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January 10, 2025
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The capital of Oman, Muscat, is well known for its unique combination of heritage and modernism. Through its traditional Omani restaurants, this interesting coastal city offers tourists not just amazing views and incredible architecture but also a genuine culinary experience. In Muscat, dining is a sensory experience where dishes that reflect stories of Oman’s heritage are created using traditional culinary techniques, fresh ingredients, and rich spices. Here, we explore a few of Muscat’s top traditional Omani restaurants, each of which provides a unique culinary and cultural experience.
Bin Ateeq has been regarded as one of Muscat’s most genuine Omani restaurants. Offering a warm, traditional atmosphere, this family-run restaurant is well-liked by tourists as well as locals. The traditional Omani dining style is replicated in private rooms where guests are seated on floor cushions.
Bin Ateeq’s menu offers a variety of Omani cuisine. Shuwa, a slow-cooked lamb marinated with a mixture of Omani spices, maqbous, spiced rice with chicken or meat, and harees, a filling dish made with wheat and meat, are some of Oman’s signature dishes. In keeping with Oman’s maritime heritage, the restaurant also serves a range of seafood dishes. For a full experience, finish your meal with dates and a cup of Kahwa, or Omani coffee.
Kargeen Caffe is famous for its authentic Omani cuisine and beautiful traditional atmosphere, even though it is not only an Omani restaurant. Kargeen provides a magical dining experience in a wonderfully furnished outdoor area with lantern-lit courtyards and a variety of flowers.
In addition to foreign choices, their menu offers traditional Omani dishes such grilled meats, seafood platters, and majboos. Kargeen’s Oman-style bread served with dips and its Mashuai (grilled kingfish with rice) are especially well-liked. On particular occasions, the restaurant also serves Shuwa, helping visitors to enjoy this festive treat.
Traditional sheesha offerings and delicious Omani foods like halwa and luqaimat (sweet dumplings) are other reasons Kargeen is famous.
Although Rozna Restaurant is a relatively new addition to Muscat’s culinary scene, it has already gained popularity among diners looking for a genuine Omani experience. With its elegant, castle-like structure and typical Omani architectural features, the restaurant creates a mesmerising environment.
The menu at Rozna is a celebration of Omani food, with Arabian specialities like harees, shuwa, and maqbous. Oman’s maritime culture is reflected in the restaurant’s seafood selections, which include grilled fish, or Samak Mashwi. With its rich ambiance and careful service, Rozna offers a memorable dining experience.
If you want to try traditional Omani food with a modern touch, you have to go to Ubhar. Situated in the centre of Muscat, this stylish and modern restaurant celebrates Oman’s culinary tradition by creatively revising traditional cuisine.
Highlights of Ubhar’s cuisine include their lobster biryani, which blends fresh seafood with the depth of Omani spices, and the shuwa wrap, a modern twist on the classic slow-cooked lamb dish. The Omani halwa parfait, a popular local treat, is a creative twist on it. Ubhar’s fusion approach makes it an excellent choice for adventurous food lovers.
The “House of Frankincense,” Bait Al Luban, is located in a historic structure with a view of the Muttrah Corniche. This restaurant offers visitors a real, historically rich experience by keeping and presenting Omani culinary traditions.
Bait Al Luban’s menu offers a variety of traditional Omani foods, including shuwa, maqbous, and Madrouba, a hearty meal prepared with chicken and mashed rice. Additionally, the restaurant serves a range of fresh seafood dishes, such as Omani prawns and lobster. Visitors can enjoy their lunch while admiring the beautiful views of the busy harbour in Muttrah.
One of the most beautiful places in the city to enjoy traditional Omani food is Al Angham, which is located inside the Royal Opera House Muscat. The lavish décor of the restaurant offers a royal dining experience with its rich woodwork, chandeliers, and gold accents.
Al Angham’s menu has been properly chosen to highlight the best Omani dishes. Using only the best ingredients and careful attention to detail, signature dishes include shuwa, maqbous, and halwa. In addition, Al Angham serves unique food like Jasheed, a speciality of shark meat, and Qabuli, a spicy rice dish. The restaurant is a great option for special events because of its superb cuisine, classy atmosphere, and excellent service.
Zahr El-Laymoun’s traditional Omani dishes are notable, despite the fact that it mostly serves a blend of Lebanese dishes. This restaurant, which is hidden away in the Al Mouj area, has a calm waterfront location that makes it the ideal place for a relaxed meal.
Omani harees, maraq laham (beef stew), and grilled seafood prepared the Omani style are among their menu highlights. Every meal is authentic and flavourful because local, fresh ingredients are used. The overall dining experience is made better by the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
Shuwa Express is a great option if you want a quick yet authentic Omani meal. Shuwa is the speciality of this casual restaurant, which serves it in platters, bowls and wraps. Younger diners and people on the go love the restaurant because of its modern twist on classic dishes.
The menu at Shuwa Express is simple but tasty, offering dishes like shuwa tacos and shuwa sliders. They have a huge following in Muscat thanks to their creative presentation and dedication to genuine flavours.
A unique venue for people looking for a fusion of local and maritime cuisine, Bait Al Bahr is mainly a seafood restaurant that also uses traditional Omani flavours in its dishes. The restaurant, which is situated at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, has amazing views of the Gulf of Oman.
Using traditional spices and methods, diners enjoy meals like grilled kingfish, Omani lobster, and Samak Harra (spicy fish). For those who enjoy seafood, the restaurant is a must-visit because of its calm atmosphere and tasty, fresh food.
Dukanah Cafe is a cosy restaurant that takes visitors back in time with its traditional Omani food and rustic decor. Situated in Al Khuwair, this cafe features vintage decorations and comfortable sitting arrangements that reflect a traditional Omani house.
