Strong breakfast
Breakfast stands out for Manoucheh with wild za’atar, tomato, onion and cheese, praised for its presentation, taste and texture.
Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City
Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall is a modern Lebanese café in Dubai Festival City, with indoor and outdoor seating, shisha, and views towards the water. Breakfast is a strong draw, especially the freshly prepared Manoucheh and Lebanese breakfast platter.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
2,568 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Authentic dishes
Reviews highlight fatte batenjen as one of the best versions tried in Dubai, alongside well-received kibbe in debs remmen.
Waterfront seating
Outdoor tables are valued for views towards Dubai Creek, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and the Burj Khalifa.
Shisha option
The café suits a relaxed shisha visit, and one review notes separate smoking and non-smoking areas.
Family friendly
A small table where children can draw gives families a practical distraction during the meal.
Helpful hospitality
Several reviews describe warm service, including staff proactively offering a replacement when a dish was not fully enjoyed.
Salad standout
The Quinoa Halloumi Salad is a repeat order for one reviewer, who calls it their best dish at the café.
What to Eat at Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Lebanese breakfast Net +2
“I picked the Lebanese breakfast. The selection was good and excellent quality, loved everything in the try.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I picked the Lebanese breakfast. The selection was good and excellent quality, loved everything in the try.”May 2026
“We opted for the Lebanese breakfast, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were vibrant and authentic, showcasing the best of Lebanese cuisine. Every bite was a treat, and I can't recommend it enough.”December 2024
Honorable mentions (25)
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Al beirut steaks Net +1
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”May 2025
-
Arabic platter Net +1
“We had an Arabic platter for two persons and Turkish coffee. All food was amazing but I must hail the quality of honey with sesame and nuts; it was another level. Also the bread was freshly baked which addedd to the overall experience. Totally recommend it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had an Arabic platter for two persons and Turkish coffee. All food was amazing but I must hail the quality of honey with sesame and nuts; it was another level. Also the bread was freshly baked which addedd to the overall experience. Totally recommend it.”October 2025
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Beef shawarma mix Net +1
“I love there roca salads and was impressed with the hummos and beef shawarma mix.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love there roca salads and was impressed with the hummos and beef shawarma mix.”August 2025
-
Beetroot moutabbal Net +1
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”April 2025
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Cookie kunafa Net +1
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”April 2025
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Dragon breath with ice cream Net +1
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”May 2025
-
Fatte batenjen Net +1
“Their fatte batenjen is the best I’ve had in Dubai so far.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their fatte batenjen is the best I’ve had in Dubai so far.”January 2026
-
Fish skewers Net +1
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”April 2025
-
Grilled chicken Net +1
“Grilled chicken is a must try and always ask for there daily dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Grilled chicken is a must try and always ask for there daily dish.”August 2025
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Halloumi fries Net +1
“Nice place to have a meal after shopping, food was good, halloumi fries is a must get. Atmosphere was 10/10 but service seemed rush although tables were empty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice place to have a meal after shopping, food was good, halloumi fries is a must get. Atmosphere was 10/10 but service seemed rush although tables were empty.”June 2025
-
Hendbeh Net +1
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”April 2025
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Honey za’atar chicken Net +1
“Thoroughly enjoyed a cosmopolitan dining experience of Lebanese coffee, roca salad and honey za’atar chicken in beautiful surroundings.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Thoroughly enjoyed a cosmopolitan dining experience of Lebanese coffee, roca salad and honey za’atar chicken in beautiful surroundings.”January 2026
-
Hummos Net +1
“I love there roca salads and was impressed with the hummos and beef shawarma mix.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love there roca salads and was impressed with the hummos and beef shawarma mix.”August 2025
-
Hummus Net +1
“We told them atleast bring Hummus etc for diabetic people as well as kida, they brought Hummus after 10 mins tbat too without bread.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We told them atleast bring Hummus etc for diabetic people as well as kida, they brought Hummus after 10 mins tbat too without bread.”June 2026
-
Kibbe in debs remmen Net +1
“The kibbe in debs remmen was very good as well but really you cannot go wrong with anything you order here.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The kibbe in debs remmen was very good as well but really you cannot go wrong with anything you order here.”January 2026
-
Kibbeh nayeh Net +1
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”May 2025
-
Lemon mint Net +1
“The restaurant was actually full of people which means its popular with yummy food 👍🏻 overall we can’t discuss over Lebanese food whenever whatever it’s always delicious 😋✌🏻I’ve ordered a lemon mint as well and it was good but forgot to take a pic of it .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The restaurant was actually full of people which means its popular with yummy food 👍🏻 overall we can’t discuss over Lebanese food whenever whatever it’s always delicious 😋✌🏻I’ve ordered a lemon mint as well and it was good but forgot to take a pic of it .”December 2024
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Mankousha Net +1
“Nice place . Had a Mankousha and Shisha . It was very good . The staff was attentive and friendly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice place . Had a Mankousha and Shisha . It was very good . The staff was attentive and friendly.”May 2026
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Manoucheh with wild za’atar, fresh tomato, fresh onion Net +1
“The breakfast is simply amazing – especially the Manoucheh with wild za’atar, fresh tomato, fresh onion, and the stuffed za’atar with cheese. The presentation, the taste, and the texture of the Manoucheh are absolutely incredible.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The breakfast is simply amazing – especially the Manoucheh with wild za’atar, fresh tomato, fresh onion, and the stuffed za’atar with cheese. The presentation, the taste, and the texture of the Manoucheh are absolutely incredible.”August 2026
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Mix grilled Net +1
