Explore the flavours that define this cultural hub, from quaint hideaways to lavish feasting grounds.
If you’ve been in the UAE for some time, chances are you’ve made a trip to Sharjah – but perhaps not nearly enough. While navigating through the traffic to this emirate may seem daunting, it’s a small price to pay for the culinary wonders that await. Whether you’re seeking the cosy ambience of a cafe or the sophistication of fine dining, Sharjah boasts a culinary scene that caters to every taste. And FACT has curated a list of the finest restaurants in Sharjah, ensuring that your dining adventures are nothing short of extraordinary.
71 Steak & Grill
Located at City Centre Al Zahia, 71 Steak & Grill is a haven for steak enthusiasts. Led by Head Chef Brando Moros, the menu is a testament to open-flame cooking, drawing inspiration from his Colombian heritage and artistic background. The menu offers tantalising options such as Coffee Spiced Steak, Spiced T-bone Steak and Sticky Lamb Ribs. Seafood lovers can indulge in Grilled Sea Bass, while vegetarians can relish dishes like Clay Hummus and Smoked Truffle Burrata. To conclude the culinary journey, desserts like Alfajor’s Biscuit and Grilled Peach’s Caramel Flan await.
GO: Follow @71steakandgrill on Instagram for more information.
Beit Setti
Immerse yourself in the culinary charms of Damascus at Beit Setti, nestled in Al Qasba along the Qasba Canal. This restaurant offers an authentic experience within its Syrian setting, adorned with intricate decorations that evoke nostalgia. Beit Setti offers a culinary journey through Damascus, starting with a breakfast spread featuring traditional specialities like foul, hommos, and manakeesh, whereas lunch and dinner bring an array of salads and mezze, shawarmas, and more.
GO: Visit www.beitsetti.com for more information.
Berenjak
The popular Persian restaurant Berenjak has making its way from London to Sharjah. Located in Al Jada, Berenjak prides itself on its traditional take on Persian cuisine. The restaurant focuses on Iranian dishes, with a specialisation in small mezze-style sharing plates and charcoal-grilled kebabs. As you sit down at Berenjak, you’ll have the opportunity to try Balal, a tempting dish featuring corn, chilli, lime, and chives, or Sibzamini, crispy fried potatoes served with kordi sauce and Rezet yoghurt. Berenjak takes its name from a whimsical source — the brightly coloured, toasted rice eaten as a snack at funfairs in Persia.
GO: Visit https://berenjakuae.com for more information.
Black Salt
Tucked away in Sharjah’s Muweilah district, Black Salt offers everything from pasta and pizzas to burgers and Turkish kebabs. The restaurant may promise a memorable meal for all tastes, but it’s the desserts that steal the spotlight with their irresistible flavours. Whether you’re craving comfort food or gourmet delights, this restaurant delivers an experience that is both satisfying and visually appealing.
GO: Follow @blacksaltae on Instagram for more information.
Casa Samak
Perched along the sea at the Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, Casa Samak invites diners to savour the finest seafood offerings. The menu boasts an array of seafood delicacies complemented by barbecue delights. From the catch of the day to signature dishes like penne with salmon in pink sauce, Casa Samak promises a meal filled with rich flavours and fresh ingredients. With outdoor seating overlooking the sea, you can unwind while indulging in the finest seafood.
GO: Visit www.hmhhotelgroup.com for more information.
Caya
Craving Mediterranean fare in Sharjah? Look no further than Caya Restaurant. This popular spot, located in the heart of Nshama Town Square in University City, offers a delightful escape into a world of flavorful grills, pizzas, and classic Mediterranean dishes. Their menu highlights include favourites like the Baked Chicken Shawarma Alfredo Pasta, Caramelised Mango Cheesecake, and the Zaatar Burrata pizza drizzled with truffle oil. Don’t miss out on the unique Vimto with baklava, a delightful concoction that promises to surprise and delight. With warm and inviting outdoor seating, adorned with earthy tones and wooden furnishings, Caya is the perfect culinary escape.
GO: Follow @cayauae on Instagram for more information.
Chie
Nestled in Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, Chie offers an innovative dining experience that celebrates the art of food through unconventional flavour combinations. Helmed by renowned chef Akmal Anuar, Chie’s menu presents dishes such as Chicken Sando with zesty mayo and succulent Australian Lamb Chops. Chef Anuar’s distinctive style and creativity have earned acclaim worldwide, making Chie a destination for those seeking a contemporary dining experience in a welcoming atmosphere.
GO: Visit https://chierestaurant.comf for reservations and more information.
Entrecôte Café de Paris
Step into Entrecôte Café de Paris, located at Zawaya Walk. Rooted in the legacy of the iconic Cafe de Paris in Geneva, this Parisian-style restaurant offers a glimpse into culinary history with its meticulously crafted secret sauce dating back to 1930. The indulgent 180-gram Entrecote Steak, accompanied by the renowned Cafe de Paris sauce, crisp Green Salad, and homemade French Fries, makes this Sharjah spot a must-try.
GO: Visit www.entrecote.me for reservations and more information.