Omani breakfast dishes including balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), mishkak (Omani-style kebabs), and khubz rakhal (thin Omani bread) are all available on the menu at Dukanah Cafe. Traditional dishes like harees and maqbous are served for lunch and dinner. The café is a favourite among both locals and visitors because of its friendly atmosphere and homestyle food.
Turath Al Mandi provides a lovely introduction to traditional Omani and Yemeni flavours, with a speciality in mandi, a fragrant rice and meat dish that is famous throughout the Arabian Peninsula. This Al Ghubra restaurant is famous for its large servings and reasonable costs.
The menu offers additional Omani favourites besides mandi, such as zarbiani (spicy rice with meat or chicken) and madhbi (grilled meat on rice). The restaurant is popular among families and groups because of its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
Majlis Al Qurum, a classy restaurant with a heavy focus on Omani flavours, is hidden away in the Qurum area. The restaurant is ideal for big occasions as well as regular meals because of its stylish yet friendly atmosphere.
Along with classic favourites like shuwa, maqbous, and mishkak, the menu offers unusual delicious foods like madrouba and Jahseed, a spiced shark dish. This restaurant stands out for its elegant appearance and friendly service.
Sultanah, a fine restaurant influenced by Omani culture, is located within the Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa. With amazing views of the coastline, the restaurant’s décor has the feel of a luxury cruise liner.
Modern twists on Omani specialities can be found on Sultanah’s menu. Popular dishes among diners include saffron-infused seafood biryani and lobster shuwa. Omani halwa cheesecake is among the many desserts on the restaurant’s vast menu. For those looking for a classy dining experience with a touch of tradition, Sultanah is ideal.
Mumtaz Mahal is primarily an Indian restaurant, but it also serves a variety of Omani-inspired dishes. Located on a hill near Qurum, the restaurant offers magnificent city views.
It’s worth trying the Omani-inspired meals, like lamb biryani with Omani spices and spicy grilled fish. Mumtaz Mahal is a popular option for a classy eating experience because of its beautiful atmosphere and excellent service.
The emphasis on mandi and other traditional rice dishes makes Bait Al Mandi a local attraction. Serving generous quantities of spicy rice with chicken, lamb, or seafood, this pleasant restaurant has locations around Muscat. It is a wonderful supper for families or parties since the slow-cooked meat is perfectly soft and filled with aromatic spices. Bait Al Mandi is an essential dining option in the city because of its price and simplicity.
The Arabesque Lounge & Terrace, located at The Chedi Muscat, serves a variety of local and foreign cuisine in an elegant environment. The restaurant, which is popular for its comfortable atmosphere and amazing views of the hotel’s gardens and beach, offers a variety of Middle Eastern specialities in addition to skilfully prepared Omani cuisine. On their seasonal menus, Shuwa, Majboos, and Omani Halwa are especially famous.
Makan Cafe, located in the Hyatt Regency Muscat, serves modern twists on traditional Omani food. For those looking for lighter snacks and bites inspired by Omani cuisine, this cafe is ideal. This is a hot option for casual dining, with options like maqbous bowls, mishkak wraps, and desserts mixed with saffron.
Halwa Lounge, hidden away in the Muscat Grand Mall, is a great place to try small meals and Omani delicious foods. This café offers a welcoming setting for enjoying Omani desserts and is well-known for a variety of halwa variations, traditional teas, and luqaimat. For those who like to enjoy Oman’s sweets in a modern setting, it is a must-visit.
Oman Heritage Village Restaurant, which is close to Seeb, provides a culinary and cultural introduction to Omani customs. The menu of the restaurant is designed to resemble real Omani homes, creating a typical village environment. Shuwa, harees, and majboos are among the dishes on the menu, which are presented in an environment that puts visitors in Oman’s rich cultural heritage.
Fanar, located near the Salalah Beach Marina, is well-known for its variety of food and amazing views of the ocean. Despite the restaurant’s focus on seafood, many of its dishes are made with ingredients and spices that have Omani influences. The combination of local and foreign flavours is reflected in dishes like date-infused sweets, Omani-style kingfish, and grilled prawns.
Darbat, a luxury dining area in the Sheraton Oman Hotel, serves a fusion of Omani and foreign cuisines. The restaurant frequently has themed evenings that showcase Omani food including shuwa, maqbous, and freshly caught fish cooked with regional spices. Guests can try a range of flavours in a single meal thanks to the buffet-style dining.
Al Khiran Terrace, which is located in Al Bustan Palace, offers a fine dining experience together with amazing views of the ocean. A range of Omani foods, such as harees, majboos, and spicy fish, are available on their menu. The restaurant is perfect for special events or an enjoyable meal by the sea because of its calm atmosphere and excellent service.
Traditional Omani dining experiences that honour the country’s heritage, culture, and flavours are abundant in Muscat’s culinary sector. Every restaurant offers a different journey into the heart of Omani food, from the regal elegance of Al Angham to the ancient settings of Bait Al Luban. Muscat’s eating scene has something for every taste, whether you’re dining in Omani-inspired fusion cuisine at modern restaurants like Ubhar, enjoying the smoky flavours of shuwa, or bathing in the cosy warmth of harees.
These restaurants highlight traditional ingredients, recipes, and hospitality while serving delicious food and preserving Oman’s cultural traits. They offer both tourists and residents the chance to experience the nation’s many culinary customs in beautiful locations, from lavish beachside resorts to cosy cafes. In order to really experience the genuine flavours and tales of Oman, it is important that tourists visiting Muscat explore these restaurants.
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