Whenever you’re thinking of where to eat in Ras Al Khaimah with friends or family members and somebody suggests going to a Levant restaurant, what dishes and ingredients immediately come to mind?
The Levant region, or the eastern Mediterranean region, refers to parts of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Israel. The area can also be more broadly defined as including Turkey, Egypt, Greece and Cyprus. Many dishes that originated from this region are well-loved in various other parts of the world for their unique ingredients and irresistible flavors.
Here’s a brief look into the classic ingredients and influences of the treasure that is Levantine cuisine – and, further down, our recommendations for the best Levant restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah that you absolutely must book the next time you dine out.
A Rich Culinary History
Levantine cuisine is the product of a wide range of culinary influences:
- The Phoenician civilization introduced the cultivation of olives, citrus fruits and grapes to the Levantine region, and they remain staples to this day.
- Meanwhile, the Romans brought their wine, olive oil and garlic, while the Byzantine Empire taught the people about using herbs and spices as well as the practice of vegetarianism.
- Arab cuisine brought a love of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, coriander and cumin to the Levantine people, as well as cooking with sweet and sour flavors.
- The Ottoman Empire infused Levantine cooking with cooking techniques such as baking as well as grilling, which was the traditional cooking method for kebabs.
Levantine flavors come together by combining fresh and locally sourced spices, herbs, vegetables and more, such as:
- Vegetables like eggplants, onions, cucumbers and tomatoes
- Herbs such as parsley and mint
- Spices and spice blends such as sumac (red, slightly tangy made of dried and ground sumac berries), za’atar (dried herbs) and tahini (a paste made of crushed sesame seeds)
- Local ingredients such as grape leaves, bulgur (cracked wheat), and pomegranate molasses
- Proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and seafood
Top Picks: Our 5 Best Levant Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah
Ready to have a taste of incredible Levantine cuisine? Here are five of the best Levant restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah that you should try.
1. Levant & Nar
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah
For fine dining with a modern twist, Levant & Nar simply cannot be missed for the best of Turkish and Lebanese specialties. The restaurant features an impressive open kitchen and a wonderful terrace for al fresco dining. With lovely ocean views, a fire pit, and leisurely Shisha and special themed Ottoman nights on weekends, enjoying a meal at Levant & Nar is a truly immersive sensory experience.
Start off your meal with the Assorted Cold Mezze Platter of Hummus, Tulum, Mercimek Kofte, Mutabal and Patlican, or something from the Hot Mezze options, like Seafood Kibbeh (Lobster, Bulgur Shape in Patty, Pine Nuts and Labneh Zaatar).
Grilled specialties include Beyti Sarma (Chargrilled Lamb Mince, Garlic, Parsley, Wrapped in Lavash Topped with Tomato Sauce, Eggplant Yogurt, Pistachio). Order the Kiremitte Kofte (Oven Baked Meatball, Sautéed Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Tomato Served with White Rice) or the Sebze Guvec (Oven Baked Seasonal Vegetables Served with Tomato Sauce, Fresh Herbs). Finish with a sweet treat like Firin Sutlac (Baked Rice Pudding Served with Hazelnut) or Kunefe (Crispy Kataifi Dough with Cheese Filling and Milky Ice Cream).
2. Meze
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Have your fill of Turkish cuisine and hospitality at Meze. You can bask in the gorgeous panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf when you dine in the stunning outdoor terrace of this Turkish restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, or marvel at all the bright colors and majestic floor-to-ceiling windows if you pick a table inside to witness the theatrical open-style kitchen. Wherever you please to sit, Meze promises only the most irresistible Turkish and Lebanese favorites.
Gavurdagi salad (made of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, roasted red bell peppers and parsley, made more delicious with a walnut, pomegranate, olive oil and lemon dressing) is a top choice for starters at Meze.
Order Turkish Pide for the table – this is a crispy sesame-crusted dough with melted cheese and perfectly spiced sujuk slices. Try the Dolma, or perfectly rolled vine leaves stuffed with a savory filling and beautifully garnished with fresh arugula, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a zesty lemon wedge.
Mains that are true crowd-pleasers include Lokum Steak, Lamb Chops, and Tiger Prawns in Salt. If seafood is more your speed, don’t miss the fresh baked Sea Bass with aromatic lemon butter sauce served with succulent grilled veggies.
