25 Best Restaurants in Muscat, Oman

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Virtually any cuisine, from fast food chains to fine dining can be found in the capital city. Whether casual or white tablecloth, the stars of the culinary scene all take advantage of Muscat's outstanding local seafood. The most interesting options are on offer at a new crop of restaurants serving local Omani cuisine, which up until recently was only made at home. Though everything from steak to sushi is available, the quality and authenticity vary greatly. Besides the local fare, the best bets for a delicious, authentic meal are the Turkish, Lebanese, and South Asian (Indian/Pakistani) restaurants.

Al Mandoos

$$$ Fodor's choice
Celebrity chef Issa al Lamki opened Al Mandoos, and though it has since changed ownership, the food still bears his elegant touch, with authentic Omani dishes made with the freshest ingredients and modern twists, like his shorbat harees, a traditional crushed wheat soup, enlived here with tender whole wheatberries in a rich lamb stock. It is the best place to get a taste of local specialties like madroobah, a delicious spiced rice and vegetable mash topped with crisp-skinned chicken, fried fish, or malleh, a dish of saltfish, lime, and onion served over rice. Though unassumingly set on a quiet suburban side street, the interior is a suprisingly chic space decorated with traditional Omani textiles.

Kargeen Caffe

$$$ Fodor's choice
Tucked away behind a strip mall in the posh Madinat Sultan Qaboos neighborhood, this popular restaurant is a tranquil place to spend the evening dining on Arabic and local specialties, sipping on an infused tea from their extensive beverage menu, or to have sheesha. The garden, softly lit with hanging lanterns, is ideal in the cool evenings. Though the huge menu features everything from Arabic mixed grill to pasta, they also serve a great version of the Omani specialty shuwa, lamb rubbed with spices and oil then slow-cooked over embers in an underground pit overnight. Their za'atar bread is also fantastic, and it is one of the only places around where you can sample infusions of simmered cinnamon bark, ginger, or clove. The service is unbelievably slow, so this is not the place for a quick bite; be prepared to have a long, leisurely meal.

Seeb Mishkak Grillers

$ Fodor's choice
North of Muscat, just in front of the Seeb souk, each evening a row of cement grill stations open and the air fills with the scent of charring beef mishkak. Cars queue, waiting for foil packets of the clove- and cinnamon-spiced barbecue. After exploring the market, sit on the low concrete wall overlooking the beach and enjoy a few sticks of this traditional Omani snack.

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Tea House

$ | Al Khuwair Fodor's choice
Cars queue in front of this little café from morning (opening time is 8 am) until closing (around midnight). Honking horns draw over waiters from the shop, who bring over cups of the local specialty karak, a spiced tea sweetened with creamy condensed milk, and paper-thin Omani bread smeared with savory cheese and egg or sweets like Nutella or honey, to customers in idling cars and those seated at the scattering of tables out front. In the evening, when the temperature cools down, groups of men gather here before and after going to prayers at the adjacent mosque, and though groups of ladies are rare, all are welcome at the friendly shop. There are similar karak shops beside gas stations and on roadsides throughout the city, but this is by far the best one. Try the zataar karak, made with wild thyme or the "special" mixed spice karak alongside an order of paper-thin Omani bread stuffed with egg, cheese, and "Chips Oman."

The Beach Restaurant at Chedi Muscat

$$$$ Fodor's choice

The most notable of the sophisticated dining venues in the Chedi hotel is the aptly named Beach Restaurant, which is built on Atheiba Beach, overlooking the sea. Modern arabesque design—high white walls, hanging lanterns, elegantly curved arches, and dark mohogany wood accents—set the mood while the exquisite cuisine does the rest of the work. The chef celebrates local lobster, fresh fish, and massive prawns simply grilled and served alongside saffron rice; blue crab dressed with avocado and truffled mayonnaise; and playful, modern dishes like "Asian-style" salmon gravlax with black in grissini and kombu granita and lobster "cappacino" with rosemary whipped cream. In addition to seafood, wagyu beef, organic chicken, and pan-seared foie gras with contemporary takes on the steak house staples of creamed spinach and "deconstructed" fried potatoes are available. Drink pairings abound, from glasses and bottles from the largest wine cellar in Oman as well as cocktails and fresh juice mocktails.

