Waterfront views
Outdoor seating looks towards the canal and Burj Al Arab, giving sunset and evening meals a distinctive setting.
ANAR - Authentic Persian Cuisine
Al Sufouh
ANAR is a Persian restaurant in Al Sufouh, at Souk Madinat, pairing traditional dishes with an elegant waterfront setting. Reviews point to juicy kebabs, saffron rice, slow-cooked stews and outdoor tables with Burj Al Arab views as the main reasons to visit.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
1,397 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout kebabs
Kebab Torsh was praised for being tender, flavourful and perfectly cooked, while koobideh drew compliments for its charcoal flavour.
Persian classics
Reviews highlight fragrant saffron rice with barberries, juicy koobideh, lamb dishes and rich stews such as Qormeh Sabzi.
Vegetarian choice
Vegetarian diners found plenty to order, including Ghormeh Sabzi Ba Garchif, Kashk-O-Bademian, soup, salad and desserts.
Persian tea
Persian tea comes with aromatic spices and a saffron sweet instead of ordinary sugar, making it a memorable finish or pause.
Complimentary appetizer
One review describes an exceptionally good appetizer served free with a dine-in meal.
What to Eat at ANAR - Authentic Persian Cuisine 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 ANAR - Authentic Persian Cuisine, 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 ANAR - Authentic Persian Cuisine got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 4
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Saffron rice Net +5
“The lamb chops were perfectly flavoured and so tender , saffron rice also very tasty . Truly enjoyed my dining experience”
Positive 5Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The lamb chops were perfectly flavoured and so tender , saffron rice also very tasty . Truly enjoyed my dining experience”December 2025
“The flavors are authentic and thoughtfully prepared fragrant saffron rice, perfectly spiced kebabs, and rich, slow cooked stews that feel like they’ve been made with generations of care.”December 2025
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Koobideh Net +4
“A little pricy but, man, that koobideh kabob! The charcoal flavor is truly unbeatable. And don’t forget that tender neck.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A little pricy but, man, that koobideh kabob! The charcoal flavor is truly unbeatable. And don’t forget that tender neck.”February 2026
“The kebab koobideh was delicious—perfectly seasoned, juicy, and cooked just right.”December 2025
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Lamb chop Net +4
“The food was beautifully presented — fresh salads, rich starters with pomegranate, and an amazing lamb chop with fragrant saffron rice. Everything tasted homemade and full of flavor.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was beautifully presented — fresh salads, rich starters with pomegranate, and an amazing lamb chop with fragrant saffron rice. Everything tasted homemade and full of flavor.”December 2025
“The staff Ms Anna is polite and attentive, and the quality of dishes is consistently impressive.Kubide and lamb chops are Super.”February 2026
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Kashk-o-bademian Net +2
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good”February 2026
“We tried the Ghormeh Sabzi Ba Garchifor the main, Kashk-O-Bademian for appetizers, and enjoyed a delicious soup, salad, and some tasty desserts. Everything was just perfect.”January 2026
Honorable mentions (14)
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Ash soup Net +1
“The Ash soup in particular was excellent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Ash soup in particular was excellent.”July 2021
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Cucumber salad Net +1
“We had a delightful group meal of three at this restaurant. The food was authentically cooked, and we began with the meatballs and cucumber salad. For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had a delightful group meal of three at this restaurant. The food was authentically cooked, and we began with the meatballs and cucumber salad. For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”December 2025
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Ghormeh sabzi ba garchifor Net +1
“We tried the Ghormeh Sabzi Ba Garchifor the main, Kashk-O-Bademian for appetizers, and enjoyed a delicious soup, salad, and some tasty desserts. Everything was just perfect.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the Ghormeh Sabzi Ba Garchifor the main, Kashk-O-Bademian for appetizers, and enjoyed a delicious soup, salad, and some tasty desserts. Everything was just perfect.”January 2026
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Iftar menu Net +1
“Iftar menu was delicious , we left 100% satisfied and happy”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Iftar menu was delicious , we left 100% satisfied and happy”February 2026
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Joojeh torsh Net +1
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good”February 2026
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Kebab torsh Net +1
“The Kebab Torsh was honestly the best we’ve ever had. It was so tender, full of flavour and cooked perfectly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Kebab Torsh was honestly the best we’ve ever had. It was so tender, full of flavour and cooked perfectly.”July 2026
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Mixed skewer platter Net +1
“For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”December 2025
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Pistachio cheesecake Net +1
“I highly recommend to try their authentic saffron ice cream and pistachio cheesecake!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend to try their authentic saffron ice cream and pistachio cheesecake!”December 2025
