Sharjah’s culinary scene combines authentic Emirati and Arab traditions with global influences from Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond. The emirate supports restaurants that keep cultural heritage alive while embracing modern flavours, offering everything from nostalgic Emirati comfort foods to sophisticated Lebanese dishes, bold Indian spices, and innovative fusion creations. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or modern cuisine, the best restaurants in Sharjah provide a journey that honours the past while celebrating fresh interpretations.
- Understanding Sharjah’s dining identity
- Traditional Emirati cuisine
- Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine
- Seafood specialities
- Indian & Asian cuisines
- Arabic & Middle Eastern cuisine
- Premium steakhouse & fine dining
- Contemporary & fusion dining
- Street food & quick bites
- Cuisine comparison table
- Dining districts & top locations
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding Sharjah’s unique dining identity
Many restaurants in Sharjah highlight regional cooking traditions, warm hospitality, and décor inspired by heritage. The city’s culinary fabric encompasses Emirati dishes heavily influenced by Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, India, and Pakistan, creating a wonderfully diverse landscape for every palate.
Unlike Dubai’s luxury-chain-focused dining scene, Sharjah celebrates authenticity.
Traditional Emirati cuisine
Sharjah’s traditional Emirati dining scene features home-style recipes, heritage décor, and nostalgic flavours that highlight the UAE‘s culinary roots.
Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe – Sharjah
Arabian Tea House brings the charm of old Emirati hospitality to the heart of Sharjah, offering a serene courtyard-style setting with traditional décor, shaded seating and a menu built around classic Emirati and Arabian dishes.
The restaurant is known for its generous portions, fresh ingredients and calm, heritage-inspired atmosphere, making it a popular stop for both residents and visitors exploring Souq Al Shanasiyah.
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (daily)
- Signature dishes: Regag bread with cheese and honey, Emirati breakfast trays, Chicken Machbous, Lamb Ouzi, Khameer bread with dates, and the signature turquoise tea.
Location
It’s located in Souq Al Shanasiyah, Corniche Street – Al Merijah, Heart of Sharjah – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 561 2686
Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine
Sharjah’s Lebanese and Mediterranean dining scene blends vibrant flavours, elegant presentations and scenic canal or waterfront settings.
Shababeek – Sharjah
Shababeek is a well-loved Lebanese restaurant at Al Qasba, offering elevated Levantine dishes with a modern touch and scenic canal views. Led by Chef Maroun Chedid, it serves classic Lebanese favourites in a relaxed, stylish setting with both indoor and outdoor seating.
- Hours:
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Signature dishes: Rosemary chicken, mixed grill platters, traditional hummus, hot and cold mezze, homemade cheese kunafa, and a popular Lebanese breakfast menu.
Location
It’s located in Block ‘B’, Big Wheel Side, Al Qasba, Al Khan, Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 554 0444
Aroos Damascus – Sharjah
Aroos Damascus is one of Sharjah’s most established Syrian restaurants, known for generous portions, fast service, and authentic Damascene flavours at excellent prices. The menu covers all the Syrian staples from grills and shawarma to mezze, making it a favourite for casual family meals and late-night dining.
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 AM (daily)
- Signature dishes: Shawarma, charcoal chicken, hummus with meat, falafel, mixed grill platters, fattoush, kunafa, and fresh oven-baked Arabic bread.
Location
It’s located in Bin Rasheed Al Khoory Building, King Abdul Aziz Street, Al Nad, Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 600 500022
Caya Restaurant
Caya is one of Sharjah’s most popular contemporary Mediterranean-inspired restaurants, known for its relaxed ambience, fresh flavours, and beautifully plated dishes. With its bright, airy interiors and family-friendly setting, it has become a go-to spot for casual meals, weekend gatherings, and late-night dining near University City.
- Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, extended hours until 1:00 AM on Sundays and Saturdays
- Signature dishes: Zaatar burrata pizza, shawarma alfredo pasta, spicy shrimp, grilled mains, artisanal desserts, and speciality coffees.
Location
It’s located in Sharjah Arab Cultural Capital Monument, Al Dhaid Road, University City – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 056 480 4682
Seafood specialities
Sharjah’s seafood restaurants offer fresh coastal flavours, beachside settings and a mix of traditional and contemporary preparations.
Casa Samak
Casa Samak is a beachfront seafood restaurant at Coral Beach Resort, known for its fresh catch, grilled specialities and calm Gulf views. Its outdoor terrace makes it a popular choice for relaxed sunset dining and intimate seafood meals.