To end your meal on a sweet and satisfying note, order a slice of the Enchanted Turkish Delight with some freshly brewed Turkish Coffee.
3. Zaitouna House
The Boardwalk, Pullman Resort Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
If delicious dishes from an authentic Lebanese restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah have been on your mind lately, satisfy that craving at once by heading to Pullman Marjan Island and indulging in a meal at Zaitouna House. This is a beloved go-to venue for family and group dining as well as romantic dates and even business gatherings because aside from serving mouthwatering dishes, the restaurant is also located on Pullman’s popular waterfront promenade.
Now, let’s take a peek at Zaitouna House’s wonderful selections. Choose from Cold Mezze options like Warak Enab (stuffed vine leaves with rice and olive oil) and Baba Ghanouj (eggplant, onion, tomato, bell pepper and garlic with olive oil). For Hot Mezze lovers, Fried Kebbeh (deep fried crushed wheat and seasoned minced lamb) or Spinach Fatayer (thin pastry triangles stuffed with seasoned sauteed spinach) are sure to hit the spot.
For mains, order popular dishes like the Mixed Grill (Taouk, lamb chunks and kofta) and Kebab Halabi (minced lamb Aleppo-style) with sides of grilled vegetables or Burghul rice with pepper paste. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with Aish El Saraya (bread pudding served with cream and pistachios) and Basbousa (semolina baked with sugar syrup). Turkish coffee, mocktails and fresh fruit juices are perfect accompaniments for your meal.
Hidden Gem Levant Restaurants
Ras Al Khaimah also has exciting Lebanese and Turkish restaurants located away from the more popular resorts and hotels in Ras Al Khaimah. Here are our recommended hidden gem restaurants you must discover:
4. The Turkish House in Al Hamra
Near Al Maya Supermarket, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road, Al Jazirah, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
Make delicious memories at this charming restaurant in the scenic Al Hamra Village. The Turkish House brings the rich culinary traditions of Turkey straight to your plate, and you’re sure to keep coming back (with friends, family, special someone) for more.
What’s great to try at The Turkish House? Start with Vinegret, Ezme, Labneh with Mint or Spicy Beef Tartare. For main courses, order for your table the Chicken Wings or Skewers, Balaneza, and Iskender Kebabs. There’s also Kuzu Incik (slow-cooked lamb shank with mashed potatoes and thyme) and Cokertme (marinated veal strips with fried potatoes, yogurt and tomato sauce). For dessert, share some Maras Ice Cream, Oven-baked Rice Pudding or the Milky Dessert with your group.
5. Ghusn Al Zaytoun
Al Dhait, Ras Al Khaimah
Finally, we come to Ghusn Al Zaytoun in Al Dhait for a memorable taste of delectable Levantine fare – some of which are not found in the menus of the restaurants previously mentioned above.
Variety is Ghusn Al Zaytoun’s strong suit, offering specialties from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other culinary influences.
Here, you can order the Maqloubeh, an upside-down chicken and rice dish, and Arayes from Palestine which is pita stuffed with meat and pan-fried until crispy.
Craving something to warm you right up? Try Freekeh, a meat soup of North African origins, or Molokhia, a hearty Lebanese stew with jute leaves. Add to that a plate of Boukhari rice with flavors and spices from Saudi Arabia.
For mains, sample Shish Barak or Lebanese meat dumplings in yogurt sauce. Another meaty dish is Ras Mansaf or cooked lamb in fermented yogurt sauce which is often served on a large platter and meant to be shared.
For celebrating a special occasion with your group, order the Mandi Zarb, a traditional Bedouin meal of marinated meat and vegetables that are buried in an oven dug in sandy ground and cooked for hours. You get slow-cooked, tender and flavorful meat and cooked vegetables, often using za’atar and lamb.
Ghusn Al Zaytoun also offers sandwiches with Falafel, Chicken Liver and Shish Tawook. Their pastries include Kashkawan Cheese, Akawai Cheese, Sham Soffiha, and dessert can be Nabolsi Konaffa, Maglee or Um Ali. This restaurant is also popular for breakfast orders, pizzas, hummus, and boxed assorted menu items.
A World of Flavor
Levantine food in Ras Al Khaimah’s top Turkish and Lebanese restaurants treats you to an explosion of flavors with every mouthful. Savor the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East by visiting these Levant restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah today.
