Moroccan setting
Lanterns, mosaics, rugs and traditional decor create an atmosphere reviewers compare to stepping into Morocco.
Bab Al Mansour
Downtown Dubai
Bab Al Mansour is a refined Moroccan restaurant in Downtown Dubai, known for ornate traditional decor and an immersive atmosphere. Reviews highlight its pastilla, couscous and Moroccan tea, while live music and shisha make it suited to an unhurried evening as well as a meal.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
8,692 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Pastilla
The pastilla is repeatedly praised, including a crispy, balanced starter and a flaky version filled with a delicious mixture.
Tagines
The veal tagine with apricots and tagine kefta stand out for tender meat and rich, flavorful sauces.
Mint tea
Traditional mint tea is a strong finish, especially with Moroccan pastries or gazelle horns.
Warm welcome
Many reviewers describe attentive, professional hospitality, with staff helping first-time diners understand the menu.
Outdoor seating
The outdoor area overlooks the Boulevard and was described as serene for breakfast during cooler weather.
Shisha
Reviewers mention aromatic shisha and sessions that last a long time, making it part of the broader evening experience.
What to Eat at Bab Al Mansour 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 Bab Al Mansour, 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 Bab Al Mansour, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 5
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Couscous Net +8
“That being said I would stick to the mains (specials/couscous) and particular mention for the tagine, best dish from the ones we had.”
Positive 8Negative 0
Review excerpts
“That being said I would stick to the mains (specials/couscous) and particular mention for the tagine, best dish from the ones we had.”October 2024
“The food is an explosion of flavors! Tagines, couscous every dish is a true delight, made with fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced spices.”December 2024
-
Harira Net +3
“I tried the Harira Soup, and it was so tasty and full of flavor.”
Positive 4Negative 1
Review excerpts
“I tried the Harira Soup, and it was so tasty and full of flavor.”January 2025
“I like the Harira soup, but it served not hot enough.”March 2022
-
Mixed grill Net +2
“The mixed grill was quite good.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mixed grill was quite good.”June 2024
“On the meat side, mixed grill and veal apricot tagine were tender and full of flavour.”April 2025
-
Pastilla starter Net +2
“The pastilla starter was simply incredible - crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pastilla starter was simply incredible - crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.”April 2025
“The food is exceptional, with the pastilla being a true standout. Perfectly flaky and filled with a deliciously mixture, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had.”January 2025
-
Veal apricot tagine Net +2
“DELICIOUS! We will be back again! Our server Ali Amara was amazing :) had the best time & the veal tagine with apricots was INCREDIBLE”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“DELICIOUS! We will be back again! Our server Ali Amara was amazing :) had the best time & the veal tagine with apricots was INCREDIBLE”March 2025
“On the meat side, mixed grill and veal apricot tagine were tender and full of flavour.”April 2025
Honorable mentions (13)
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Chicken pastilla Net +1
“The chicken pastilla was to die for, the couscous was gone in less than 5 minutes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken pastilla was to die for, the couscous was gone in less than 5 minutes.”April 2025
-
Gazelle horns Net +1
“But our favorite moment was definitely the mint tea with the gazelle horns: a true treat. We’ve never tasted ones that good anywhere else!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“But our favorite moment was definitely the mint tea with the gazelle horns: a true treat. We’ve never tasted ones that good anywhere else!”April 2025
-
Green olives Net +1
“The green olives tasted very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The green olives tasted very good.”July 2023
-
Lamb barqouq Net +1
“We ordered Couscous, shrimp pasilla & lamb barqouq & they were all delicious especially the barqouq, it was exquisite!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Couscous, shrimp pasilla & lamb barqouq & they were all delicious especially the barqouq, it was exquisite!”February 2025
-
Lamb tagine Net +1
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant, The traditional Moroccan couscous, lamb tagine, and freshly baked bread were absolutely delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant, The traditional Moroccan couscous, lamb tagine, and freshly baked bread were absolutely delicious.”December 2024
-
Large date Net +1
“Meal order comes with a sweet traditional treat and a large date. It was one of the most delicious dates I have ever eaten.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Meal order comes with a sweet traditional treat and a large date. It was one of the most delicious dates I have ever eaten.”July 2023
-
Meat shoulder Net +1
“The collection of salads was nice and the meat shoulder was delicious as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The collection of salads was nice and the meat shoulder was delicious as well.”June 2024
