Emirati dishes
Traditional Emirati cooking is a clear strength, with machbous lamb and other regional dishes receiving specific praise.
Al Mashowa
Dubai South
Al Mashowa is an Emirati restaurant in Dubai South, known for traditional dishes such as machbous lamb and lamb harees. Reviews also highlight its Ramadan iftar buffet, friendly service, family-friendly setting, and waterside atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
994 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Generous portions
Portions are large enough for sharing; one reviewer said a serving was enough for two people.
Family friendly
Families are well catered for, including a reported effort to check dishes for a child with milk allergies.
Waterside setting
The location by the water can add a scenic element, including views of the laser and fountain show.
Iftar buffet
During Ramadan, reviewers praised the iftar buffet and the chance to learn about Emirati dishes while dining.
Fish dishes
Fish is another strong choice, with one diner enjoying a range of Emirati fish, meat, kebab and shrimp dishes.
Indoor outdoor
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, giving visitors a choice of setting.
What to Eat at Al Mashowa 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 Mashowa, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. We still have more reviews to analyze, so the scores may change. 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.
These items at Al Mashowa got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 1
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Iftar Net +2
“I loved the view of Ramadan decorations from outside, it was very inviting, seeing friendly staff, and as non-Muslims we got eager to join in the buffet and try the cuisine options. I came across the head chef who explained to us the dishes and the Emirati cuisinein detail, we were so impressed with the food even before tasting it, Iftar he called it. After tasting it was amazing the food, drinks, staff, view, the water, atmosphere….definitely breath-taking to experience the culture and the hospitality during Ramadan. Will definitely come back again !!!! Thank you Head Chef and your staff!!!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I loved the view of Ramadan decorations from outside, it was very inviting, seeing friendly staff, and as non-Muslims we got eager to join in the buffet and try the cuisine options. I came across the head chef who explained to us the dishes and the Emirati cuisinein detail, we were so impressed with the food even before tasting it, Iftar he called it. After tasting it was amazing the food, drinks, staff, view, the water, atmosphere….definitely breath-taking to experience the culture and the hospitality during Ramadan. Will definitely come back again !!!! Thank you Head Chef and your staff!!!”March 2026
“We enjoyed a lovely Iftar, everything was really pleasant from the food, to the music and the staff. The place is perfect for families.”February 2026
Honorable mentions (15)
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Biriyani Net +1
“The food is so amazing! The best biriyani I had, my son likes it so so so much! The whole portion is big for an adult and he as a 7 years old kid finished almost all. So yum and all the people there are so nice, very much kids friendly. We definitely will go there this winter to enjoy BBQ buffet.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is so amazing! The best biriyani I had, my son likes it so so so much! The whole portion is big for an adult and he as a 7 years old kid finished almost all. So yum and all the people there are so nice, very much kids friendly. We definitely will go there this winter to enjoy BBQ buffet.”August 2025
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Calamari Net +1
“Gamer was a delightful host. We enjoyed some well recommended Arabic dishes and our children were delighted with their calamari and tastes from our grown up’s share platter. Highly recommend ❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Gamer was a delightful host. We enjoyed some well recommended Arabic dishes and our children were delighted with their calamari and tastes from our grown up’s share platter. Highly recommend ❤️”September 2025
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Chicken kebab Net +1
“We ordered Emirates Hatta (chicken biryani)and chicken Kebab with fresh limon with mint,the only fresh juice option!!!although they put in menu other juice options. Overall, I can say it is good restaurant,prices affordable,”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Emirates Hatta (chicken biryani)and chicken Kebab with fresh limon with mint,the only fresh juice option!!!although they put in menu other juice options. Overall, I can say it is good restaurant,prices affordable,”October 2023
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Emarati fish Net +1
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”January 2026
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Iftar buffet Net +1
“Best experience ever. There is an iftar buffet 10/10”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best experience ever. There is an iftar buffet 10/10”February 2026
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Kebab Net +1
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”January 2026
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Lamb harees Net +1
“The lamb harees is delicious; highly recommend!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The lamb harees is delicious; highly recommend!!”January 2026
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Lamb shank Net +1
“Food is delicious. We had the mixed platter and lamb shank, we could not fault it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food is delicious. We had the mixed platter and lamb shank, we could not fault it.”December 2025
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Luqaimat Net +1
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”August 2024
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Machbous lamb Net +1