Turkish House Restaurant

$$ | Al Khuwair Fodor's choice
Run by a former fisherman who personally selects the restaurant's fresh seafood selections from the Mutrah market each morning, this is the best place in town to sample the incredible local catch. The popular restaurant has expanded to a large building facing the parking lot (so there is rarely a wait), but the smaller original dining room just behind it is quieter with a bit more ambience. An order of the mixed mezze, which includes hummus, babaghanoush, olive tapanade, and a spicy tomato puree, comes with long, thick loaves of fresh-baked Turkish flatbread and makes a great accompaniment to grilled fish and prawns. The house salad, dressed with a light vinegar, is excellent as well. The knaffe, a dessert of slightly salty cheese topped with sweet fried vermacelli, paired with a cup of strong Turkish coffee provides the perfect finish to a meal here.

Zanzibar Island Restaurant

$ Fodor's choice
The East African island of Zanzibar was part of the Sultanate of Oman up until 1965, when many, like the owner of this casual eatery, returned to Muscat. The vibrant red walls of the dining room are covered with old photographs and paraphernalia from Zanzibar, and the kitchen turns out authentic, home-style Afro-Arabian specialties. Ask your server what is on offer, and he will lead you to the small kitchen to see hot pots of daily specials, which will likely include beans, cassava, and spinach simmered in coconut milk, spice-encrusted fried fish and chicken, and fresh chapati bread. Request a mixed plate to sample them all. After your meal you will be served complimentary light Omani coffee spiced with cloves and a plate of sweet, dried dates. This is one of the best lunch values in town.

Al Angham

$$$$ | Shatti Qurm
Al Angham impresses with opulence, both in its design and on your plate. The high-ceilinged dining room is adorned with intricately carved wooden details, including Arabesque arches and artfully chosen, modern Omani touches that mimic the grand design of the Opera House. The extensive menu features traditional regional Omani dishes artfully presented in delicate portions, either à la cart or as part of several tasting menus. This is a favorite lunch spot for government officials and business leaders with big expense accounts, who want to offer visting guests some local flavor and a sophisticated of environment. It may be the most expensive alcohol-free restaurant in Oman.

Al Mas

$$
The bare-bones restaurant in the Bowshar International Hotel doesn't look like much, but the biryani (basmati rice layered with masala spices and either chicken, prawns, or fish) is the best in Muscat. As one of the city's only 24-hour dining options, it is a favorite post-nightclub dinner spot on the weekends. The prawn biryani and the local hamour fish biryani are especially good, served with a cooling yogurt sauce called raita. Order it mild if you are especially sensitive to heat.

Bait Al Luban

$$ | Mutrah
At the northern end of the Mutrah Corniche, the exquisitely designed "House of Frankincense" offers diners a taste of authentic Omani dishes, including grilled beef, chicken, and squid mishkak skewers;harees (a savory porridge of chicken or meat slow-cooked with wheatberries and spices, topped with fried onions and ghee); and rice kabulis (flavourful basmati pilaf cooked with whole cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, ground cumin, corriander, and other spices), along with local seafood from the nearby fish market and modern inventions like shuwa (Omani slow-cooked meat) lasagna. The tranquil dining area features traditional dark, carved wood accents and colorful Omani pillows and tapestries, and the sound of Arabian oud music plays softly in the background. A few small tables on the balcony overlooking the Corniche are a romantic option during cooler months.

Beach Pavilion Restaurant

$$$$

The secluded seaside restaurant at the exclusive Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton, which is about ½ hour from central Muscat, is one of the most romantic destinations in the city. Dining by moonlight, serenaded by the sound of waves, warm sand beneath your feet, and a silhouetted backdrop of mountains and ocean, you'll have as memorable a meal as you are likely to have in Oman, well worth the high price and long drive. The service is as good as you would expect, and the food, while not earth-shattering, is well-prepared, especially the grilled local seafood. The real star, besides the unbeatable ambience, is the well-curated, international wine list, which is one of the most sophisticated in Oman.

Begum's

$ | Al Khuwair

The small size of this relaxed North Indian eatery—it has only has a dozen tables—only partially accounts for it being perpetually jam-packed. Friendly service helps, but the overwhelming draw is the excellent Mughlai cuisine. Dozens of dishes—with plenty of vegetarian choices—beguile even the most persnickety palate: specialties like chicken or fish kebab biryani, chicken curry, and paneer tikka masala are plentiful, spiced to perfection, and habit forming.

