Harees
The harees is repeatedly praised, with reviewers calling it among the best they have had.
Alghawas Albahri Restaurant &Kitchen
Al Barsha
Alghawas Albahri Restaurant & Kitchen in Al Barsha serves traditional Emirati-style food alongside seafood and grilled dishes. Reviewers especially point to the harees, fresh fish, generous portions and a cosy interior with majlis-style seating.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
167 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Fresh seafood
Reviewers describe the seafood as fresh, including the grilled sea bream, seabass and hamour.
Emirati setting
Majlis-style cushions, rustic decor and heritage-inspired interiors create a cosy Emirati atmosphere.
Large portions
Several reviews mention generous portions, including grilled chicken and fish shared by two people.
Breakfast
The Emarati breakfast includes well-liked Riggag bread, tea and an egg-white omelet on request.
Mixed grill
The mixed grill platter is praised for charred, tender meat served with rice, vegetables and sauces.
Reasonable value
Customers commonly describe the prices as reasonable, particularly alongside the food quality and portion sizes.
What to Eat at Alghawas Albahri Restaurant &Kitchen 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 Alghawas Albahri Restaurant &Kitchen, 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.
These items at Alghawas Albahri Restaurant &Kitchen got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 10
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Dried shrimp Net +1
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”February 2025
-
Emarati breakfast Net +1
“A very nice place indeed, I have been over a number of times for the Emarati breakfast. The Riggag bread is lovely and they make egg white omelet if you ask for it. The tea is lovely. The place is really run by a wonderful lady called Dura and she single handedly does all the serving and taking orders. Found her very professional. The kitchen staff are friendly too, they always say hello when they go out for a break after the breakfast shift before they start the lunch. There are couple of Arab guys basically at the cash counter or answering telephones and all seem nice even though there isn't much interaction with them. The star of the place is both the menu and Dura, the only thing I am disappointed is they don't have the anchovy fish sauce or mishwaya I think its called, apparently the cook dosen't know that dish though it's there on the menu. Having that with Riggag bread would be fab. A clean and tidy place can't find any faults at all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A very nice place indeed, I have been over a number of times for the Emarati breakfast. The Riggag bread is lovely and they make egg white omelet if you ask for it. The tea is lovely. The place is really run by a wonderful lady called Dura and she single handedly does all the serving and taking orders. Found her very professional. The kitchen staff are friendly too, they always say hello when they go out for a break after the breakfast shift before they start the lunch. There are couple of Arab guys basically at the cash counter or answering telephones and all seem nice even though there isn't much interaction with them. The star of the place is both the menu and Dura, the only thing I am disappointed is they don't have the anchovy fish sauce or mishwaya I think its called, apparently the cook dosen't know that dish though it's there on the menu. Having that with Riggag bread would be fab. A clean and tidy place can't find any faults at all.”January 2025
-
Grilled chicken Net +1
“The grilled chicken and grilled fish were freshly made, incredibly delicious, and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The grilled chicken and grilled fish were freshly made, incredibly delicious, and full of flavor.”April 2025
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Grilled fish Net +1
“The grilled chicken and grilled fish were freshly made, incredibly delicious, and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The grilled chicken and grilled fish were freshly made, incredibly delicious, and full of flavor.”April 2025
-
Grilled sea bream Net +1
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”February 2025
-
Grilled seabass Net +1
“Loved this restaurant, very tasty and juicy mutton kebab. Good service and positive ambience. strongly recommend trying this restaurant. Will try their seafood next time Update: I tried their grilled seabass. Absolutely awesome. This has become my go to place for lunch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved this restaurant, very tasty and juicy mutton kebab. Good service and positive ambience. strongly recommend trying this restaurant. Will try their seafood next time Update: I tried their grilled seabass. Absolutely awesome. This has become my go to place for lunch.”February 2025
-
Haboul Net +1
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”May 2024
-
Iranian mixed grill Net +1
“I ordered the Iranian mixed grill, and honestly, it was delicious and wonderful. The hummus was unbeatable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the Iranian mixed grill, and honestly, it was delicious and wonderful. The hummus was unbeatable.”November 2025
-
Jashid Net +1
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”May 2024
-
Kingfish stew Net +1
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”February 2025
Honorable mentions (9)
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Lamb harees Net +1
“From the perfectly spiced machboos to the melt-in-your-mouth lamb harees, every bite told a story of culinary heritage preserved over time.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“From the perfectly spiced machboos to the melt-in-your-mouth lamb harees, every bite told a story of culinary heritage preserved over time.”April 2025
-
Luqaimat Net +1
“Ordered bulk boxes of 17 luqaimat for an event and everything was exceptional! Luqaimat still tasted fresh after a few hours and everyone absolutely loved them! Service was great and delivery was made on time. Wonderful experience✨!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ordered bulk boxes of 17 luqaimat for an event and everything was exceptional! Luqaimat still tasted fresh after a few hours and everyone absolutely loved them! Service was great and delivery was made on time. Wonderful experience✨!!”November 2024
-
Matfi hamour Net +1
“I had the Matfi Hamour with white rice. It was very good & tasted like proper homemade Khaliji food.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the Matfi Hamour with white rice. It was very good & tasted like proper homemade Khaliji food.”July 2025
-
Mixed grill platter Net +1
