Syrian dishes
Standouts include the cold mezze platter, eggplant salad, mix grill, Basha Wasakro and baklawa.
Sahelnom Restaurant
Bluewaters Island
Sahelnom Restaurant is a Syrian restaurant on Bluewaters Island centred on mezze, traditional mains and a shisha lounge. Reviews make it especially appealing for generous shared plates such as the cold mezze platter and mixed grill, paired with outdoor seating and views of Ain Dubai.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
1,374 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Large portions
Several diners found the portions generous, making shared ordering practical for groups.
Breakfast sets
Breakfast sets can include labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives and Syrian dessert.
Ain Dubai views
Outdoor diners can look across to Ain Dubai, with one brunch review describing the view as a highlight.
Shisha lounge
The shisha is a substantial part of the experience, with one review noting that it lasted well.
Easy parking
A parking garage next door was described as easy to access.
Arabic music
The outdoor setting has been paired with Fayrouz, Laila Mourad and other Arabic oldies.
What to Eat at Sahelnom Restaurant 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 Sahelnom Restaurant, 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 Sahelnom Restaurant got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 5
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Hummus Net +2
“One of the best Arabic food we ever had! If you love Lebanese / Syrian food, this is a must go to. The Hummus is divine, the Wara Anab sensational, the mixed grill platter is super nice and the desserts are to die for. A must try for residence and visitors alike!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One of the best Arabic food we ever had! If you love Lebanese / Syrian food, this is a must go to. The Hummus is divine, the Wara Anab sensational, the mixed grill platter is super nice and the desserts are to die for. A must try for residence and visitors alike!”March 2019
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”April 2021
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Kabab khashkhash Net +2
“The Soujok Roll was fabulous, also liked the Kabab Khashkhash.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Soujok Roll was fabulous, also liked the Kabab Khashkhash.”October 2020
“Good food, very nice decor, cozy outdoor seating area in winter, kebab kheshkash (kebab with tomato sauce) was delicious, warq enab (vine leaves) as well. I liked their speciality tea so much.”December 2020
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Mix grill Net +2
“Mix Grill - Grills were juicy and delish.Portions are also nice.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Mix Grill - Grills were juicy and delish.Portions are also nice.”June 2021
“Fantastic Damascene food. Would highly recommend the mixed grill and trying the meze platter to share. Our host, Anwar, was really good at explaining what the dishes were and was super attentive. A great place to stop for lunch or dinner with family or friends or for a business meeting.”October 2019
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Soujok roll Net +2
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”February 2022
“The Soujok Roll was fabulous, also liked the Kabab Khashkhash.”October 2020
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Warq enab Net +2
“Good food, very nice decor, cozy outdoor seating area in winter, kebab kheshkash (kebab with tomato sauce) was delicious, warq enab (vine leaves) as well. I liked their speciality tea so much.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Good food, very nice decor, cozy outdoor seating area in winter, kebab kheshkash (kebab with tomato sauce) was delicious, warq enab (vine leaves) as well. I liked their speciality tea so much.”December 2020
“One of the best Arabic food we ever had! If you love Lebanese / Syrian food, this is a must go to. The Hummus is divine, the Wara Anab sensational, the mixed grill platter is super nice and the desserts are to die for. A must try for residence and visitors alike!”March 2019
Honorable mentions (33)
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Baklawa Net +1
“Baklawa - For dessert,we had to choose baklawa.It was the star of the night.Please don't miss their baklawa.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Baklawa - For dessert,we had to choose baklawa.It was the star of the night.Please don't miss their baklawa.”June 2021
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Basha wasakro Net +1
“Basha Wasakro - This is a traditional dish and is a must try here.It was rich and creamy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Basha Wasakro - This is a traditional dish and is a must try here.It was rich and creamy.”June 2021
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Breakfast formula or set menu Net +1
“We took the breakfast formula or set menu that includes bread, labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives 🫒 and also dessert a syrian one called Maamouniyi and it was great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We took the breakfast formula or set menu that includes bread, labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives 🫒 and also dessert a syrian one called Maamouniyi and it was great.”November 2023
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Breakfast per person Net +1
“We had breakfast here, we chose (breakfast per person) it was very tasty, great service, very clean and nice set up.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had breakfast here, we chose (breakfast per person) it was very tasty, great service, very clean and nice set up.”September 2020
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Cherry cake Net +1
“we celebrated my husband birthday and we got yummy cherry cake which was mouthwatering and the waiters sang for us.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“we celebrated my husband birthday and we got yummy cherry cake which was mouthwatering and the waiters sang for us.”November 2023
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Chicken kabseh Net +1
“A Must try Chicken Kabseh & Lamb Manti from SAH EL NOM Restaurant at Ain Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A Must try Chicken Kabseh & Lamb Manti from SAH EL NOM Restaurant at Ain Dubai.”May 2023