Lunch Dinner $ North Indian
Way 3521, Al Khuwair St., Muscat, Oman
9307–2000
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

Camilia Cafe

$$
Amid the towering buildings in the Central Banking District (CBD) in Ruwi, this Turkish standby is the best dining option in the entire area. It offers a plethora of grilled options, including Turkish-style ground meat kebabs, garlic- and lemon-marinated chicken, lamb chops, whole fish, and prawns; the mixed grills are the main draw and are ideal for sharing. But the kebabs and grilled chicken wrapped in flatbread with a smear of garlic mayonnaise, a few french fries, and house coleslaw for 700 baisas (less than US$2) are the best value in town. During the day the restaurant bustles with the lunch crowd from surrounding banks, but at night the quiet outdoor dining space takes on a more relaxed, romantic feel.

Filafil Restaurant

$
This ramshakle takeaway restaurant on a busy street in the business district of Ruwi is appropriately named, as it turns out the best falafels in town. Hot chickpea patties are served straight out of the fryer so their outer crust is crisp while the interiors are moist and well-seasoned. The hummus is thick and tahini-heavy, providing a perfectly rich dip for the sandwiches and fries. Traditionally, lunch is the main meal of the day in Oman, consisting of a rice and main, and dinner consists of sandwiches or other lighter fare, so in keeping with that routine, this restaurant is only open in the evening. Though there are a few tables and chairs out front, the view of the freeway is less than idyllic, so it is best to take your order to go.

Itin Restaurant

$
Just off the freeway, surrounded by undeveloped construction sights, this tiny restaurant doesn't even have tables and chairs. Go inside and order a platter of mandi, saffron-tinged Yemeni-style rice, and the house specialty, camel meat. Then take a seat on one of the woven mats set outside the building. Within minutes you will be presented with a silver tray mounded with yellow rice and a smaller tray of caramelized meat and onions. Expertly prepared, the delicacy is meltingly tender with a richer flavor than beef and less gamey than lamb, This is the idea place for adventurous diners who want to try the best possible version of this Arabian Gulf delicacy.

Kurkum

$$$ | Mutrah
Steps away from the Mutrah souk, overlooking the sea, this fine-dining restaurant stands in sharp contrast to the cheap tourist-trap cafés that otherwise line Al Bahri Road. The interior is filled with crisp white banquets, though the scattering of outdoor tables offer the best vantage point for watching an interesting mix of tourists and the elderly Omani locals who still reside in the maze-like neighborhood just behind the shops. You will pay top dollar for the excellent service at this quiet oasis, which is owned by a member of the royal family, but you'll also get a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of old Muscat. The food is "Omanized" Indian, meaning that it is much less piquant, and incorporates rich coconut milk into many of the curries. The seafood is excellent, from the grilled hamour tikka (grilled fish) to the luxurious prawn curry, but it is the attentive touches, like complimentary welcome mocktails and amuse-bouche, that really set the experience apart.

Marina Café

$$$ | Shatti Qurm
Cloistered in the ministries district, just behind the U.S. Amassador's villa, Marina Café sits directly on the beach, its glass walls offering unobstructed views of the Gulf of Oman and a small, palm-lined park. The casual menu has a strong Lebanese bent, with shawarma plates and mezze, along with typical café fare, from a fried seafood basket to club sandwiches and burgers. The fresh juices, teas, and sheesha coupled with the views and relaxed atmosphere are draw enough to make this a destination for a leisurely afternoon or evening, but the food is also of good quality, if not a bit expensive for what it is. Free Wi-Fi is available, and during the cooler months there is also an outdoor seaside patio. Due to a change in Omani smoking laws, children under the age of 12 are no longer allowed in the main dining room where sheesha is offered, but there is a smoke-free family dining area, and during the winter months, the patio is open to all.

Marlins

$$$
Overlooking the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, this poolside restaurant offers a wide international selection of dishes, including a good BLT (with real pork bacon), fish-and-chips, rack of lamb, Indian curries, and all manner of local grilled seafood options, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. At breakfast time, the main draw is the full English breakfast. The relaxing seaside location, free pool access, liquor license, and menu of Western comfort foods make this a charming oasis for those craving a taste of home.

