From authentic Moroccan cuisine to contemporary Lebanese fare, Sharjah has an array of stand-out eateries that combine outstanding menus with convivial surroundings. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Sharjah.
El Manza
El Manza, Sharjah
Located on the Al Majaz waterfront, El Manza opens out a terrace overlooking Sharjar Fountain. Inside, the dining space then fuses elegant Moroccan design features with contemporary furnishings and strewn cushions, and is divided into a series of intimate areas, from the Souq Essaouria area to Fas VIP Lounge and Agadir Terrace. In each of these cozy spaces, guests dine on authentic Moroccan fare that brings together Morocco’s traditional recipes and culinary techniques with accents of contemporary cooking. Aromatic spices and fragrant olive oil infuse each dish with the flavor of Morocco, in signature plates such as the classic tagine, which each reflect the Arab, Berber and Spanish culture Moroccan cuisine draws on. Leading Moroccan chef Hakim Ait Ben Adi is at the helm of the kitchen here, following on from time spent at five-star resorts such as Sofitel, Shangri-La and Royal Mansour; try the malik al robian mcharmel marinated king prawns, or tanjia Marrakeshia spiced lamb tagine.
Gazebo
Drawing on the traditions of Mughlai cuisine, the North Indian restaurant Gazebo combines the ingredients that are typical to the region with both traditional and contemporary cooking techniques. With chefs who are descendants of Bawarchis and Rakabdars – the cooks who were at the helm of Mughal kitchens – Gazebo strives to showcase authentic Mughlai dishes, bringing 200-year-old recipes up-to-date. As a result, the menu encompasses dishes such as raan-e-sikandari (slow roasted leg of lamb in a sauce that’s both cool and spicy), stir-fried and spiced lobster tawa masala, and a variety of biryanis. Food is cooked low over the flame, and every bite is infused with the aromatic ingredients, such as saffron and cardamom, that this cuisine is celebrated for. The restaurant’s authentic North Indian cuisine paired with a warm ambiance is what makes this eatery one of Sharjah’s most celebrated.
Shababeek
El Manza, Sharjah
This contemporary Lebanese restaurant gives diners a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine. In fact, the restaurant’s name Shababeek is taken from the Arabic word for window, reflecting its intention of opening up this cuisine to its guests. These dishes are then served in a classic Arabic setting with typical Middle Eastern interior design and décor. Both traditional and contemporary dishes feature on the menu, encompassing charcoal grilled specialties such as shabakit al sayad seafood skewers, mezze such as stuffed vine leaves and habrah nayeh lamb tartar, and Lebanese delicacies such as falafels and soujouk sautéed spiced sausages. The restaurant sits within the Al Qasba district, close to Sharjah’s Big Wheel, adding to its appeal and placing it at one of the best restaurants in Sharjah.
For more inspiration on where to eat, take a look at our reader-voted Top 100 Restaurants.
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