“Now, onto the food—oh, the glorious food! We ordered the mixed grill platter, which was a masterclass in flavors and textures. The meats were cooked to perfection, with a beautiful char on the outside and tender, juicy flesh inside. The accompanying rice, vegetables, and sauces were all expertly prepared and added to the overall delight of the dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Now, onto the food—oh, the glorious food! We ordered the mixed grill platter, which was a masterclass in flavors and textures. The meats were cooked to perfection, with a beautiful char on the outside and tender, juicy flesh inside. The accompanying rice, vegetables, and sauces were all expertly prepared and added to the overall delight of the dish.”November 2024
-
Mutton kebab Net +1
“Loved this restaurant, very tasty and juicy mutton kebab. Good service and positive ambience. strongly recommend trying this restaurant. Will try their seafood next time Update: I tried their grilled seabass. Absolutely awesome. This has become my go to place for lunch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved this restaurant, very tasty and juicy mutton kebab. Good service and positive ambience. strongly recommend trying this restaurant. Will try their seafood next time Update: I tried their grilled seabass. Absolutely awesome. This has become my go to place for lunch.”February 2025
-
Seafood bucket Net +1
“The place is beautiful and quiet, the service is fast, the food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, the staff are helpful and cheerful, and the seafood bucket was delicious and worth trying. May God grant them success.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The place is beautiful and quiet, the service is fast, the food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, the staff are helpful and cheerful, and the seafood bucket was delicious and worth trying. May God grant them success.”May 2024
-
Shrimp biryani Net +1
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the Harees, Kingfish Stew, Dried Shrimp, Shrimp Biryani, and Grilled Sea Bream. All the dishes were excellent, and the service was great too.”February 2025
-
Tareed Net +1
“Best Tareed in Dubai”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best Tareed in Dubai”May 2026
-
Tom yum soup Net +1
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious traditional food... We ordered Jashid, it was so tasty... and Haboul, it was also delicious... and Naghar and grilled shrimp... We also ordered Tom Yum soup, it was good too... The service was a little slow... but the food is good and worth trying”May 2024
Drinks 1
-
Tea Net +1
“A very nice place indeed, I have been over a number of times for the Emarati breakfast. The Riggag bread is lovely and they make egg white omelet if you ask for it. The tea is lovely. The place is really run by a wonderful lady called Dura and she single handedly does all the serving and taking orders. Found her very professional. The kitchen staff are friendly too, they always say hello when they go out for a break after the breakfast shift before they start the lunch. There are couple of Arab guys basically at the cash counter or answering telephones and all seem nice even though there isn't much interaction with them. The star of the place is both the menu and Dura, the only thing I am disappointed is they don't have the anchovy fish sauce or mishwaya I think its called, apparently the cook dosen't know that dish though it's there on the menu. Having that with Riggag bread would be fab. A clean and tidy place can't find any faults at all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A very nice place indeed, I have been over a number of times for the Emarati breakfast. The Riggag bread is lovely and they make egg white omelet if you ask for it. The tea is lovely. The place is really run by a wonderful lady called Dura and she single handedly does all the serving and taking orders. Found her very professional. The kitchen staff are friendly too, they always say hello when they go out for a break after the breakfast shift before they start the lunch. There are couple of Arab guys basically at the cash counter or answering telephones and all seem nice even though there isn't much interaction with them. The star of the place is both the menu and Dura, the only thing I am disappointed is they don't have the anchovy fish sauce or mishwaya I think its called, apparently the cook dosen't know that dish though it's there on the menu. Having that with Riggag bread would be fab. A clean and tidy place can't find any faults at all.”January 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Check harees. Ask about harees before visiting or ordering; one review says its availability is unpredictable.
Plan parking. Allow extra time to park in the crowded area, and ask the restaurant staff about parking behind the building.
Try breakfast. For breakfast, ask for the egg-white omelet, which a reviewer says the restaurant can prepare on request.
Clarify delivery. If ordering delivery, explain the location clearly and confirm the details by phone before the driver sets out.
Plan the visit
Practical details
MT Khoory Building - 22nd St - near Al Barsha 1
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, 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 – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Service inconsistency
Some diners report rude or inattentive staff, while another review describes service as slow.
Cleanliness concerns
One diner reported flies and an unpleasant sewage smell, despite other reviews describing the restaurant as clean.
Harees availability
Harees may not be available consistently; one reviewer found it present only occasionally.
Parking difficulty
Parking can be difficult because the surrounding area is crowded.
Delivery calls
A delivery review reports poor phone communication and an impolite driver who ended the call abruptly.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Alghawas Albahri is a traditional Emirati-style restaurant in Al Barsha with a menu that suits both local-food hunters and seafood fans. The dishes most clearly backed by reviews include harees, Matfi Hamour with white rice, grilled sea bream and the mixed grill platter. Portions are often described as generous, and several diners found the pricing reasonable.
The harees is a standout, but availability appears uneven, so ask before making a special trip. Seafood reviews are strong: diners mention fresh fish, grilled seabass, shrimp and a seafood platter. The mixed grill is described as charred outside and tender inside, with rice, vegetables and sauces alongside.
The setting is part of the appeal. Reviewers mention majlis-style cushions, rustic Emirati decor and a cosy, comfortable atmosphere. Breakfast is another useful angle: Riggag bread and tea are popular, and an egg-white omelet can be requested.
There are practical caveats. Parking around the restaurant can be difficult, and one review reported flies and a sewage smell. Service feedback is mixed, including complaints about rude or inattentive staff and slow service, although other diners found the team warm and helpful.
Delivery communication received a particularly poor report, so dining in may be the less stressful choice.