I'm going to review Bait Maryam as too liquidy.
I reflected on the meals and looked again at pictures etc.
It was overly 'wet' - far too much oil/topping in the hummus, yoghurt in the salad (like it was super full, the picture looks like a dollop but it was basically all yoghurt), fatteh same, the cauliflower same (just spoonfuls of tahini, tiny pieces of cauliflower soaked and overcome with sauce) - kebabs and chips very solid (most people don't do good chips!), the best dish i had yesterday was definitely the kibbeh shells with caramelised onion (kabkobeh). That was right, totally balanced in texture, flavours etc. Very happy.
Its not bad, no, not at all, but i considered the excitement of the experience, venue, then really was it better than Beiruiti Sea? or even Habib Beirut? or some of the others i've been to like Cafe Lanoisette in Tecom?!?! i'd say actually... no... aside from a couple of dishes, the basics were not head and shoulders above.
I guess this is the issue with something appear on michelin guide or TV - you expect mind blowing, but what you get is really quite solid - nothing 'wrong' at all, great service, lovely venue etc, but nothing truly outstanding.
Price? small dishes, big tags - not good value for money.
Best dishes - Kabkobeh, Hummus Bel Khalta (lovely spicy lemon, albeit a bit too much oil), Kebab Hamoudi (love the chargrilled dough which went well with smoky moutabal on the plate and zingy parsely) Honorable mention - the bread Bad dishes - none General comments - hold back on the wet as it compromised flavour of underlying dish in too many cases (salad was dreadful, and cauliflower not much better as it should have been sold as a sauce!)
I don't know i can see myself recommending this versus anything else.... fine yes,...
Read moreOne of the Best Dining Experiences in Dubai!
Bait Maryam restaurant was simply perfect in every way.
First, the location is amazing—overlooking the Marina with a beautiful atmosphere, full of flowers and cozy décor. It really felt like being in the charming courtyard of a Lebanese home. Plus, it's super easy to reach by metro.
Now, about the food—everything on the menu looked fantastic!
For starters, we ordered hummus with pine nuts, and I have to say, it was the best hummus I’ve ever had. The texture was unbelievably smooth, the flavor was incredible, and the warm, fluffy pita bread on the side made it even better.
We also had the Fattoush salad, which was super fresh and refreshing. The dressing was perfect, and overall, it was delicious.
For the main course, we had the Pistachio and Cheese Kebab, and wow—this was hands down the best kebab I’ve ever had! The meat was juicy, the pistachios added a beautiful crunch, and the grilled flavor was just incredible. Even as I’m writing this, I’m craving it again!
We also tried a dish with tender meat cooked in tahini sauce, served with vermicelli rice and toasted almonds—absolutely delicious. The meat was juicy, and the combination of flavors was spot-on.
The sauces for both dishes were fantastic as well.
For dessert, we had the Kunafa Rolls—they were super crispy and well-made, though personally, kunafa isn’t my favorite. But my friends loved it!
The service was good—while they didn’t check on us too often or explain the dishes in detail, they were still very kind and respectful.
Overall, whenever I’m in Dubai, this will be my first choice for dining. If you’re in town, don’t miss...
Read moreWe had a wonderful dining experience at Bait Maryam, a charming restaurant with a spacious setup and a beautiful view overlooking the lake. The place was bustling with guests, which is always a good sign of a restaurant loved by its patrons.
We were fortunate to be served by Mazen, who truly elevated our visit. He guided us through the menu and recommended some of their signature dishes — including Kibbeh Maryam, Beef Cups, and Lahm B’Ajeen. Each of these had its own unique touch, but the Beef Cups truly stood out with their intense grilled aroma and perfectly seasoned meat. They were a highlight of the meal.
We also tried the Mix Grill, which was decent, though not as memorable as the other dishes. On the other hand, the fresh hot bread service was exceptional — always prompt and plentiful, and the team of waiters were attentive and efficient throughout.
A special thanks goes to Mazen, who was not only courteous and professional but genuinely cared about ensuring we had a great experience. If you’re planning to visit, we highly recommend asking for him — and definitely try whatever he suggests.
The only downside was the red tea. As someone who takes tea quality seriously, I found it quite disappointing — possibly due to the use of tea bags, which lacks the depth and fragrance of higher-quality loose leaf teas like “Talqeema” (RAW). It simply didn’t meet the standard.
That said, the overall experience was delightful, and we’ll surely be back. Great food, excellent service, and a...
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