Mishkak Stand Qurum Beach

$ | Shatti Qurm
Each evening after the sun goes down, in a parking lot just past the Shati Street Roundabout, a grill stand appears serving up the popular Omani barbecue called mishkak. The beef skewers are tender and especially good with their super spicey tamarind hot sauce, and the squid, laced with earthy turmeric, is nice with a squeeze of lime. Whole barbequed quail are also on offer. Simply ask for the number and type of skewers you want, and you will be given a number; when your order is ready, they will call you over to collect the foil-wrapped snack. Many sit and picnic in the parking lot, but Qurum beach is steps away and offers a more picturesque dining venue.

Mutrah Souk Snack Shops

$ | Mutrah
There are many small tea shops in and around the Mutrah souk offering fried Omanized Indian snacks like sambusa, small triangles stuffed with mildly spiced chicken or cabbage and potato, and kachori, chili-laced potato puffs, along with soft drinks, juices, and sweet milk tea. Two particular vendors rise above the rest. One is the first shop on the left as you enter the souk from the Corniche, and the other is on the backside, on the left as you exit the interior of the market. The snacks cost only a few baisa and are a wonderful with a splash of hot sauce, available upon request. (The souk closes from 1 to 4:30 daily.)

Old Turkish Restaurant

$ | Al Khuwair
After midnight on the weekends, waiters rush huge platters of grilled meat, kebabs, french fries, and hummus, and glasses of fresh juice to the boisterous groups occupying the outdoor tables and to cars waiting in a long queue for takeaway at this lively 24-hour restaurant. The late-night scene is an experience in and of itself, but the expertly prepared Turkish grill restaurant is well worth a visit anytime.

Osan

$
This simple restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy the traditional Yemeni dish called mandi, which consists of lamb or chicken set atop a pot of simmering spiced rice; it's wildly popular in Oman. Upon entering, you will be shown to a private room strewn with cushions. Remove your shoes and take a seat. When the waiter returns, you need only tell him whether you want chicken or meat. Once you've ordered, head to the back of the restaurant to wash your hands, which will also be your utinsils for this meal. By the time you return, a large silver tray mounded with saffron-yellow rice and crowned with tender chicken or lamb will likely be waiting for you along with mild, tomato-based Yemeni salsa and some fresh chopped vegetables and limes. Eat your meal the traditional Gulf Arabrian way, using your right hand to take a small peice of meat and a pinch (or a handful) of rice. Be sure to take a complimentary cup of sweet Yemeni tea on your way out.

Shuwa Express

$ | Shatti Qurm
Shuwa (meat slathered in Omani spices and then slow-roasted in an underground pit overnight) is considered by many to be the most iconic of Omani dishes, and it is usually reserved for major holidays, like the Eids or wedding celebrations. At this casual eatery in the Bareeq Al Shati mall, lamb or chicken shuwa is used to stuff sandwiches made with your choice of seven types of flatbread; then choose from eight different sauces and other fillers like cheese or shredded vegetables. The lamb is the best option, expecially delicious in the oily, pan-fried paratha bread. Despite being adjacent to a mall food court, the shop has a surpising amount of ambience, with Omani-style decor and high-top tables made from brass serving trays. It is a great option for those craving simple sandwiches and french fries, but with a local twist.

Tokyo Taro

$$
There may be a new crop of sushi restaurants appearing throughout the capital, but it is worth the drive to Ruwi to experience this one, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Muscat. Tucked inside the Al Falaj Hotel, the kitchen has been overseen by the same Japanese chef for over a decade, offering a teppanyaki grill table, sushi rolls, sashimi, bento boxes, and the largest sake menu in Oman. Reservations are not necessary during the week but highly recommended on the weekends.

Trishna of Mumbai

$$$ | Al Khuwair
This popular, high-end franchise from India is known for its seafood specialties, including green chili-spiked crab soup, King crab in a peppery garlic butter, and Chettinad-style prawn curry, rich with grated coconut, garlic, and ginger (from a style of cooking popular in Tamil Nadu). Though there are plenty of non-seafood options on the massive menu, you may find it easier to justify paying the the high prices for the locally sourced fish and shellfish. The dining room is serene and understated, and the dishes well-executed.

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