If you’re craving authentic Lebanese flavor in the UAE, Habib Beirut is a name that often comes up. With multiple branches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond, the chain aims to deliver traditional Lebanese recipes passed down from the founder “Habib” himself. In this review, we’ll dig into the menu, prices, food quality, service, ambience, and what you should realistically expect when dining there.
History & Brand Story
Habib Beirut traces its roots to a humble beginning in Lebanon, where “Habib” started preparing homemade pickles, dairy products, and Lebanese classics in his own kitchen. Over the course of 40 years, his food became beloved locally, attracting visitors who wanted his home-style recipes. This popularity led to the formation of restaurants that adopted his recipes, and eventually a brand that spread to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, and more.
The brand emphasizes authenticity, simplicity, and heartfelt touches the idea being that each dish is not just food but part of Habib’s culinary legacy.
Locations & Presence
Habib Beirut has a strong presence in the UAE. Some notable branches include:
- Dubai Marina (Silverene Tower) — one of its more prominent outlets, often open until late.
- Palm Jumeirah (Lebanese Street Kitchen style) — a more casual offshoot.
- Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island — part of its UAE spread.
- Sharjah / Other Emirates — via presence on delivery platforms like Talabat.
Internationally, the brand is expanding into Jordan, Erbil (Iraq), Oman, and beyond.
Menu Overview & Sample Prices
Habib Beirut offers a broad Lebanese / Levantine menu covering:
- Cold mezza and dips
- Hot mezza / appetizers
- Salads
- Shawarmas / sandwiches
- Grills & platters
- Soups & fatteh
- Desserts
- Breakfast / special options (in some branches)
- Fresh juices & beverages
Because different branches may have slightly different menus or price points, treat the following as representative, based largely on their Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina branches as listed on Deliveroo, menus, and official PDFs.
| Section | Sample Item | Description / Notes | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grills / From the Grill | Taouk Platter (chicken skewers) | Served with fries, pickles, garlic dip | 49 AED |
| Mixed Grill Platter | A mix such as taouk, kafta, veal, etc. | 85 AED | |
| Kafta Platter | Ground meat skewers | 50 AED | |
| Lamb Chops | Premium grill option | 95 AED | |
| Shawarma / Sandwiches | Chicken Shawarma Sandwich (Large) | With garlic sauce, lettuce, pickles | 25 AED |
| Beef Shawarma Sandwich (Large) | With tarator, onions, etc. | 29 AED | |
| Shawarma Platter | Shawarma served as full meal | 45 AED (chicken) | |
| Cold Mezza & Dips | Hummus with Meat & Pine Nuts | Hummus topped with minced meat & pine nuts | 39 AED |
| Other cold mezza (plain hummus, moutabal, etc.) | Classic Lebanese dips | ~20–30 AED in many branches (based on menus) | |
| Breakfast / Manakish / Flatbreads | Zaatar Manakish | Thyme + olive oil on flatbread | 15 AED |
| Cheese Akkawi Manakish | White cheese on flatbread | 21 AED | |
| Kafta + Cheese Manakish | Mixed toppings | 35 AED | |
| Soups & Fatteh | Lentil Soup | Classic Lebanese lentil soup | 24 AED |
| Vegetable Soup | Mixed vegetables | 24 AED | |
| Desserts | Halawet El Jeben | Cheese & cream dessert | 32 AED |
| Mouhalabiyeh | Milk pudding with rose water | 29 AED | |
| Lebanese Cheese Knafeh | Melted cheese + syrup + bread | 35 AED | |
| Beverages / Juices | Fresh juices (watermelon, apple, etc.) | Seasonal fresh fruit juices | ~25 AED each |
| Soft drinks, sparkling water, energy drinks | Standard soft beverage options | 14–35 AED depending on type |
In addition to these, some branches offer value meals, family feasts, and combo deals. For example, in Palm Jumeirah:
- 1kg Family Feast Platter: AED 245 (includes various grilled items, sides)
- 3 Cold Mezza Deal: AED 45
- 3 Hot Mezza Deal: AED 60
- Daily Specials / Breakfast Items vary by branch
Finally, note that the official menu PDF from Habib Beirut states that “All Prices are in AED and include VAT.”
Pricing & Value
A commonly cited benchmark is that an average meal for two people at Habib Beirut costs around AED 185 (including food, possibly soft drinks).