- Hours: Daily: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM (until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays)
- Signature dishes: Catch of the Day display, grilled sea bass, seafood platters, penne with salmon, shrimp biryani, and mixed barbecue plates.
Location
It’s located in Al Muntazah Street, Al Rifaah, Al Heera Suburb – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 056 118 5314
Arabian Fish House
Arabian Fish House brings traditional Emirati coastal cooking to Al Hira Beach, offering fresh seafood dishes in a serene blue-and-white setting just steps from the water. The beachside location and heritage-inspired décor make it a favourite for relaxed breakfasts, seafood lunches and sunset dining.
- Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM (closing times vary by day)
- Signature dishes: Emirati-style grilled fish, seafood majboos, shrimp biryani, fish tagine, Arabic breakfast trays, fresh salads, and traditional desserts.
Location
It’s located in Al Hira Beach, Cluster 2, Venue 6 – Al Muntazah Street, Al Fisht, Al Heera Suburb – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 534 9183
Indian & Asian cuisines
Sharjah’s Indian and Asian dining scene highlights rich spices, vibrant flavours, and dishes crafted with long-standing culinary traditions.
India Palace – Sharjah
India Palace brings a refined Mughlai dining experience to Muwaileh, serving royal North Indian dishes in an elegant, heritage-inspired setting. It’s especially known for its biryanis, kebabs, and rich slow-cooked curries.
- Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Signature dishes: Dum Pukht biryani, Amritsari chicken, mixed grill, malai kofta, butter chicken kulcha, and classic Indian desserts.
Location
It’s located in 2 Maleha Street, Muwaileh Suburb – Sharjah (inside 06 Mall)
Contact Information
Phone: 06 535 5740
Gazebo – Sharjah Branches
Gazebo is one of Sharjah’s most recognised Mughlai restaurants, known for its slow-cooked dum biryanis, flavour-rich curries, and consistently high standards across all its branches. Gazebo Branches in Sharjah.
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours |
| Gazebo – King Faisal Street | King Faisal St, opposite Safeer Market | Daily: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Gazebo – Matajer Al Juraina | 678 Al Badee Rd, Matajer Al Juraina | Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Gazebo – Sahara Centre | Sahara Centre, Al Nahda St | Mon–Thu & Sun: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Gazebo – Sharjah Central Mall | Sharjah Central Mall, Ground Floor | Daily: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
Arabic & Middle Eastern cuisine
This category brings together time-honoured regional flavours, showcasing char-grilled meats, mezze spreads, and comforting Levantine dishes enjoyed by families across.
Al Bait Al Baghdadi – Sharjah
Al Bait Al Baghdadi is one of Sharjah’s most popular Iraqi restaurants, known for its generous portions, authentic Mesopotamian flavours, and signature wood-fired masgouf. It’s a long-time favourite for families and groups looking for hearty Middle Eastern dishes in a casual, welcoming setting.
- Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Signature dishes: Iraqi masgouf, kabab Al Baghdadi, lamb quozi, dolma, lentil soup, fresh salads, baklava with ice cream, and traditional Iraqi tea.
Location
It’s located in Jamal Abdul Naser Street, Al Majaz 2 – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 559 8844
Layali Masriah – Sharjah
Layali Masriah is a popular Egyptian restaurant offering classic, home-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
- Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Signature dishes: Molokhia, mixed grills, feteer meshaltet, hawawshi, mezze platters, and classic Egyptian desserts.
Location
It’s located in Tower 400, 20th Floor, Mina Road – Al Arouba Street, Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 555 6543
Tahi Restaurant – Sharjah
Tahi Restaurant offers refined Arabic and Moroccan cuisine in a calm, elegant setting. Known for its balanced flavours and warmly decorated interiors, it’s a comfortable choice for family meals or relaxed evening dining in the Al Khalidiya district.
- Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Signature dishes: Chicken and lamb tagines, seafood pastilla, mixed grills, Moroccan salads, and traditional mint tea with desserts.
Location
It’s located in Al Khalidiya District – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 050 910 6768
Premium steakhouse & fine dining
Sharjah’s upscale dining scene caters to guests seeking refined ambience, expertly prepared dishes, and elevated culinary techniques.
71 Steak & Grill – Sharjah
71 Steak & Grill is a modern, upscale steakhouse located in City Centre Al Zahia, renowned for its premium cuts, smoky flavours, and a polished yet relaxed dining atmosphere. It’s a favourite for steak lovers looking for quality cooking and generous portions in a stylish setting.
- Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Signature dishes: Coffee-spiced steak, aged Wagyu cuts, tomahawk steak (limited offer), triple Angus burger, brisket fried rice, smoked octopus, sliders, mac and cheese, and mille-feuille dessert.
Location
It’s located in City Centre Al Zahia – Opposite VOX Cinema, Muwaileh Commercial – Sharjah
Contact Information
Phone: 06 715 7171
Contemporary & fusion dining
Sharjah’s modern dining landscape includes inventive concepts that blend global influences with artistic presentation, appealing to diners who enjoy creativity on the plate
Fen Cafe & Restaurant
Fen Cafe & Restaurant is one of Sharjah’s standout contemporary dining concepts, known for its clean, modern aesthetic and a menu that blends global flavours with locally inspired touches.
| Branch | Location (Google Maps) | Hours | Phone |
| Fen Cafe & Restaurant – Lagoon Majaz 1 | First Floor Corniche, Al Buhaira Building, Lagoon Tower, Al Majaz 1 – Sharjah | Daily: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday: 7–11 AM, 1–11 PM) | 050 921 5825 |
| Fen Cafe & Restaurant – Al Mureijah | Sheikh Abdullah Bin Ali Al Mahmoud Square, Al Mureijah – Sharjah | Daily: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM) | 06 561 3029 |
Signature dishes: Spicy Thai squid, nasi goreng, chicken katsu curry, banh mi sandwich, spicy miso and pastrami sandwich, artisanal pastries, speciality coffee, and a rotating selection of seasonal plates.
Street food & quick bites
Sharjah’s vibrant street food scene offers:
- Savoury pastries
- Middle Eastern wraps
- Fried snacks
- Indo-Chinese bites
- Quick, budget-friendly meals
Ideal for students, families, and casual dining.
Cuisine comparison table
| Cuisine Type | Best Restaurants | Signature Appeal | Ideal For |
| Traditional Emirati | Arabian Tea House, Arabian Fish House | Heritage recipes, outdoor courtyards, Emirati breakfast and coastal dishes | Culture seekers, tourists, families |
| Lebanese & Mediterranean | Shababeek, Caya, Aroos Damascus | Mezze spreads, grills, waterfront dining, modern Levantine twists | Weekend gatherings, group dinners, scenic meals |
| Seafood | Casa Samak, Arabian Fish House | Fresh catch displays, grilled fish, beachside ambience | Sunset dining, seafood lovers, special occasions |
| Indian & Asian | India Palace, Gazebo, various Asian spots | Rich curries, biryanis, wok-style dishes, bold spices | Family meals, comfort dining, affordable lunches |
| Arabic & Middle Eastern | Al Bait Al Baghdadi, Layali Masriah, Tahi Restaurant | Charcoal grills, mezze, and authentic home-style dishes | Large groups, casual nights out, comfort food |
| Steakhouse & Fine Dining | 71 Steak & Grill | Premium cuts, polished ambience, signature steaks | Celebrations, date nights, upscale dining |
| Contemporary & Fusion | Fen Cafe & Restaurant | Creative global dishes, modern plating, speciality coffee | Brunch |
Dining districts & top locations
Sharjah’s dining scene is shaped by a few key districts where travellers and residents naturally gather for great food, waterfront views, and vibrant atmospheres.
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Al Qasba Canal
- Sharjah beaches & resorts
- University City & Town Square
- City Centre Al Zahia
Key Takeaways
Sharjah’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse, offering everything from traditional Emirati meals and vibrant Levantine flavours to premium steakhouses, seafood restaurants and contemporary fusion cafes. Each neighbourhood brings something different – whether it’s waterfront dining at Al Majaz, canal-side meals at Al Qasba, beachfront seafood at Al Heera, or modern eateries around University City. With authentic regional dishes, family-friendly atmospheres and a growing number of upscale concepts, Sharjah caters to every taste, budget and occasion.
FAQs
Emirati, Lebanese, and Indian cuisines are among the most popular, thanks to their rich flavours and wide variety of dishes.
Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, and the beaches around Al Heera are top choices for scenic meals.
Caya, Shababeek, Arabian Fish House, and many Indian restaurants like Gazebo and India Palace offer family-friendly menus and settings.
Arabian Tea House and Arabian Fish House are well-known spots for classic Emirati dishes.
Street-food cafes, shawarma shops, and Indian/Asian eateries across Muwaileh and Al Nahda offer great value meals.
