Lebanese Flavours
Reviews consistently praise authentic, fresh Lebanese food, from creamy dips to carefully cooked grilled meats.
Al Safadi Restaurant Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City
Al Safadi is a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai Festival City known for fresh, generously portioned mezze, grilled dishes and attentive service. Reviews also highlight a full vegan menu page and outdoor seating overlooking the promenade and creek, giving families and groups plenty of choice beyond the standard Lebanese favourites.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
2,773 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Vegan Menu
A full page dedicated to vegan dishes makes the menu easier to navigate for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Outdoor Views
The branch has outdoor seating overlooking the promenade and creek, with some tables also facing the fountain show.
Dessert Standouts
Date pudding is repeatedly singled out, while mafroukeh, pistachio dessert and labneh cheesecake also received strong praise.
Generous Portions
Several diners found the portions generous and the pricing reasonable relative to the food quality.
Family Friendly
Reviewers describe it as a spacious, calm choice for family dinners, group meals and relaxed seating.
Quick Service
Food was reported to arrive quickly even during busy periods, and staff were generally attentive.
What to Eat at Al Safadi Restaurant 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 Safadi Restaurant 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 Safadi Restaurant 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 3
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Beiruti hummus Net +2
“• Beiruti Hummus – Always delicious and flavorful. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• Beiruti Hummus – Always delicious and flavorful. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)”March 2026
“We began with the Beiruti hummus and moutabal , both were flawless. The hummus was creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of lemon and olive oil, while the moutabal offered that smoky, velvety depth that makes eggplant dips irresistible.”February 2026
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Fattoush Net +2
“We also loved the refreshing fattoush and the addictive spicy potato, which were both must-try dishes.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also loved the refreshing fattoush and the addictive spicy potato, which were both must-try dishes.”December 2025
“We always start with Fattoush and Baba Ghanouj—both were absolutely delicious.”June 2025
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Lamb chops Net +2
“I especially loved the grilled items, with the lamb chops being a standout.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I especially loved the grilled items, with the lamb chops being a standout.”June 2025
“Those lamb chops were so tender, and the mixed grill was cooked perfectly.”January 2026
Honorable mentions (33)
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Baba ghanouj Net +1
“We always start with Fattoush and Baba Ghanouj—both were absolutely delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We always start with Fattoush and Baba Ghanouj—both were absolutely delicious.”June 2025
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Calamari rings Net +1
“all the salads tasted immaculate and the one of the highlights for me personally were the calamari rings, so good and perfectly fried.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“all the salads tasted immaculate and the one of the highlights for me personally were the calamari rings, so good and perfectly fried.”December 2025
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Cheese bites Net +1
“The cheese bites were another highlight — golden, crispy on the outside, and decadently soft inside. They were served piping hot and paired beautifully with the dips, creating a harmonious interplay of textures and tastes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cheese bites were another highlight — golden, crispy on the outside, and decadently soft inside. They were served piping hot and paired beautifully with the dips, creating a harmonious interplay of textures and tastes.”February 2026
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Cheese rolls Net +1
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”December 2025
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Chicken grill Net +1
“• Chicken Grill – Very juicy, soft, and perfectly cooked. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• Chicken Grill – Very juicy, soft, and perfectly cooked. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”March 2026
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Chicken liver Net +1
“• 🍗 Chicken Liver: Rich, flavorful, and prepared just right – a dish that many get wrong, but here it’s a star.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• 🍗 Chicken Liver: Rich, flavorful, and prepared just right – a dish that many get wrong, but here it’s a star.”September 2025
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Date cake Net +1
“The date cake is soft, spongy, and fresh.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The date cake is soft, spongy, and fresh.”December 2025
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Date pudding muffin Net +1
“The Pistachio dessert is a masterpiece – nutty, creamy, and indulgent – while the Date Pudding Muffin is an absolute must-try. It’s unique, comforting, and a sweet ending to the meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Pistachio dessert is a masterpiece – nutty, creamy, and indulgent – while the Date Pudding Muffin is an absolute must-try. It’s unique, comforting, and a sweet ending to the meal.”September 2025
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Grilled chicken kafta Net +1
“Grilled chicken kafta was tasty as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Grilled chicken kafta was tasty as well.”June 2025