Fen Cafe & Restaurant
Founded by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Fen Cafe & Restaurant has locations in Al Majaz and Zero 6 Mall. Whether you crave a casual breakfast (served until 5pm), a hearty salad, or a decadent dessert, Fen caters to diverse appetites. Brightly lit and welcoming, the restaurant offers a menu featuring everything from eggs and pasta to croissants and desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
GO: Follow @fenrestaurant on Instagram for more information.
Moon Slice
In Aljada, Moon Slice Pizza stands out as a beacon of culinary innovation. Conceived by Emirati restaurateur Mahmood AlKhamis, Moon Slice offers a pizzeria that’s out of this world. The Moon Slice menu features a selection of light antipasti and playful desserts but the main focus is the pizza with its elevated versions of commonplace toppings. FACT can vouch for the Diavola, laden with Wagyu carpaccio, spicy meatballs, and olive aioli. Other appealing options include Frutti di Mare with its topping of shrimp and octopus carpaccio and the MS; a truffle lovers dream adorned with truffle paste, truffle foam and grated truffle.
GO: Follow @moonslicepizza on Instagram for more information.
Nomani
Nestled within the Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Nomani offers an exquisite fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s name itself, “Nomani,” meaning “in between” in Japanese, aptly reflects its core concept, from delicate sushi rolls to savoury Korean barbecue, each dish at Nomani is a testament to culinary craftsmanship. Indulge in crispy baby squid, Nomani fried wings, and beef bibimbap, followed by the irresistible miso banoffee dome for dessert. There’s a reason this sophisticated spot is a FACT award winner.
GO: Visit https://nomani.ae for more information.
Paper Fig
Located in Muwailih, Paper Fig is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Founded by Emirati husband-and-wife duo Nawal Alnuaimi and Ahmed Almazrouei, Paper Fig boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxed all-day dining experience. Mornings can be brightened with fluffy pancakes or a savoury labneh spread with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Lunchtime might see you indulging in their signature creamy mashed potato or a delightful shredded chicken wrap. But it’s Paper Fig’s desserts that draw a crowd, from decadent cheesecakes to intricately decorated pastries.
GO: Visit www.pape fig.ae for more information.
Sand
Situated in City Centre Al Zahia, Sand offers Middle Eastern cuisine, showcasing Emirati, Arabian, Uzbek, Moroccan and Georgian cuisine in a chic and modern setting. Sand’s contemporary interior is inspired by the natural landscape, incorporating the textures, shapes, colours, and curvature of the desert dunes. Diners are greeted by a dune-shaped entrance that leads into the 100-seat dining room. Signature dishes include Chicken Kebabs, Lamb Shank with Quinoa, Sea Bream or Veal and Pumpkin Moutabal.
GO: Visit https://sand-uae.com for more information.
Shababeek
Shababeek, meaning “windows” in Arabic, invites diners to indulge in Lebanese cuisine on the picturesque Al Qasba Canal. Helmed by celebrity chef Maroun Chedid, a familiar face from MBC’s Top Chef Middle East, Shababeek’s menu takes traditional dishes to new heights. Favourites include Dandelion Leaves in Oil, Goat Labneh with Marinated Vegetables and Jumbo Shrimp with Roasted Chili Pepper Emulsion. Don’t forget to save room, for the Umm Ali dessert, a treat that perfectly concludes your meal.
GO: Visit www.shababeek.ae for more information.
Tanuki
Tanuki is inspired by Japanese izakayas, complete with a trendy and comfortable setting. Here, the innovative menu includes cold and hot bites, tempura selections, rice and noodles, yakitori, robata grill, hand rolls, speciality maki and more, blending a modern perspective with traditional Japanese cuisine. The interior design, meanwhile, features bonsai, stacked stones and contemporary sculptures in the entryway, evoking the zen gardens that Japan is famous for. A modern reimagining of traditional interiors across the country, the 82-seat dining room features carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills.
GO: Visit https://tanuki-uae.com for more information.
Thai Gate Restaurant
With branches across various locations across the emirate, Thai Gate offers a taste of Thailand in the heart of Sharjah. The warm and inviting décor, adorned with traditional Thai ornaments and lush greenery, instantly sets the mood for an exploration of Thai cuisine. From Papaya Salad to Udon noodles, Thai Gate’s menu is a celebration of Thai flavours, with a particular emphasis on seafood-inspired dishes. Indulge in mains like Beef Short Ribs and Panang Curry, and don’t miss out on the OG Mango Sticky Rice for dessert.
GO: Visit www.thaigate.org for more information.
The View by the Wave
Perched close to Al Rabi Tower in Khorfakkan, The View by the Wave offers a picturesque dining experience with stunning beach views and an impressive food selection. With its hut-like ambience and Insta-worthy interiors, you can indulge in various dishes, from Mango trifles to Tacos, Croissants to Pastas, and even Musakhan Rolls. The tempting dessert options include Rose Wheel Croissants and Kinder Umm Ali.
GO: Follow @theviewbywave on Instagram for more information.
Ushna
Situated on Corniche Street at Al Majaz Waterfront, Ushna offers a contemporary taste of Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From Punjabi Samosas to Gosht Roghan Josh, Ushna’s menu is a harmonious blend of centuries-old recipes and innovative twists. Indulge in Chit Chaat Maza and Prawn Biryani, and don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with Halwa for dessert.
GO: Visit https://ushna.ae for more information.