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Chocolate mouse with orange Net +1
“The chocolate mouse with orange is more than yummy 😋”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chocolate mouse with orange is more than yummy 😋”January 2021
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Cold mezze platter Net +1
“Cold Mezze Platter - A huge platter consists of traditional dips and cold salads is a good option if you are visiting as a group. 5/5”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Cold Mezze Platter - A huge platter consists of traditional dips and cold salads is a good option if you are visiting as a group. 5/5”June 2021
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Eggplant salad Net +1
“Eggplant Salad - Fried eggplant with vegetables in basil sauce topped with shellal cheese.we enjoyed this salad and is a must try here.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Eggplant Salad - Fried eggplant with vegetables in basil sauce topped with shellal cheese.we enjoyed this salad and is a must try here.”June 2021
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Fatoush Net +1
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”April 2021
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Freekeh Net +1
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”November 2019
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Full breakfast Net +1
“we had the arabic or Turkish Breakfast with my son Neil Jolly who was visiting Dubai from USA and my wife Bindu jolly who joined me from india .Robinson from philipines was the captain and had full breakfast, includes many arabic or turkish BF items. Zaatar, cheese manakish as well as egg with sausage and many more . Best presentation and service by Robins. enjoyed the time there. location also superb for visitors and residents.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“we had the arabic or Turkish Breakfast with my son Neil Jolly who was visiting Dubai from USA and my wife Bindu jolly who joined me from india .Robinson from philipines was the captain and had full breakfast, includes many arabic or turkish BF items. Zaatar, cheese manakish as well as egg with sausage and many more . Best presentation and service by Robins. enjoyed the time there. location also superb for visitors and residents.”May 2022
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Grape vein with meat (yebraa) Net +1
“Their grape vein with meat (yebraa) is a must, just like home made one.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their grape vein with meat (yebraa) is a must, just like home made one.”January 2021
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Grilled lamb Net +1
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”April 2021
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Itch salad Net +1
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”November 2021
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Katayef Net +1
“Nice restaurant and shisha place, delicious food, the menu a bit strict with Heavy arabic food but is delicious, I hope they can add more desserts, katayef was delicious, staff are so nice and helpful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice restaurant and shisha place, delicious food, the menu a bit strict with Heavy arabic food but is delicious, I hope they can add more desserts, katayef was delicious, staff are so nice and helpful.”September 2021
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Kosah bell laban Net +1
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”February 2022
-
Koussa bil laban Net +1
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”November 2021
-
Lamb manti Net +1
“A Must try Chicken Kabseh & Lamb Manti from SAH EL NOM Restaurant at Ain Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A Must try Chicken Kabseh & Lamb Manti from SAH EL NOM Restaurant at Ain Dubai.”May 2023
-
Maamouniyi Net +1
“We took the breakfast formula or set menu that includes bread, labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives 🫒 and also dessert a syrian one called Maamouniyi and it was great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We took the breakfast formula or set menu that includes bread, labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives 🫒 and also dessert a syrian one called Maamouniyi and it was great.”November 2023
-
Mamoul Net +1
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”November 2021
-
Meze platter Net +1
“Fantastic Damascene food. Would highly recommend the mixed grill and trying the meze platter to share. Our host, Anwar, was really good at explaining what the dishes were and was super attentive. A great place to stop for lunch or dinner with family or friends or for a business meeting.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Fantastic Damascene food. Would highly recommend the mixed grill and trying the meze platter to share. Our host, Anwar, was really good at explaining what the dishes were and was super attentive. A great place to stop for lunch or dinner with family or friends or for a business meeting.”October 2019
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Mixed grill platter Net +1
“One of the best Arabic food we ever had! If you love Lebanese / Syrian food, this is a must go to. The Hummus is divine, the Wara Anab sensational, the mixed grill platter is super nice and the desserts are to die for. A must try for residence and visitors alike!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One of the best Arabic food we ever had! If you love Lebanese / Syrian food, this is a must go to. The Hummus is divine, the Wara Anab sensational, the mixed grill platter is super nice and the desserts are to die for. A must try for residence and visitors alike!”March 2019
-
Mouhamara Net +1
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”April 2021
-
Open buffet Net +1
“Very nice iftar open buffet , the meat was amazing . and very nice friendly staff , They also have shisha . ✌️✌️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very nice iftar open buffet , the meat was amazing . and very nice friendly staff , They also have shisha . ✌️✌️”April 2023
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Ouzi Net +1
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”November 2019