-
Pancake Net +1
“I came here awhile back, totally loved their brunch menu, pancake was yummy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I came here awhile back, totally loved their brunch menu, pancake was yummy.”October 2024
-
Perfectly cooked eggs Net +1
“The menu is rich with authentic Moroccan offerings, including warm breads, a comforting soup, and perfectly cooked eggs, all served with care and flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The menu is rich with authentic Moroccan offerings, including warm breads, a comforting soup, and perfectly cooked eggs, all served with care and flavor.”January 2025
-
Shrimp pasilla Net +1
“We ordered Couscous, shrimp pasilla & lamb barqouq & they were all delicious especially the barqouq, it was exquisite!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Couscous, shrimp pasilla & lamb barqouq & they were all delicious especially the barqouq, it was exquisite!”February 2025
-
Tagine kefta Net +1
“The tagine kefta was equally impressive, with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tagine kefta was equally impressive, with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce.”January 2025
-
Tajin Net +1
“We also got a tajin that had meat and figs, which I found good although I don't actually eat figs usually.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also got a tajin that had meat and figs, which I found good although I don't actually eat figs usually.”June 2024
-
Grill meat (beef and chicken) Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“Tried their grill meat (beef and chicken)...not a big fan of the food.. .just average to me.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
-
Tea Net +1
“The tea is served with love, just like the Moroccan way.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tea is served with love, just like the Moroccan way.”December 2024
-
Traditional tea Net +1
“Special mention must go to the traditional tea, which is a real treat.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Special mention must go to the traditional tea, which is a real treat.”April 2025
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
-
Rafeesa Net −1
“The Rafeesa wasn’t the best and you can have it better at cheaper price out but the rest of dishes were really delicious , very good Moroccan tea to end your meal with the amazing dessert the Bastilla creamy dessert.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The Rafeesa wasn’t the best and you can have it better at cheaper price out but the rest of dishes were really delicious , very good Moroccan tea to end your meal with the amazing dessert the Bastilla creamy dessert.”September 2024
Tips for a Better Visit
Try pastilla. For a first order, consider the pastilla: reviewers specifically praised its crisp texture and balanced filling.
Save room. Leave space for mint tea with gazelle horns; one reviewer called this combination the meal’s standout treat.
Visit early. If timing matters, avoid peak periods or allow extra time: one Friday visit took more than 30 minutes for food.
Use valet. Valet parking is mentioned as a convenience, particularly for the breakfast visit.
Check brunch. If you are planning brunch, confirm it is currently available; a reviewer could no longer find the brunch option.
Choose outdoors. For breakfast in cooler weather, the Boulevard-facing outdoor seating was described as serene and inviting.
Plan the visit
Practical details
The Lofts West - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Common Concerns
High prices
Several reviewers consider the food expensive for Dubai, with one saying portions are shareable but prices reflect the location.
Slow service
Some visits involved waits of more than 30 minutes, while another reviewer said meals took a long time to arrive.
Inconsistent food
Not every dish lands: reviewers described one lamb dish as bland and found the rfissa disappointing.
Limited menu
One dinner reviewer found the available options quite limited and could no longer find the earlier brunch menu.
Warm interior
One guest found the air conditioning insufficient on a hot day and suggested improving it.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Bab Al Mansour is a Moroccan restaurant in Downtown Dubai where the setting is a major part of the visit. Expect ornate traditional decor, lanterns, mosaics and an atmosphere that several reviewers say feels like stepping into Morocco. It suits a leisurely dinner, family meal or special occasion more than a rushed bite, with live music and shisha adding to the evening for those who want them.
The food receives plenty of praise, especially the pastilla, couscous and tagines. The veal tagine with apricots is repeatedly singled out, while reviewers also mention harira, tagine kefta and lamb dishes. Finish with sweet Moroccan tea and, if available, gazelle horns or Moroccan pastries; the tea is one of the restaurant’s most consistent highlights.
Breakfast is another option, with warm breads, soup and eggs served in the Boulevard-facing outdoor area. Service is usually described as warm, attentive and helpful with menu choices. Still, experiences vary: some guests waited over 30 minutes for food, and others found dishes bland or the choices limited.
Prices are often considered high for Dubai, though some reviewers feel the decor and service justify the spend. Valet parking is a useful convenience, and outdoor seating is especially appealing in cooler weather.