept—establishments that offer not just food, but a complete experience. Of course, we prioritized consistent kitchen quality and impeccable service, because that’s exactly what turns a good dinner into an unforgettable one.

For special occasions: Luxury and tradition in fine dining

When dinner needs to be an event, these restaurants will provide flawless cuisine, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that will be remembered for a long time.

Al Nafoorah — Jumeirah Al Qasr

Dining at Al Nafoorah is like stepping into a treasure chest. Carved wooden panels, soft lantern lighting, and, of course, a terrace floating above the canals of Madinat Jumeirah, where abra boats glide gracefully. This place is designed for leisurely enjoyment. The cuisine here represents quintessential Lebanese classics: order their signature hummus, made unbelievably silky smooth, or lamb kebabs that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect choice for that very evening when you don’t just want to eat, but immerse yourself in the ambiance of true Arabian luxury.

• Atmosphere: Elegant, luxurious, romantic.
• Ideal for: A formal dinner, anniversary celebrations.
• Average bill: 250–400 AED per person.

Ayamna

The majestic interior of the Ayamna restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm, with its soaring ceilings and marble columns, compels you to speak in whispers. The name translates as "the good old days," and the cuisine fully lives up to it—classic dishes presented with truly royal flair. Here, you don’t just dine; you participate in a ceremony where every dish, whether it’s a grand mixed grill or perfectly seasoned tabbouleh, is served with dignity and impeccable skill.

• Atmosphere: Majestic, festive, refined.
• Ideal for: Important events and dinners that are meant to be unforgettable.
• Average bill: 250–400 AED per person.

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Al Mandaloun

If you’re looking not just for dinner, but for a gastronomic spectacle, your path leads to Al Mandaloun in the business heart of DIFC. The restaurant didn’t earn its Michelin star by chance: here, seemingly familiar Lebanese recipes are elevated to the level of art. Imagine kibbeh (traditional meat croquettes) served with a black truffle emulsion, or fattoush, where each lettuce leaf is arranged with jeweler-like precision. This is a place for true foodies, where not only taste but also aesthetics in every detail are cherished.

• Atmosphere: Respectable, elegant, formal.
• Perfect for: Gourmet dinners, high-level business meetings.
• Average bill: 250–420 AED per person.

A fresh perspective: Modern Levantine cuisine

If classics seem too predictable to you, head to spots where chefs boldly experiment with traditions, creating new gastronomic masterpieces.

Babel La Mer

Babel, located in the trendy La Mer district, is a bold experiment where Lebanese cuisine meets the marine element. Forget the standard menu: here you’ll be offered hummus with shrimp and pine nuts or fattoush with grilled octopus. It’s a daring, fresh take on tradition, perfectly complemented by the stylish interior and the Persian Gulf breeze drifting in from the terrace. The ideal spot to see that Levantine cuisine can be not only hearty but also surprisingly fashionable.

• Atmosphere: Trendy, contemporary, with sea views.
• Perfect for: Dinners with friends, romantic dates, exploring original cuisine.
• Average bill: 250–400 AED per person.

Em Sherif Cafe

Behind this name lies the name of Mireille Hayek, a true star in the gastronomic world of the Middle East. Her café is a place where tradition meets the aesthetics of a glossy magazine. In this stylish, lively bistro, classic Lebanese dishes receive an elegant, almost ethereal interpretation. It’s the perfect backdrop for a trendy lunch, where you can enjoy perfectly balanced mezze as well as signature salads that delight not only the palate but also the eye.

Atmosphere: Stylish, vibrant, cosmopolitan.
Ideal for: A fashionable lunch or dinner, gatherings with friends.
Average bill: 180–300 AED per person.

Heartwarming atmosphere: Family-friendly and down-to-earth spots

Sometimes you just want to enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy, welcoming setting that values home-style cooking and warm hospitality.

Al Beiruti

Al Beiruti is a place where people come not for haute cuisine, but for a sense of home. Imagine bustling groups, children laughing, waiters who recognize you at first sight, and tables groaning under the weight of food. Here, they aren’t shy about placing huge plates of mezze on the table, and kebabs are served right on smoking coals. Be sure to try their breakfast with manakish (flatbreads topped with cheese and za’atar)—it’s the best way to start your day in Dubai style. This is honest, generous, and incredibly tasty food without any unnecessary frills.

Atmosphere: Homely, informal, hospitable.

• Perfect for: Family lunches, gatherings with friends, everyday dinners.
• Average bill: 120–200 AED per person.

Awtar

Awtar is not just a restaurant—it's a complete immersion into the festive atmosphere of Beirut. As soon as you walk in, you're enveloped by the sounds of live Arabic music and the aroma of spices. This place is a true theater, where dinner is accompanied by performances from musicians and dancers. Order the set menu to sample it all at once, and let yourself be carried away by this vibrant, lively, and incredibly welcoming ambiance. It’s a feast for all the senses.

• Atmosphere: Traditional, authentic, festive.
• Perfect for: Immersing yourself in the culture, dining with an entertainment program.
• Average bill: 220–350 AED per person.

Which restaurant is right for you?

To help you decide, we’ve prepared a clear table. Find your occasion and see which restaurants are best suited for it.

++ Ideal, + Suitable, - Not recommended

Planning your visit: Practical tips

Once you're inspired and ready for a gastronomic adventure, here are a few tips to make your experience even better.

Table reservations

For premium restaurants (Al Nafoorah, Ayamna, Al Mandaloun), advance reservations are essential, especially if you're planning a visit on Thursday or Friday evenings. In more casual spots like Al Beiruti, you can try your luck without a reservation, but be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours.

Dress code and atmosphere

In fine dining establishments, a Smart Casual dress code is appreciated: trousers and closed-toe shoes for men, and elegant attire for women. At cafes and restaurants with a more informal setting, there are no strict rules, but a neat appearance is always appropriate.

Budget

Dubai offers options to suit every budget. Refer to the following price categories (per person, drinks not included):

• $$–$$$ (120-200 AED): Al Beiruti
• $$$ (180-300 AED): Em Sherif Cafe
• $$$$ (220-420 AED): Al Nafoorah, Ayamna, Awtar, Al Mandaloun, Babel La Mer

Prices are provided as a guideline (per person, drinks not included) and are subject to change. We recommend checking the restaurant's official website for the most up-to-date menu before your visit.

How to get there

Most restaurants are located in iconic spots that are easily accessible by taxi. A ride from Dubai Mall to Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah will cost approximately 30-60 AED. Hotels and popular locations usually offer Valet Parking services, while shopping malls have large free parking areas.

Your choice: From palace classics to gastro-rebellion on the beach

Ultimately, Levantine cuisine in Dubai is more than just food. It’s a way of connecting, a true social glue that brings together sheikhs, tourists, and expat families at one table. That’s why choosing a restaurant here is always about much more than simply finding a delicious dinner. This is your tribe's choice for tonight, reflecting your mood and your story. Don't search abstractly for the 'best' restaurant—look for yours. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Lebanon, Sahtein!