Al Hallab at Dubai Mall is one of those rare restaurants that manages to stay authentic while being right in the heart of a major tourist hub. From the moment you're seated, it’s clear the place takes pride in its roots — warm hospitality, efficient service, and a menu that delivers the best of classic Lebanese cuisine.
But let’s get straight to the standout: the hummus bi lahme (hummus with meat). It’s not just good — it’s easily the best I’ve had, anywhere. Creamy, light, and incredibly smooth, it has a yoghurt-like texture that almost melts in your mouth. The balance of tahini, lemon, and garlic is spot on, and the addition of sizzling tender lamb and pine nuts takes it to another level. It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without being overpowering. If you’re only ordering one thing, make it this.
The rest of the menu holds its own too. Grilled meats are juicy and well-seasoned, the falafel is crispy with a soft centre, and the tabbouleh tastes fresh and vibrant. Their in-house baked bread arrives warm and fluffy — the perfect vessel for that heavenly hummus.
Service is quick and courteous, despite the often packed dining area. Given its location inside Dubai Mall, the restaurant handles crowds well, and staff remain friendly and attentive even during peak times.
Al Hallab also benefits from an excellent view if you manage to grab a table on the terrace — perfect for taking in the Dubai Fountain show as you dine. It’s a great place to introduce visitors to authentic Levantine food, but equally rewarding for long-time lovers of the cuisine.
If I had to critique anything, it would be that the menu is extensive, which can make choosing a bit overwhelming — but that’s hardly a complaint when almost everything is consistently good.
In a city full of flash and fusion, Al Hallab sticks to what it does best: simple, honest food done with care. And that hummus? Worth...
Read moreI dined at Al Hallab with high hopes of enjoying a delicious meal. Unfortunately, my experience was marred by the abysmal service provided by the wait staff. While the food itself was passable, the poor treatment we received from the waiters overshadowed any enjoyment we could have had.
From the moment we stepped in, the waiters made us feel unwelcomed. They seemed disinterested and lacked any sense of hospitality. Their attitude was dismissive, as if they were doing us a favor by serving us. It's disheartening to spend your hard-earned money on a dining experience only to be met with such indifference.
What aggravated me even more was the rush displayed by the waiters to clear our plates, even when we weren't finished with our food. It felt like they were more concerned with turning tables quickly than ensuring their patrons were comfortable and able to enjoy their meals at their own pace. This blatant disregard for customer satisfaction was truly disappointing.
While the quality of the food was adequate, the poor service overshadowed any positive aspects of the dining experience. It's evident that the restaurant lacks proper training in customer service and fails to prioritize the needs of their guests.
Given the subpar treatment we received, I can confidently say that I will never set foot in this establishment again. The unwelcoming atmosphere and rushed service left a lasting negative impression. Moreover, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone, as I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and receive attentive service when dining out.
In conclusion, the food may have been fine, but the abysmal service and unwelcoming attitude of the wait staff made this dining experience a regrettable one. I strongly advise seeking out other dining options where your patronage will be valued and...
Read moreWonderful interior design. Extravagant. Incredible. The outdoor area is outstanding because you get the view of Downtown and the view of Dubai Mall’s Fountain area and Burj Khalifa. You get to see it all. Therefore, we enjoyed sitting outside and wish to never leave. Plus, the breeze and air was lovely.
The service is incredible. Everyone is working in harmony and they are friendly with each other. Smiling faces despite the mask.
Ordered: Pêne brain (fried): accidentally ordered it fried, but it was still delicious. Well-cooked and well-made. The lemon made it even more delicious. Labnah and Garlic: great mixture. Among the tastiest Labnahs i have ever tried. It is well-balanced. It is incredible. It works well with every other dish we have ordered. Kebab Kshkash: Wonderful Kebab. Freshly made. Well cooked/grilled. Fantastic sauce with it. Extremely enjoyable and will be better if we got more pieces 🌚. Saffron rice: delicious beyond delicious rices. It is cooked to the right degree. They took it out at the right time. Highly loved. It went well with the Kebab and its sauce. Avocado juice (with honey, no cream): it is thick, but [another word for delicious]. I enjoyed every sip of it. Also, the pistachio bits on top are incredible. Similarly, when I get a few sips of the fresh, healthy honey. My taste buds smile.
I will like to note that their olives and bread are fresh as well. I could eat more of them without getting bored. Both the green and black olives were lovely. The bread as well felt fresh...
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