Starting its journey in Beirut in 1994 when Fadi Al Safadi opened his first restaurant, Al Safadi promised to be different – serving high-quality food, authentically and purposefully. In 2000, the owner bought the casual dining concept to Dubai, his first overseas branch, and it is thanks to his high standards and business nous that Al Safadi’s popularity endures unabated and ready to welcome the next 20 years.

As Dubai expanded, so did the Al Safadi chain. A second restaurant opened on Sheikh Zayed Road and the restaurant quickly became a favourite, not just for locals, but also amongst an international clientele. It soon became the go-to spot for Lebanese food in Dubai.

The Atmosphere

Stepping into Al Safadi, off Sheikh Zayed Road you’re greeted with a grand-hall-like dining area, light and airy with plenty of space and glass screens between tables. The large open area kitchen stands at the end of the long dining area allowing you to see who is making your meal. Split into two, the left side prepares only cold mezzes and starters while the right side prepares the hot meals. wedged between the two is a quaint glass deli-counter filled with ice and fresh fish – all prepared how you’d like. At Safadi, the customer always comes first. You’re quickly ushered to your seat where a hefty menu awaits.

The Hero Dishes

When it comes to Lebanese mezze there’s plenty to love, and Al Safadi doesn’t fail to deliver (on quantity or quality). Dishes of creamy hummus are ready to be attacked with piping hot bread, while stuffed vine leaves are bursting at the seams with zingy, tasty fillings. The salads are fresh and fragrant, packing flavours like pomegranate, dates with fresh leafy greens, while the warm mezzes packed incredible flavour – deliciously mouth-watering kibbeh, stuffed with tender lamb, made up the platter while lamb and chicken kebabs brought nostalgic flavours of Lebanon. But the star of the show, the authentic Lebanese burger. Who would have thought that delicious tender meat sat between two buns could be so delicious?

The Verdict

There is a reason Al Safadi has been going strong for over 20 years. The food, service and quality are to such a high standard that once you go, you won’t be visiting ant another Lebanese restaurant again.

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