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was delicious specially al Beirut steaks 🥩 ( but I expected bigger portions) also kibbeh nayeh, other dishes also good like mix grilled and sweet ( dragon breath with ice cream , cotton candy 😋).”May 2025
-
Shawarma chicken fajitas Net +1
“Shawarma chicken Fajitas was so delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Shawarma chicken Fajitas was so delicious.”June 2026
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Stuffed za’atar with cheese Net +1
“The breakfast is simply amazing – especially the Manoucheh with wild za’atar, fresh tomato, fresh onion, and the stuffed za’atar with cheese. The presentation, the taste, and the texture of the Manoucheh are absolutely incredible.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The breakfast is simply amazing – especially the Manoucheh with wild za’atar, fresh tomato, fresh onion, and the stuffed za’atar with cheese. The presentation, the taste, and the texture of the Manoucheh are absolutely incredible.”August 2026
-
Vegetable platter Net +1
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the beetroot moutabbal, hendbeh, vegetable platter, fish skewers, and tried a piece of the cookie kunafa, everything was delicious.”April 2025
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Zaatar hummus Net +1
“We visited the restaurant at Dubai Festival City Mall and started with the Zaatar hummus, which was honestly the highlight of the meal. It was very refreshing and something I tried for the first time — personally, I loved it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We visited the restaurant at Dubai Festival City Mall and started with the Zaatar hummus, which was honestly the highlight of the meal. It was very refreshing and something I tried for the first time — personally, I loved it.”February 2026
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Beef shawarma with hummus Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“Beef Shawarma with hummus was OK.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 1
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Lebanese coffee Net +1
“Thoroughly enjoyed a cosmopolitan dining experience of Lebanese coffee, roca salad and honey za’atar chicken in beautiful surroundings.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Thoroughly enjoyed a cosmopolitan dining experience of Lebanese coffee, roca salad and honey za’atar chicken in beautiful surroundings.”January 2026
What to Avoid (4)
Food 4
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Chocolate fondant Net −1
“Unfortunately, our last two visits were really poor. The chocolate fondant, which the waiter confirmed should have a runny chocolate centre, arrived almost frozen.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Unfortunately, our last two visits were really poor. The chocolate fondant, which the waiter confirmed should have a runny chocolate centre, arrived almost frozen.”July 2026
-
Falafel sandwich Net −1
“We then ordered the falafel sandwich. The portion size was generous — two sandwiches served with wedges, salad, and pickles on the side. Unfortunately, this dish didn’t quite work for me. The falafel was quite dry and lacked flavour, so it didn’t create the magic I was hoping for.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We then ordered the falafel sandwich. The portion size was generous — two sandwiches served with wedges, salad, and pickles on the side. Unfortunately, this dish didn’t quite work for me. The falafel was quite dry and lacked flavour, so it didn’t create the magic I was hoping for.”February 2026
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Pain perdu Net −1
“The pain perdu was also served very cold, which was surprising.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The pain perdu was also served very cold, which was surprising.”July 2026
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Sliders Net −1
“Second thing I found not to be the greatest war the sliders. The bread use in the sliders in my opinion is the wrong bread. It is too dense and gritty. If they change the bread to something softer, would’ve helped a lot.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Second thing I found not to be the greatest war the sliders. The bread use in the sliders in my opinion is the wrong bread. It is too dense and gritty. If they change the bread to something softer, would’ve helped a lot.”January 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Allow time. Build in extra time during busy or uneven service periods; several reviews describe lengthy waits for food and basics.
Confirm seating. If you want outdoor seating, confirm it shortly before arrival; one reservation was placed indoors instead.
Ask about Iftar. At Iftar, check that the complete menu has arrived, including the hot mezze and meat rice dish.
Try hummus. Zaatar hummus is a safer first order than the falafel sandwich, which one reviewer found dry and lacking flavour.
Consider breakfast. Breakfast is worth prioritising: the Lebanese breakfast selection was described as good quality with several options.
Choose outdoors. For atmosphere, ask about the terrace or outdoor tables, which reviewers liked for water and fountain views.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Marina Walk - Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall
Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Slow service
Multiple visits involved long waits, including 45 minutes for tea and over 15 minutes for a simple ketchup request.
Inconsistent food
Some dishes were served very cold or poorly prepared, including an almost-frozen fondant and dry falafel.
Uneven consistency
A family group reported waiting 15 minutes for attention and receiving meals at different times, with smaller portions than another branch.
Premium pricing
One reviewer found the prices high relative to the quality, while another described them as a bit expensive.
Iftar omissions
During one Iftar visit, the hot mezze and meat rice had to be requested after they were initially missed.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Beiruti Cafe Festival City Mall is a modern Lebanese café in Dubai Festival City, suited to a meal after shopping, a family breakfast or an evening with shisha. The menu gives you plenty to explore, but the clearest review-backed starting points are Manoucheh, Lebanese breakfast, zaatar hummus and fatte batenjen. The Quinoa Halloumi Salad is another repeat favourite.
Breakfast receives especially specific praise: the Manoucheh with wild za’atar, tomato, onion and cheese was admired for its texture and presentation, while the Lebanese breakfast platter was described as fresh and high quality. The zaatar hummus comes with hot bread in one account; the falafel sandwich was generous but the falafel itself was found dry by that reviewer. The setting is a major part of the appeal.
Outdoor seating can overlook the water, fountain and wider Dubai landmarks, while smoking and non-smoking areas are available. Families may appreciate the small children’s drawing table. Service is the main caution.
Some visits brought warm, attentive hospitality, but others involved waits of 45 minutes for tea, delayed basics and meals arriving separately. Confirm outdoor bookings, allow extra time, and check that all Iftar dishes have arrived. Prices are viewed as high by some reviewers, so expectations should match the mall setting.