Sunset terraces
Two outdoor terrace levels overlook the Al Quadra desert, giving sunset diners a wide rooftop view.
Anwa Restaurant
Mugatrah
In Mugatrah, Anwa Restaurant combines Southeast Asian cooking with a rooftop desert setting. Visitors come for sunset views, small plates such as lobster Pad Thai, creative cocktails and, for those who want it, shisha under the open sky.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
287 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Warm service
Reviews repeatedly describe the team as attentive and welcoming, with staff taking care over recommendations and dietary requests.
Dietary care
One diner with several dietary restrictions received a full tailored meal that was described as both safe and delicious.
Relaxed atmosphere
The rooftop combines desert views with stylish interiors, cocktails, background music and a relaxed setting for dates or catching up.
Shisha option
Shisha is available for guests who want to continue the evening after dinner, alongside drinks and the rooftop atmosphere.
Tips for a Better Visit
Reserve sunset. Ask for a sunset-view table when booking; one diner specifically requested this and watched the sunset during dinner.
Plan outdoors. Expect terrace heat in hot weather and ask whether movable air-conditioning is available for your table.
Confirm allergies. Repeat any allergy or no-chilli request when ordering and ask staff to identify sauces before eating.
Save room. Leave space for dessert: reviewers specifically mention mango crème brûlée, coconut ice cream and the newer mochi dessert.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort - Al Qudra Road - opposite Endurance City
Mugatrah, Dubai
Common Concerns
Shisha smoke
A reviewer found the shisha smell pervasive enough to make the venue uncomfortable for diners focused on the food.
Menu choice
One review enjoyed the Pad Thai but felt the menu needed more variety.
Outdoor heat
Open-air seating can feel hot, especially in warmer months, although movable air-conditioning helped one table.
Allergy handling
A spicy sauce was served with a fish dish despite a no-chilli request, and the diner was not warned it was hot.
Uneven value
Some diners found prices high, including a complaint about four shrimp skewers costing 195 without a side.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
380 AED
robatayaki platter
“I ordered the robatayaki platter for 380 AED, which was a good deal, and everything was good, so I recommend it”Google review · May 2024
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The Bottom Line
In Mugatrah, Anwa Restaurant is a rooftop Southeast Asian dining spot built around desert scenery. The main draw is sunset: two outdoor terrace levels look across the dunes, while the open setting and stylish interiors work well for a date, drinks with friends or a relaxed evening with shisha. The menu has several reviewer-backed highlights.
Lobster Pad Thai is a recurring favourite, while spicy tuna, crab roll and tenderloin also receive specific recommendations. The mango crème brûlée, coconut ice cream and ice-cream-filled mochi are worth leaving room for. Cocktails and mocktails are also mentioned positively, and one diner paid 380 AED for a robatayaki platter, calling it good value.
Service is a clear strength, with repeated comments about attentive, friendly staff and thoughtful recommendations. The kitchen has accommodated complex dietary restrictions successfully, but one guest’s no-chilli request was not handled safely when a spicy sauce accompanied fish, so repeat allergy details and check every sauce. Outdoor conditions deserve planning.
September was described as very hot, though movable air-conditioning helped one table. If sunset matters, request the view when booking. Shisha smoke can be intrusive for diners who mainly want a quiet meal, and some guests found individual dishes or shrimp skewers expensive for what they received.