Given the broad menu and mix of cost tiers, this average seems reasonable: you can get a satisfying experience with a few mezzes, a grill or two, and beverages without breaking the bank. That said, if you go for premium items (lamb chops, full combos, specialty desserts), your bill may be significantly higher.
In that sense, Habib Beirut is positioned as mid-tier casual dining—higher than fast food but considerably more affordable than fine dining Lebanese or Middle Eastern restaurants that focus on luxury settings.
Habib Beirut Khorfakkan contact number
The contact number for Habib Beirut, Khorfakkan is +971 58 566 3062.
Food Quality & Highlights
What Works Very Well
- Freshness & Authenticity: Many diners appreciate the “taste of home” effect in the dips, meats, and classic Lebanese recipes. For instance, reviews cite that the hummus is “some of the best” due to its smooth texture and balanced flavors.
- Bread & Mezza: The warm bread, assortment of mezze (cold + hot), and combination plates allow you to sample multiple flavors in one meal.
- Ambience at Select Locations: Branches like the one in Khor Fakkan (cave-inspired) or those with sea views garner special praise for offering a strong dining experience beyond just food. (While not heavily documented in the sources we saw, this is part of the brand’s promotional narrative.)
- Late-night / Extended Hours: The Dubai Marina branch is open until 3:00 AM, making it a convenient spot for late dining.
Common Complaints & Inconsistencies
- Portion variability: Some guests say portions can be inconsistent on busier days, the serving sizes may feel smaller.
- Service delays or miscoordination: At times, customers report that appetizers and mains arrive out of order, or service feels rushed. In one review, a main course arrived before a starter was finished.
- Staff stress / inconsistency: During peak hours, staff may appear overworked, leading to occasional lapses in attention. Language or communication issues come up in some comments.
- Cold items or timing issues: A few reviews mention that some items (e.g. mozzarella sticks) arrived lukewarm or cold.
- Expectations management: Because Habib Beirut is a chain and not a boutique Lebanese fine-dining venue, some patrons who expect ultra-fine plating or luxury-level service may feel underwhelmed.
Ambience, Service & Experience
- Décor & Feel: Branches generally aim for a warm, cozy Lebanese/Mediterranean look think wooden furniture, soft lighting, nods to Lebanese imagery. Some branches lean more modern or casual (especially in mall settings or food court variants).
- Service Style: Table service is standard, but during busy periods, staff may prioritize efficiency. Some guests mention that waiters may rush or clear plates early.
- Crowds & Wait Times: Because of its popularity and accessible price range, Habib Beirut gets busy at peak hours (evenings, weekends). You may face wait times for tables or for food to arrive.
- Delivery & Takeaway: Habib Beirut is active on delivery platforms (e.g. Deliveroo, Talabat), offering full or partial menus for home orders.
- Opening Hours: Some outlets operate late into the night (e.g. Dubai Marina).
Pros & Cons (At a Glance)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broad, authentic Lebanese menu covering many tastes | Occasional inconsistency in portions or service |
| Good value for the price in its class | Premium items can push the bill higher |
| Convenient hours and multiple branches | Busy periods may strain staff and timing |
| Warm, accessible ambiance (not overly fancy) | Not a luxury or fine-dining experience |
| Active in delivery / takeaway | Some items may arrive cold or delayed in high volume |
Tips for a Better Visit
- Visit off-peak, if possible, to avoid delays.
- Order shared mezzes first, then mains, to pace your meal and reduce congestion.
- Ask about branch-specific specials — some outlets have unique offerings.
- For large groups, reserve ahead or call to check availability.
- If you see a staff member you like (e.g. “Charbel” at Marina is often praised), you might request them again for a smoother experience.
- Use delivery / takeaway if your branch is crowded.
Final Opinion
If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful Lebanese casual dining experience in the UAE, Habib Beirut is a strong contender. It may not deliver luxury-level perfection, but for its price range and scope, it offers excellent value. The menu is broad enough to satisfy meat lovers, vegetarians, and mezza enthusiasts alike. For the best experience, go during less busy hours and enjoy the sharing-style dining with mezzes and grills.
If you like, I can also produce a localized version (e.g. “Habib Beirut menu & review Dubai Marina branch”) or optimize this further with photos and schema markup to boost its SEO. Would you like me to do that?