A Culinary Tour of Ras Al Khaimah: Must-Try Local Restaurants

Besides its awe-inspiring topography, Ras Al Khaimah is a treasure trove of history and culture. However, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its rich culinary offerings, particularly in the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah.

Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for traditional Middle Eastern flavors or someone with a taste for international cuisine, a culinary journey should be in your list of things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. And with this local restaurant guide, you can easily zero in on some of the must-visit dining spots in the emirate.

So, if you want to indulge your food cravings and make your meals in Ras Al Khaimah a memorable part of your trip to the emirate, read on.

Top Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah

From laidback eateries to trendy cafés and more formal dining spots, Ras Al Khaimah has a diverse restaurant scene offering a fusion of local and global flavors.

Below is a list of highly recommended restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah where you can experience the culinary essence of this beautiful emirate.

Skeek Restaurant & Café

Whether you’re visiting Ras Al Khaimah or just passing through, you can satisfy your Emirati food cravings at Skeek.

This contemporary Emirati restaurant is known for its modern twist on traditional dishes, like lentil salad with jalapeno, vine leaves risotto, dynamite shrimp, and umm mali made with toasted croissant. The restaurant design is sleek and minimalistic, mirroring the simplicity of the menu.

Here, you’ll also find local favorites like fattoush, foul, Emirati breads, and seafood specialties made with the freshest catch.

Address: Al Salama Street cor. 34B Street, Dahan (near the corniche)
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu, 8am–10.30pm | Fri-Sat, 8am–11.30pm | Ramadan: Daily, 5pm to 2.30am
Cuisine: Emirati, International

La Burrata Italian Restaurant

If you’re craving authentic, delicious, and freshly prepared Italian food in Ras Al Khaimah, look no further than much-raved-about-resto La Burrata. This Italian gem is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, creamy burrata cheese, and handmade pasta.

The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual night out with friends. Be on the lookout for sweet Mauuu the cat, La Burrata’s resident cat receptionist. Buonissimo!

Address: Al Ittihad Road, Al Riffa
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 11.30pm
Cuisine: Italian

Kibba Wa Tabbola (Kibba & Tabbola)

For lovers of Levantine cuisine, Kibba Wa Tabbola is a must-visit. Located in Al Dhait, this beautifully decorated restaurant specializes in classic Syrian and Lebanese dishes.

Their menu includes mezze platters, grilled meats, and of course, its namesake dishes—kibbeh (a ground meat and bulgur dish) and tabouleh (a refreshing parsley salad).

The generous portions, artful plating, and home-style flavors at Kibba Wa Tabbola are sure to leave you satisfied.

Address: 3C Street, Al Dhait South
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu, 8am to 12 midnight | Fri-Sat, 8am to 1am
Cuisine: Lebanese, Syrian

Wave Seafood Restaurant

The Grecian-style Wave Seafood Restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers, serving a varied menu including prawn and crab sliders, lobster mac and cheese, seafood in a bucket, Goan fish curry, fish and chips, prawn biryani, hammour fish tikka, seafood bechamel, and paella.

Offering a variety of freshly caught seafood, the restaurant boasts an elegant setting with a serene view of the Arabian Gulf. Whether you’re a fan of grilled fish, lobster, or seafood platters, Wave offers a premium dining experience that’s perfect for daytime gatherings with loved ones and special evenings.

Address: Al Qawasim Corniche Road
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm to 12 midnight (temporarily closed for renovation)
Cuisine: Seafood

Thunder Road Italian Restaurant

Craving a taste of the American South? How about some Italian? What if you can have both?

Thunder Road brings authentic American BBQ and Italian fare to Ras Al Khaimah. Located near Mina Al Arabthe corniche, this family-friendly eatery is known for its refreshing salads (burrata or caprese salad, anyone?), sumptuous burgers (like their Smoky Thunder 57), yummy pastas (check out their Ricotta Ravioli 65), tasty Italian pizzas, and meaty steaks and ribs.

The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and generous serving portions make this restaurant a great spot for families and groups of friends looking for a hearty meal. Just so you know, there’s also a Thunder Road resto in Umm Al Quwain.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road, Al Riffa
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 11pm
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ashuk Ice Cream

Have yourself a cold snack or end your meal on a sweet note at Ashuk Ice Cream, the well-loved local ice cream shop in Ras Al Khaimah that has been around since 1975. The emirate’s oldest ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of flavors that cater to all palates.

Whether you’re after classic vanilla or brownie, or if you want something different, like fresh fruits (think kiwi, pomegranate, mango, and more!) and pistachios or even Vimto with your sweet treat, there’s always something to satisfy your cravings here.

Besides ice cream, Ashuk also offers waffles, milkshakes, fresh juices and fruit salads, frappes, and a whole lot more.

Address: Al Qawasim Corniche Road
Opening Hours: Opens at 8am
Cuisine: Ice Cream

Nut Café & Lounge

Nut Cafe is a chic and modern spot with Arabian-inspired minimalist interiors. Known for its artisanal coffee and indulgent desserts. The cafe offers a variety of specialty brews, from lattes to cold brews, along with a selection of cakes and pastries.

It’s a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring the city. Besides the café’s delectable sweets, other must-try menu items include their healthy acai bowl, quinoa salad and berries, and halloumi avocado toast, as well as their homemade shakshuka, and warm date pudding with ice cream on the side, drizzled with their secret caramel date sauce.

Address: E11 – Khalifa Bin Zayed City
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am to 12 midnight
Cuisine: Café Food

LaLoca Cafe & Lounge

A trendy hangout in Old Ras Al Khaimah, LaLoca Cafe & Lounge offers a wide range of food and beverages, from hot and cold coffee and specialty teas to refreshing mojitos, filling meals, and delectable desserts.

Known for serving up a fusion of international flavors and offering a relaxed vibe, LaLoca is a great place for brunch or late-night catch-ups with friends.

Sample some of their best offerings, including their eggy mushroom on toast, Laloca eggs benedict, figs sourdough, Mexican breakfast, paratha sandwiches, signature French toast, and their version of the well-loved fattoush.

Address: Old Ras Al Khaimah – The Old Market
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am to 12.30am
Cuisine: International

Brews & Co.

Brews & Co. is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts in Ras Al Khaimah. With the café’s focus on serving quality coffee and specialty teas combined with a cozy atmosphere, Brews & Co. is an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of espresso, piccolo, cappuccino, or organic green tea.

The cafe also offers a selection of sweets, snacks, and meals (order their Zanzibar waffle or “eggocado” for brekky!) to pair with your drink. They also serve smoothies and shakes to help you cool down during hot weather.

Address: 34b Street, Musallah Al Eid Road, Dafan Al Khor
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am to 10pm
Cuisine: Café Food

Decaf Dessert and Coffee Lab

Decaf is a dessert lover’s dream. This cafe offers not only coffee but also a wide selection of creative desserts (their vanilla ice cream cone dipped in creamy chocolate and crunchy pistachios, and then drizzled with more chocolate is sinfully divine) and snacks (check out their honey toast, yum!) that look as good as they taste.

From decadent cakes and pies to colorful macarons and tasty puddings, Decaf has it all to serve you a delightfully sweet escape in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah.

Address: Flamingo Beach
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am to 12 midnight
Cuisine: Café Food

With this guide to the nicest restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, you’re now well-equipped to embark on a culinary journey through the emirate.

From savory Emirati dishes to international cuisine and delightful desserts, these must-try restaurants and cafes offer something for everyone.

So, when you visit Ras Al Khaimah, be sure to add these local gems to your itinerary and experience the emirate’s vibrant food scene firsthand!