Best Levantine Mezze in Dubai

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Specializes in Levantine fusion, particularly focusing on the flavors of Jordan and Palestine. Their eggplant-based mezze are particularly creative, and the decor is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional. — Dubai Mall / JBR

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15:00 for a mid-mall snack; the open kitchen is fun to watch.

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$$

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Part restaurant, part luxury food souk. You can buy the same artisanal olive oils and spices used in their mezze. Their Hummus is notably light and fluffy, often cited as a benchmark for the city. — Dubai Mall / Wafi Mall

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13:00 for a sophisticated lunch while watching the midday fountain show.

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$$$

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The "casual chic" sister to the famous Babel. It offers a contemporary, stylish take on mezze. The "Tabbouleh Bebabel" is a fresh, modern update on the classic, served in an environment that feels like a fashion runway. — Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall

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19:30; secure a terrace table for the fountain show.

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$$$

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A "funky" industrial-style eatery that serves Levantine market food. Their shawarma wraps are slightly smaller and more refined, making them a perfect accompaniment to their extensive mezze menu. — Sheikh Zayed Road

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Open 24/7; very popular for post-clubbing meals and office lunches.

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A quintessential Dubai family experience. It’s known for its vast menu and its large, comfortable seating. While tourist-friendly, it maintains a high standard for its mixed grills and mezze platters. — Sheikh Zayed Road / various

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22:00 for shisha and mezze on the terrace.

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$$

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For many residents, Al Safadi is the "baseline" for quality Lebanese food. Their Fattoush is legendary for its perfect pomegranate molasses balance, and the "home-cooked" consistency has kept them popular for over two decades. — Sheikh Zayed Road

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13:00 for a high-energy business lunch.

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$$

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A Deira legend known for its massive scale and energetic service. They serve excellent Syrian-style manakish, often preceded by their famous complimentary fresh vegetable basket. — Deira

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20:00–02:00; it is one of the most vibrant spots in Deira at night.

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$

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The pinnacle of fine-dining Lebanese food in Dubai. The interior features a majestic olive tree, and the mezze platters are presented with extreme elegance. Their hot mezze, particularly the Sambousek and Arayes, are world-class. — Jumeirah Al Qasr

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20:30; the romantic terrace views of the Burj Al Arab are incomparable.

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$$$

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Another long-standing titan of the Deira food scene. Al Shami is where you go for no-frills, high-speed, high-flavor Syrian mezze. Their garlic sauce (toum) is notoriously strong and addictive. — Deira

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13:00 for a noisy, authentic Deira lunch.

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$

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A prestigious Lebanese brand with roots in Tripoli. Their manakish are generously topped and baked in traditional ovens, serving as a more refined alternative to the small corner bakeries. — Garhoud

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10:00–12:00 for a traditional Lebanese breakfast feast.

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"Ayamna" means "the good old days." It delivers a nostalgic, grand experience with white marble arches and a theatrical staircase. Their Shrimps Kunafa (mezze) is a signature fusion dish that is a must-try. — Atlantis The Palm

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21:00; often features live music or traditional entertainment.

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$$$

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An upscale Lebanese urban bistro that manages to feel both chic and cozy. Their mezze are meticulous—the Kibbeh Nayyeh (raw lamb) is a specialty for purists, and their hummus variations are consistently top-tier. — Downtown Dubai

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20:00; the outdoor seating on the boulevard is prime people-watching territory.

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$$$

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A modern, high-quality take on Levantine street food. Their shawarma is consistently praised for its clean, fresh flavors and modern packaging, making it a favorite for tourists in the Marina area. — JBR

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12:00–00:00; perfect for a beach-side lunch or dinner.

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Leila is designed to feel like your Lebanese grandmother’s kitchen—if she lived in a chic Downtown apartment. The Tabbouleh is chopped remarkably fine, and the atmosphere is effortlessly elegant. — Downtown Dubai

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10:00 for a traditional Lebanese breakfast on the boulevard.

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A Beirut classic that has found a second home in Dubai. It offers a very traditional, high-service experience. Their grilled Halloumi and Batata Harra (spicy potatoes) are consistently excellent. — Souk Al Bahar

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21:00; one of the best balconies for the Dubai Fountain show.

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$$$

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