Forget the flashing lights of the global tourist traps and the predictable menus of the major malls. I took a culinary leap of faith in Al Barsha, instructing my taxi driver to stop at the first place that truly smelled authentic. What hit me as we rounded the corner wasn't just a restaurant it was Arous Beirut!
I was immediately welcomed into this hidden oasis and had the good fortune of being seated with Ahmad, a master of the menu. Forget decision fatigue, Ahmad narrowed it down to the essentials. The Fattoush Salad and the electrifying Kheshkhash Kebab, let the the feast began.
The Fattoush arrived, and let me tell you, this is not your typical salad. It was a sensory explosion a towering, refreshing blend of garden-fresh vegetables, perfectly sharp herbs, and those crucial golden, crispy shards of pita that crackle in your mouth. The dressing, bright, tangy, and addictive, cutting through the warm Dubai air with a perfect lemon-sumac punch.
But nothing could prepare me for the Kheshkhash Kebab. It hit the table, sizzling softly, bathed in a rich, velvety tomato and pepper sauce. I was so utterly consumed by the sight and the immediate, heady aroma of charred meat and rich spice that I didn't even think about taking a photo. I simply inhaled it.
The minced meat was impossibly tender and juicy, imbued with a deep, smoky flavor that could only come from expert grilling. Every bite was an absolute surrender, especially when scooped up with their freshly baked, pillowy pita bread. The way the bright acidity of the sauce blends with the rich kebab and the perfect pita texture is nothing short of transcendent.
This bold, spontaneous stop proved to be the single best food decision of the trip. This is not a spot that needs to be on a trending page, it’s an essential, authentic, and spectacularly delicious Lebanese treasure that exists purely for the joy of excellent food.
It’s well-priced, but the sheer quality and depth of flavor make it feel like an absolute steal. If you’re craving the real deal the kind of meal that stops conversation and demands your full attention skip the queues and head straight to Al Barsha.
If you know the quality of our work, know that this is only but quality food.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 = 7 Stars
Until our next feast...
Read moreIf you're looking for great food, excellent service, and a pleasant atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. The prices are very reasonable, and in my opinion, this is the best shawarma spot in this part of the city, even though there are more popular options nearby. I highly recommend checking it out.
Location The restaurant is located in Al Barsha 1, next to Al Khoory Hotel Apartments. It's a popular spot in town with plenty of road-side parking available, though finding a space can be challenging during busy times. Alternatively, it's just a 5-minute walk from the Insurance Market Metro Station.
Ambience and Decor The decor is tasteful, and the host is extremely welcoming, which enhances the overall dining experience.
Food Review I first tried their shawarma before deciding to come back for lunch, and it was absolutely fantastic. The shwarma was full of flavor, juicy, and far from the dryness you often encounter at other places. The sauce complemented it perfectly. Hands down, this is the best shawarma I’ve had in this area, despite having tried several of the more popular spots nearby.
For lunch, I started with lentil soup. It was incredible — rich in texture and flavor, with a squeeze of lemon adding the perfect zing.
The main course was Jordanian Mansaf rice with lamb, paired with fattoush and spiced yogurt sauce. The rice, topped with almonds, was cooked to perfection and paired wonderfully with the lamb, which was tender and fell off the bone effortlessly. While the meat was delicious, I felt it could use a touch more seasoning (particularly salt) to elevate it to a five-star dish. The fattoush was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and a great complement to the meal.
Service and Value The service was a little slow, but this might have been due to how busy the restaurant was. Nonetheless, the food and experience more than made up for it. For the quality of food and atmosphere, the price is extremely reasonable.
Final Thoughts I believe this is one of the best restaurants in this part of town. If you're in the Al Barsha area or visiting Dubai, I highly recommend stopping by for a meal. You...
Read moreMy 12-year-old specifically asked me to give 5 stars! Being of Indian origin and settled in Australia, we often find ourselves craving the flavors of home and usually end up choosing Indian or Chinese food. However, when we decided to try authentic Lebanese cuisine, we were absolutely blown away. These guys have truly mastered the art of delivering fresh, flavorful, and authentic dishes that take you straight to Lebanon (Middle East to the rest of us) . Every bite was a delightful experience, and the variety on offer was exceptional. Sitting in this restaurant on the last day of the year.. Away for the maddening uncontrollable crowd near burj Khalifa, I think our last few hours of the year was well spent in this restaurant. A shout out for Mohammed, he is an absolute star, helped us with the menu and his recommendations were spot on.
Top tip : try out their "stuffed chicken".. Its like super soft pieces of chicken over a bed of rice and minced meat. It's awesome. Almost as good as...
Read more