“"Al mashowa restaurant captivated me with its authentic ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite dishes. From the warm welcome to the flavorful [Machbous lamb ], every moment was a culinary delight. A must-visit for a true taste of Emirates hospitality."”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“"Al mashowa restaurant captivated me with its authentic ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite dishes. From the warm welcome to the flavorful [Machbous lamb ], every moment was a culinary delight. A must-visit for a true taste of Emirates hospitality."”January 2024
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Madroubah chicken Net +1
“For me, I think Al Mashowa is the best place to eat in Dubai Parks especially for Asian like me because they have rice. The ambience of the place is nice, the food is tasty and one serving of the food we order is enough for two people. We tried their new menu Madroubah chicken and it’s delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For me, I think Al Mashowa is the best place to eat in Dubai Parks especially for Asian like me because they have rice. The ambience of the place is nice, the food is tasty and one serving of the food we order is enough for two people. We tried their new menu Madroubah chicken and it’s delicious!”August 2025
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Mix grill Net +1
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”January 2024
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Mixed platter Net +1
“Food is delicious. We had the mixed platter and lamb shank, we could not fault it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food is delicious. We had the mixed platter and lamb shank, we could not fault it.”December 2025
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Shrimps Net +1
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had different dishes including Emarati fish, meat, Kebab and shrimps. Loved them all.”January 2026
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Vimto Net +1
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”August 2024
Drinks 2
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Lemon and mint juice Net +1
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The luqaimat ehich they brought out for us at the end were really nice.. the vimto and the lemon and mint juice were really nice and refreshing..”August 2024
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Moroccan tea Net +1
“Moroccan tea was nice and a big pot was enough for 3 people.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Moroccan tea was nice and a big pot was enough for 3 people.”December 2023
What to Avoid (3)
Food 3
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Cheese rolls Net −1
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”January 2024
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Fattoush Net −1
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”January 2024
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Spinach fatayer Net −1
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The view and location are perfect, the food is good but not super, tge fattoush was not nice tasteless and its the basic thing and nost popular salad for arab and they didn't make ot good, the mix grill is so nice with the yellow rice so delicious. But the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer was frozen which is so bad. there's resturants you try them you say wow i will come for sure again and again, but not here. the staff are so kind and friendly”January 2024
Tips for a Better Visit
Check availability. If lamb is your main reason for visiting, ask before ordering: one guest found the lamb dish unavailable.
Ask questions. If Emirati food is new to you, ask the team to explain the dishes; a reviewer found that guidance especially helpful.
Mention allergies. Tell the chef about allergies when ordering; one large family group reported careful checks for a child with milk allergies.
Try Ramadan. During Ramadan, consider the iftar buffet for a broader introduction to the cuisine and the restaurant’s cultural atmosphere.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Saih Shuaib 1 - Dubai
Saih Shuaib 1, Dubai
| Mon | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Tue | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Wed | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Thu | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sun | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Dish availability
A visitor who came mainly for the lamb dish found it unavailable, so popular items may not always be on hand.
Limited menu
Some reviews describe the menu as limited, with several items unavailable during a visit.
Frozen pastries
One reviewer specifically found the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer frozen.
Service inconsistency
Although later service improved, one diner reported being ignored at the counter and having an uncomfortable seating interaction.
Price concern
At least one reviewer considered the restaurant pricey.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Mashowa is a Dubai South restaurant for Emirati food in a setting that reviewers describe as stylish, authentic and welcoming. The menu has included machbous lamb, lamb harees, Emirati fish dishes and mixed platters, while the Ramadan iftar buffet has been a particular draw. Portions are often described as generous, with one reviewer saying a serving was enough for two people.
The atmosphere suits a relaxed family meal. Reviews mention comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, a peaceful environment, gentle music and a waterside location where diners could watch a laser and fountain show. Families have also appreciated the children’s options and the chef checking dishes for a child with milk allergies.
The food is not limited to meat: fish, shrimp, kebab and chicken dishes all appear in recent experiences. There are a few reasons to check details before settling in. The lamb dish was unavailable for one guest who had come specifically for it, and another review described the menu as small with some unavailable items.
A diner also found the cheese rolls and spinach fatayer frozen, while older reviews mention slow dessert service and inconsistent welcomes. If you are new to Emirati cuisine, ask for an explanation of the dishes before ordering.