Al Fanar — Restaurant in Dubai

"Authentic Emirati Cuisine"

This was my first time in 10 years living in the UAE to try the local cuisine.

As soon as you enter the restaurant, you will be surprise by the design and decoration. I felt like walking in the small streets of the Heritage Village. You actually can experience a glimpse of how it was back in the days before the skyscrapers were built.

The menu offers a wide selection and you even can see a recipe on how to make the local sweet (Luqaimat). For dinner, we ordered the following:

Ali Wallam It is basically sliced potatoes topped with some spices. The only dish which was "ok".

Koftak Samak (RECOMMENDED) Those were deep fried crumbled fish served with onion and coriander leaves. It is also served with the restaurant special sauce which goes well with the fish cakes. I highly recommend this appetizer.

Naghar Mashwi Another appertizer i will recommend. They are grilled squids and they are well cooked by Al Fanar that the meat is not chewy at all.

Beryani Laham (RECOMMENDED) Mutton biryani served with mix rice, raisins and onions. The mutton most probably was marinated in a gravy and the sweet taste which explodes on your palate is a unique experience. This is far the best biryani i've tasted and not spicy at all. The mutton is soft and not chewy. Of course, if you are not a big fan of mutton, you can always get prawns, fish or chicken. This main course is highly recommend.

I would also suggest to eat inside when you go there in the evening. Due to the laser animation, it can be difficult to enjoy your dinner with your love ones. And the indoor decoration is truly unique.

Price for 2 persons...

Stepping into Al Fanar felt like stepping back in time to the heart of old UAE, and what a delightful journey it was! From the moment we were greeted, the warmth and hospitality were palpable. The ambiance beautifully showcased the rich heritage of the Emirates, with its charming traditional decor and the gentle sounds that transported us to a bygone era. It wasn't just a meal; it was an immersive cultural experience that truly resonated with the spirit of old Dubai. And let's talk about the food – absolutely exquisite! Each dish was a testament to authentic Arabic flavors, prepared with evident care and skill. The quality of the ingredients was undeniable, and the presentation was equally impressive, offering a true taste of Emirati culinary traditions. What truly elevated our experience was the exceptional service, especially from Abdulraheem. He handled our food with such care, ensuring everything was perfect for us. His attentiveness and genuine kindness made us feel incredibly welcome and well looked after. It's staff like Abdulraheem who truly make a dining experience memorable at Al Fanar. Al Fanar isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to connect with the history and soul of the UAE through its flavors and its people. We left feeling completely satisfied and with a deep appreciation for the rich culture it so beautifully represents. We highly recommend this gem and look forward to...

I had the pleasure of dining at Alfanar Restaurant and Cafe in DFC branch Dubai and I must say, it was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, the food was absolutely delicious, and the service provided by the waiter Prasad was top-notch.Prasad went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. He was attentive, friendly, and always had a genuine smile on his face. He took the time to explain the menu to me and made some great recommendations on what to order. His knowledge of the menu and attention to detail truly made a difference in my dining experience. One of the things that struck me the most about Alfanar Restaurant and Cafe was the incredible value for money. Despite being located in a prime location in Dubai, the prices were very reasonable and the portion sizes were generous. The quality of the food was outstanding and I could tell that only the freshest ingredients were used in each dish. Overall, I would highly recommend dining at Alfanar Restaurant and Cafe in DFC branch Dubai. The exceptional service provided by waiter Prasad, combined with the delicious food and great value for money, made for a truly memorable dining experience. I will definitely be returning in the...