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Grilled wings Net +1
“The grilled wings were also full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The grilled wings were also full of flavor.”June 2025
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Hummus Net +1
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”December 2025
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Hummus with meat shawarma Net +1
“Ordered the Hummus with Meat Shawarma along with the Jellab. You could also choose to sit facing the fountain show. Good location to watch and dine. This was the second location I’ve tried in Dubai. Bottom line - everything was great as always. Couldn’t finish the whole Shawarma, so I had Muhammad Eyad pack it for me. Nice dude. Overall - 10/10”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ordered the Hummus with Meat Shawarma along with the Jellab. You could also choose to sit facing the fountain show. Good location to watch and dine. This was the second location I’ve tried in Dubai. Bottom line - everything was great as always. Couldn’t finish the whole Shawarma, so I had Muhammad Eyad pack it for me. Nice dude. Overall - 10/10”January 2026
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Juicy chicken touk Net +1
“The restaurant delights you with its fresh salads and juicy chicken touk.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The restaurant delights you with its fresh salads and juicy chicken touk.”December 2025
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Karabeej Net +1
“• Karabeej – Something unique and different from what I’ve had before, and very tasty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• Karabeej – Something unique and different from what I’ve had before, and very tasty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”March 2026
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Kibi bil laban Net +1
“I enjoyed there daily dish of kibi bil laban and mihshi kharouf super taste i love it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I enjoyed there daily dish of kibi bil laban and mihshi kharouf super taste i love it.”August 2025
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Labneh cheesecake Net +1
“The desserts were also delicious especially the Labneh cheesecake, which was a brilliant creation.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The desserts were also delicious especially the Labneh cheesecake, which was a brilliant creation.”June 2025
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Lentil soup Net +1
“I have never in my life tried better lentil soup then this. it is so flavorful with such a good consistency i feel like im freediving into a whole world i didn’t know about in just a single taste.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I have never in my life tried better lentil soup then this. it is so flavorful with such a good consistency i feel like im freediving into a whole world i didn’t know about in just a single taste.”December 2025
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Mafroukeh Net +1
“• Mafroukeh – Absolutely mind-blowing dessert. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• Mafroukeh – Absolutely mind-blowing dessert. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”March 2026
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Meat chops Net +1
“• 🥩 Meat Chops: Cooked to absolute perfection – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor that lingers.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• 🥩 Meat Chops: Cooked to absolute perfection – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor that lingers.”September 2025
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Mihshi kharouf Net +1
“I enjoyed there daily dish of kibi bil laban and mihshi kharouf super taste i love it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I enjoyed there daily dish of kibi bil laban and mihshi kharouf super taste i love it.”August 2025
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Mixed grill Net +1
“Those lamb chops were so tender, and the mixed grill was cooked perfectly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Those lamb chops were so tender, and the mixed grill was cooked perfectly.”January 2026
-
Mixed grill kebab Net +1
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Amazing experience at Al Safadi! The food was simply outstanding — the hummus was silky and flavorful, the mixed grill kebab perfectly cooked, and the cheese rolls were crispy and delicious.”December 2025
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Mohammara Net +1
“If I had to mention one thing, it would be the Mohammara. It’s good, but compared to how perfect everything else was, it could use a bit more depth and richness. Still enjoyable, but not on the same “wow” level as the other dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If I had to mention one thing, it would be the Mohammara. It’s good, but compared to how perfect everything else was, it could use a bit more depth and richness. Still enjoyable, but not on the same “wow” level as the other dishes.”September 2025
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Muttabal Net +1
“• 🥇 Muttabal: The highlight of the meal and honestly the best in the UAE. Creamy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned – it sets the standard.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• 🥇 Muttabal: The highlight of the meal and honestly the best in the UAE. Creamy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned – it sets the standard.”September 2025
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Pistachio dessert Net +1
“The Pistachio dessert is a masterpiece – nutty, creamy, and indulgent – while the Date Pudding Muffin is an absolute must-try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Pistachio dessert is a masterpiece – nutty, creamy, and indulgent – while the Date Pudding Muffin is an absolute must-try.”September 2025
