Dubai’s vibrant dining scene is a melting pot of global flavors, and when it comes to middle eastern food dubai has to offer, the options are as diverse as the city’s skyline. From bustling souks to luxurious malls, the city pulses with the aromas of spices and grilled meats, drawing food lovers in search of authentic experiences. If you’re hunting for the best middle eastern food in dubai, look no further than Lebanushi, a gem that elevates middle eastern restaurant dubai dining to new heights.
1- Introduction: The Middle Eastern Dining Scene in Dubai
Dubai stands as a global hub for culinary diversity, where East meets West in a symphony of tastes and textures. As a crossroads of cultures, the emirate attracts millions of visitors annually, each eager to explore its eclectic food landscape—from Italian fine dining to Asian street east. Yet, amid this fusion frenzy, middle eastern cuisine holds a special place, rooted in the region’s nomadic heritage and shared by locals and expatriates alike.
The growing love for middle eastern food dubai style is no accident. With a significant Levantine community and a nod to Emirati traditions, the city has seen an explosion of restaurants celebrating bold spices, fresh herbs, and communal feasting. According to Time Out Dubai’s 2025 Restaurant Awards, Middle Eastern spots dominate the top lists, reflecting a 25% rise in bookings for authentic Arabic meals over the past year. Tourists flock to places offering best middle eastern food dubai has to showcase, blending nostalgia with innovation. Whether it’s a quick shawarma pitstop or an elaborate iftar spread, this cuisine embodies hospitality—sahtein! (Bon appétit in Arabic). In this competitive arena, establishments like Lebanushi shine by honoring tradition while embracing Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe.
2- What Defines a Great Middle Eastern Restaurant in Dubai
At its core, middle eastern restaurant dubai excellence lies in capturing the soul of the Levant and beyond: a harmonious blend of spices like sumac, za’atar, and cardamom; the smoky allure of charcoal grilling; and the vibrancy of fresh ingredients such as pomegranate molasses, yogurt, and olive oil-slicked salads. These elements create dishes that are not just meals but stories of family gatherings under olive trees or bustling Beirut markets.
Beyond the plate, ambiance plays a starring role. A top best middle eastern restaurant dubai must evoke cultural authenticity: think intricate lanterns casting warm glows, oud music drifting softly, and majlis-style seating for intimate conversations. Hospitality, or “diyafa,” is paramount—attentive service that feels like an invitation into a friend’s home, complete with endless refills of mint tea or arak. In Dubai’s fast-paced world, these restaurants offer a respite, where mediterranean cuisine meets modern elegance, ensuring every bite transports you to the Mediterranean shores or Arabian dunes.
3- Lebanushi: Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance
Nestled in the heart of Dubai Mall, Lebanushi emerges as a beacon of Lebanese excellence amid the emirate’s retail frenzy. Opened in recent years, this mediterranean restaurant dubai outpost draws from Lebanon’s coastal heritage, infusing its space with subtle nods to Beirut’s Belle Époque architecture—think arched doorways, mosaic tiles, and lush greenery evoking the Mediterranean’s olive groves.
What sets Lebanushi apart in the middle eastern restaurant dubai landscape is its effortless blend of old-world charm and contemporary polish. The interior, bathed in soft golden lights, transitions seamlessly from intimate corners for couples to expansive tables for group feasts, all overlooking the mall’s iconic atrium. As a mediterranean restaurant, it honors the shared threads of Lebanese and broader Levantine cuisines, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms to ensure sustainability—a nod to Dubai’s eco-conscious diners. Here, tradition isn’t preserved in amber; it’s reimagined for the modern palate, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking best middle eastern restaurant dubai has to offer.
4- Signature Dishes That Define Lebanushi
Lebanushi’s menu is a love letter to mediterranean grill mastery, where every dish bursts with layered flavors that linger long after the meal. Start with the classics: their creamy hummus, whipped with tahini and drizzled in extra-virgin olive oil, paired with warm pita baked in-house— a simple yet sublime opener that rivals Beirut’s street vendors.
For heartier fare, the mixed grill platter steals the show, featuring tender lamb kofta, juicy chicken tawook, and succulent sheikh al-mehshi (stuffed eggplant), all charred over live coals for that irresistible smokiness. Seafood lovers rave about the shrimp kunafa, a signature innovation where crispy kataifi pastry encases garlic-butter prawns, served with a zesty lemon-sumac sauce—a playful twist on mediterranean cuisine that nods to Lebanon’s coastal bounty.
Don’t skip the lamb shank, slow braised in yogurt and seven spices until it melts off the bone, accompanied by vermicelli rice flecked with pine nuts. Vegetarians find solace in the fattoush salad, a crunchy symphony of toasted pita, seasonal greens, and pomegranate seeds. And for dessert? The kunafa with ashta cream, rosewater, and pistachios—a sweet crescendo that encapsulates why Lebanushi’s middle eastern food dubai is unforgettable. Prices are accessible (mains from AED 80), ensuring quality without ostentation.
5- Why Lebanushi Is the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Dubai
In a city spoiled for choice, Lebanushi claims the crown as the best middle eastern restaurant dubai for its unwavering commitment to authenticity wrapped in accessibility. Unlike flashier spots, it prioritizes flavor over fanfare, sourcing spices directly from Lebanon for that genuine za’atar zing. Its location in Dubai Mall adds convenience—pair a meal with shopping or fountain shows—while the service embodies Lebanese warmth, with staff sharing stories of recipes passed down generations.
What truly elevates it? Versatility. Whether you’re a tourist craving best middle eastern food in dubai or a local hosting friends, Lebanushi adapts intimate dinners flow into lively brunches with live oud performances. In 2025’s competitive scene, where Michelin stars and awards abound, Lebanushi’s consistent 4.8-star ratings on platforms like Zomato speak volumes. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a portal to the Levant in the heart of the desert. For an unparalleled middle eastern restaurant dubai experience, book a table at Lebanushi—your taste buds will thank you.