If you want real Lebanese food in the UAE, Habib Beirut is a popular choice. The restaurant has many branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other cities. It serves classic Lebanese dishes based on recipes from the founder, Habib. In this review, we look at the menu, prices, food taste, service, and atmosphere. We also explain what you can expect when you eat there.
History & Brand Story
Habib Beirut began in a small kitchen in Lebanon.Habib made pickles, dairy foods, and classic Lebanese dishes at home.People loved his food.They came to taste his simple, home-style cooking.
After many years, his recipes became famous.Restaurants opened using his food and ideas.
The brand then grew across the region.Today, you can find Habib Beirut in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, and more.
Habib Beirut stands for real food and simple cooking.Every dish feels warm and personal.Each meal carries Habib’s story and love for food.
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 common price guide is about AED 185 for two people at Habib Beirut. This usually covers food and soft drinks.
This price makes sense because the menu has many choices. You can enjoy a few mezzes, one or two grills, and drinks at a fair cost. If you choose premium items like lamb chops, combo meals, or special desserts, the bill will be higher.
Overall, Habib Beirut is a mid-range casual restaurant. It costs more than fast food but much less than luxury Lebanese or Middle Eastern restaurants.
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 want tasty Lebanese food in the UAE, Habib Beirut is a good choice.It is not a luxury restaurant, but the food is worth the price.
The menu has many options.Meat lovers will enjoy the grills.Vegetarians will find plenty to eat.Mezza fans will also be happy.For the best visit, go when it is less busy.Share mezze dishes and grilled plates with friends or family.