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Sausages Net +1
“The sausages had an authentic Lebanese flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The sausages had an authentic Lebanese flavor.”June 2025
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Shanklish Net +1
“The shanklish and sunny side eggs were excellent and very tasty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shanklish and sunny side eggs were excellent and very tasty.”May 2026
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Shish tawouk sandwich Net +1
“The shish tawouk sandwich was very yummy!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shish tawouk sandwich was very yummy!”June 2025
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Spicy potato Net +1
“We also loved the refreshing fattoush and the addictive spicy potato, which were both must-try dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also loved the refreshing fattoush and the addictive spicy potato, which were both must-try dishes.”December 2025
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Sunny side eggs Net +1
“The shanklish and sunny side eggs were excellent and very tasty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shanklish and sunny side eggs were excellent and very tasty.”May 2026
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Tabbouleh Net +1
“• 🥗 Tabbouleh: Exceptionally fresh, vibrant, and balanced with just the right kick of lemon.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• 🥗 Tabbouleh: Exceptionally fresh, vibrant, and balanced with just the right kick of lemon.”September 2025
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Falafel Net 0
Mixed feedback
“• Falafel – Crispy outside and soft inside. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“• Falafel – Crispy outside and soft inside. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)”March 2026
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Yogurt fattah Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“The yogurt fattah was average, while the kofta manakeesh was unfortunately below expectations.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
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Avocado smoothie Net +1
“The avocado smoothie is a must-try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The avocado smoothie is a must-try.”December 2025
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Lemonade mint Net +1
“Lemonade mint was refreshing and sweet.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lemonade mint was refreshing and sweet.”June 2025
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
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Kofta manakeesh Net −1
“The yogurt fattah was average, while the kofta manakeesh was unfortunately below expectations.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The yogurt fattah was average, while the kofta manakeesh was unfortunately below expectations.”May 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Choose Outdoors. Ask for outdoor seating if you want promenade-and-creek views or a table facing the fountain show.
Use Vegan Page. Vegetarian and vegan diners should start with the menu’s dedicated vegan-dishes page.
Check Delivery Photos. For delivery, compare the dish description and photo carefully; one mushroom order did not match the app image.
Skip Kofta Manakeesh. If ordering breakfast, consider the shanklish and sunny-side eggs rather than kofta manakeesh, which received a poor review.
Share Mezze. For a first meal, sharing dips and starters is a practical way to sample the Lebanese menu and its generous portions.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Ground Floor, Mall Main Atrium
Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Uncomfortable Chairs
The chairs may become uncomfortable if you plan to linger over a long meal.
Uneven Breakfast
Breakfast was mixed: shanklish and sunny-side eggs impressed, but yogurt fattah was average and kofta manakeesh fell short.
Falafel Miss
One diner felt the falafel needed improvement, so it may not be the safest first order.
Service Lapses
One visit included missing tableware and a delayed bill despite the restaurant not being busy.
App Mismatch
A delivery customer said the mushroom dish did not match its delivery-app photo.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 108
complimentary dessert
“To our surprise, he also treated us with a complimentary dessert worth AED 108, which was a very thoughtful gesture and a reflection of how much they value their guests”Google review · July 2026
DXB
LOCAL
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The Bottom Line
Al Safadi in Dubai Festival City is a Lebanese restaurant suited to family meals, group dinners and diners who want a broad menu rather than a quick single dish. Reviews point to fresh, authentic food, generous portions and generally warm, efficient service. Start with Beiruti hummus and moutabal, then consider grilled items such as lamb chops or chicken grill.
The branch has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area overlooks the promenade and creek, and one reviewer mentioned tables facing the fountain show, while another described the interior as calm and quiet. It is a spacious setting for families, although the chairs may not be comfortable for a long breakfast or leisurely meal.
A dedicated page of vegan dishes is a useful detail for vegetarian and vegan diners. Desserts deserve attention: date pudding is a recurring favourite, with mafroukeh, pistachio dessert and labneh cheesecake also mentioned. Breakfast is less consistent; shanklish and sunny-side eggs were excellent, but yogurt fattah was average and kofta manakeesh disappointed one diner.
Most reviews call the prices reasonable for the quality and quantity, though one described the restaurant as pricey but worthwhile. Delivery customers may want to check that dish photos match what arrives.