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Seafood biryani Net +1
“Good food with Friday staff. Must try seafood biryani. One of the best I’ve ever had.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Good food with Friday staff. Must try seafood biryani. One of the best I’ve ever had.”September 2020
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Special cherry dessert Net +1
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”November 2021
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Sujouk in some bread Net +1
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very good food, we had a selection of mezze and grilled lamb, dessert. All very good, the homous, sujouk in some bread, mouhamara, fatoush.”April 2021
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Tray for two Net +1
“the ordered tray for two and i liked every single thing”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“the ordered tray for two and i liked every single thing”February 2024
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Truffle mufarrakeh Net +1
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was even better! We had a mix of mezes and a chef specialty. The flavors were incredible and so rarely found in North America. We ventured out of the Lebanese standards and were very pleased. Standouts included soujok roll, truffle mufarrakeh and kosah bell Laban.”February 2022
-
Vegetables egg omelette Net +1
“Amazing food and calm ambiance. An experience to enjoy. Went there once for lunch and recently for breakfast. Pricing is adequate. The vegetables egg omelette is really delicious, I would say best omelette I tasted so far in UAE.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Amazing food and calm ambiance. An experience to enjoy. Went there once for lunch and recently for breakfast. Pricing is adequate. The vegetables egg omelette is really delicious, I would say best omelette I tasted so far in UAE.”March 2021
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Yalanji Net +1
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The yalanji, itch salad, the koussa bil laban, mamoul and special cherry dessert were outstanding.”November 2021
Drinks 2
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Cappuccino Net +1
“I tried tge breakfast its yummy and fresh...must try it Even cappuccino is perfect 👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried tge breakfast its yummy and fresh...must try it Even cappuccino is perfect 👌”December 2020
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Speciality tea Net +1
“Good food, very nice decor, cozy outdoor seating area in winter, kebab kheshkash (kebab with tomato sauce) was delicious, warq enab (vine leaves) as well. I liked their speciality tea so much.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Good food, very nice decor, cozy outdoor seating area in winter, kebab kheshkash (kebab with tomato sauce) was delicious, warq enab (vine leaves) as well. I liked their speciality tea so much.”December 2020
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
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Fattet mcdoos Net −1
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The food is ok. The Freekeh & Ouzi were above and beyond expectations; but they ruined it with Fattet McDoos, it was bad. , The location is fine but the service is not up to the standard. They served the main dish before the starters.”November 2019
Tips for a Better Visit
Reserve outdoors. Book ahead if you want an outdoor table, as one reviewer specifically recommended reservations for that area.
Share mezze. Order mezze for the table and pace yourself: portions can be large, so avoid ordering too many at once.
Try breakfast. Breakfast is available only until 1pm, so plan an earlier visit if that is your goal.
Use nearby parking. If driving, try the nearby parking garage or Bluewaters basement rather than searching on the street.
Choose seating. Ask for indoor or non-smoking seating if you do not want to sit near the shisha area.
Try baklawa. Leave room for baklawa; one diner called it the star of the meal and said not to miss it.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Bluewaters Island, Building 7, Ground Floor, Retail 7
Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Common Concerns
High prices
Multiple diners considered the restaurant expensive or above average, even when they felt quality justified it.
Uncomfortable chairs
Outdoor chairs were specifically criticised for being uncomfortable.
Service inconsistency
One late visit involved food being cleared halfway through the meal and service described as annoyed.
Course timing
A diner reported the main dish arriving before the starters.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED120
set menu
“They had a set menu starting at AED120 and if you want shisha the price becomes AED170”Google review · April 2021
AED170
shisha
“They had a set menu starting at AED120 and if you want shisha the price becomes AED170”Google review · April 2021
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Sahelnom Restaurant is a Syrian dining spot on Bluewaters Island, with indoor tables, an outdoor terrace and a shisha lounge. It suits a relaxed meal built around sharing: the cold mezze platter, mixed grill, soujok roll and traditional Syrian dishes all receive specific praise in the reviews. Breakfast is another strong draw, with set trays covering items such as labni, fava beans, cheese, eggs, pickles, olives and maamouniyi.
The setting is a major part of the visit. Diners mention outdoor tables, Arabic oldies including Fayrouz and Laila Mourad, natural greenery, and views towards Ain Dubai. Shisha is available, and one review says the coal was changed frequently; non-smoking seating is also mentioned.
For winter evenings, outdoor heaters were appreciated. Come hungry but order carefully: portions can be huge, particularly with mezze, while prices are repeatedly described as high or above average. Breakfast is only available until 1pm.
If you want the terrace, reserve ahead. Drivers have nearby options, including a parking garage next door and Bluewaters basement parking. Service is usually described as friendly and professional, but one late visit reported staff clearing food before the meal was finished, so timing and attentiveness may vary.