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Pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon Net +1
“For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, we opted for the mixed skewer platter and the pomegranate-rich chicken-based fesengoon. The food was incredible, honestly. Everything was flavorful, tender, and beautifully cooked.”December 2025
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Qormeh sabzi Net +1
“The juiciect kebabs and most flavourfull stews we ever had: kabab Sultani and Qormeh Sabzi. The masterpieces of persian cuisines served in Dubai at world class quality.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The juiciect kebabs and most flavourfull stews we ever had: kabab Sultani and Qormeh Sabzi. The masterpieces of persian cuisines served in Dubai at world class quality.”April 2026
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Saffron boneless chicken Net +1
“Although I can never remember each dish name, the saffron boneless chicken was juicy, tender, and practically melted in my mouth.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Although I can never remember each dish name, the saffron boneless chicken was juicy, tender, and practically melted in my mouth.”June 2023
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Saffron ice cream Net +1
“I highly recommend to try their authentic saffron ice cream and pistachio cheesecake!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend to try their authentic saffron ice cream and pistachio cheesecake!”December 2025
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Salad shirazi Net +1
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good Cons: Salad Shirazi could have more lemon juice and salt”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice and helpful staff specially Asal + Joojeh Torsh was very tasty + Yoghurt and cucumber tasted different but amazing + Salad Shirazi was very fresh + Kashk Bademjan was good Cons: Salad Shirazi could have more lemon juice and salt”February 2026
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Slow l-cooked lamb shank Net +1
“We ordered two lamb dishes - a lamb chop and a slow l-cooked lamb shank, both come with saffron rice. Excellent texture and taste!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered two lamb dishes - a lamb chop and a slow l-cooked lamb shank, both come with saffron rice. Excellent texture and taste!”March 2023
Drinks 1
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Persian tea Net +1
“It was my first time trying Persian tea, and I loved it. It’s served with aromatic spices, and instead of sugar, you’re given a special sweet candy(saffron) It felt like more than just tea - almost like a small tea ceremony, which was very unique and interesting. 🫖”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“It was my first time trying Persian tea, and I loved it. It’s served with aromatic spices, and instead of sugar, you’re given a special sweet candy(saffron) It felt like more than just tea - almost like a small tea ceremony, which was very unique and interesting. 🫖”April 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Request views. Ask for a table facing the Burj Al Arab if the setting matters; one diner specifically recommended doing so.
Check parking. If using the validation offer, confirm your car plate was entered correctly before leaving; one guest was charged 60 dirham instead.
Ask questions. If Persian food is new to you, ask for explanations of the dishes and flavours before ordering; this was a noted area for improvement.
Try outdoors. Consider outdoor seating for the canal and Burj Al Arab outlook; a review describes it as especially pleasant during winter.
Plan the visit
Practical details
United Arab Emirates
Al Sufouh 1, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 11:45 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 11:45 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Slow service
Several reviews mention delays, including one meal where service was described as too slow and another where guests had to call the waiter themselves.
Small portions
Some diners felt portions were modest for the price, including a table that received only one appetizer for five people until requesting another.
Upkeep issue
One recent review noticed air conditioning dripping from the ceiling, suggesting the dining room may need maintenance.
Menu knowledge
A group found the food excellent but said staff could have explained the menu and its flavours more confidently.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
ANAR is a Persian restaurant in Al Sufouh, at Souk Madinat, where the food shares attention with a canal-side setting and Burj Al Arab views. It suits a relaxed lunch, sunset meal or dinner where atmosphere matters as much as the plate, with indoor and outdoor seating mentioned in reviews. The menu’s strongest recurring points are kebabs and rice dishes.
Kebab Torsh, koobideh and Kebab Sultani receive particularly enthusiastic mentions, while Qormeh Sabzi and pomegranate-rich Fesengoon cover the slower-cooked side of Persian cooking. Saffron rice, lamb chops and vegetarian dishes such as Ghormeh Sabzi Ba Garchif also give first-time diners room to explore. Persian tea arrives with aromatic spices and a saffron sweet.
Service is often warm and attentive, but it is not completely consistent. Recent diners reported excellent guidance and hospitality, while others experienced slow responses or had to call for help. Portions were considered modest by some guests, and the location can feel expensive for what arrives.
For the best setting, ask for a Burj Al Arab-facing table and consider the outdoor area in cooler weather. If driving, double-check that parking validation has been applied to your plate; one diner was unexpectedly charged 60 dirham.