Best restaurants in Kuwait

From dining aboard a wooden boat, to a private table in an old firehouse, or smoking shisha in a five-star hotel, eating out in Kuwait City is as much about the culture as it is about the food. Cuisine varies from Puerto Rican to Lebanese. With a restaurant to suit all tastes and pockets, here are the best restaurants in Kuwait.

Assaha Village

Housed inside a beautifully restored fort-like building, Assaha Village is closer to a traditional Lebanese village than a stand-alone restaurant. Reserve early to secure a table in a private building for five to fourteen people in the Glass Café, Police Station or Fire Station. Normal main restaurant dining is also available, but fills up quickly so booking is still recommended. Assaha restaurants believe in delivering high quality, home-style cooked dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Expect just-baked warm bread, zingy hummus, moreish grilled shrimps and mouth-watering lamb cutlets all finished off with complementary local desserts and fresh fruit. Staff are exceptionally friendly and will show you around the kitchen to watch the dishes being cooked upon request.

Address:Assaha Village, Al Khalij Al Arabi Street, Bnaid Al Gar, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+96 5225 333377

Al Boom

A seafood and steakhouse like no other, traditional Middle Eastern restaurant Al Boom is situated inside the hull of an old Kuwaiti dhow (wooden boat). The dinner menu is a fixed price and includes hot bread and garlic butter on arrival, an extensive appetizer buffet, a choice of steak, salmon, lamb chops, chicken or lobster tail cooked on the open grill and a huge array of desserts. After dinner, coffee and dates are offered in the Captain’s Quarters and to complete the unique dining experience, visitors are given a souvenir boat nail to take home with them.

Address:Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Bida Road Al Taawn Street, Salwa, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+96 5256 73000

Ayam Zaman

Located on the second floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ayam Zaman is a traditional Lebanese restaurant with a relaxed, lounge-like feel. Large, inviting sofas in magical hues of red and dusty pink attract those after a taste of the restaurant’s renowned shisha as well as the delectable dishes. Although pricier than some other Lebanese restaurants, the menu certainly is abundant. For smaller appetites sample the sujuk (stuffed homemade sausage) and for those looking to share a meal the seafood platter is just the dish comprising of zoubeidy, lobster, hammour and Gulf prawns. There is an electronic device on each table allowing diners to get a waiter’s attention at the press of a button. Don’t leave without trying the hummus Ayam Zaman, blended chickpeas topped with roasted sesame seeds, pimentos and olive oil.

Address:Ayam Zaman, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 103 Al-Farwaniya, Kuwait City.

phone: Kuwait

Open Flame Kitchen

Despite the less romantic positioning of Open Flame Kitchen inside the 360 Mall, the atmosphere inside this American restaurant is far from that of a dingy food court diner. With black interiors, faded orange lighting and metal furniture, this restaurant feels more like a night club than an eatery even at midday. The huge open grill takes pride of place in the center of the restaurant allowing guests to watch their delicious steaks and burgers go up in flames giving them that special grilled taste. Dinner fare is typically American with appetizers like tenderloin lollipops, Coca-Cola ribs and shrimp balls; main courses of burgers, sliders, pizzas and grills; all washed down with a thick, creamy milkshake. Reservations cannot be made in advance meaning waiting times can be long but diners can give their phone number to the server and wander the shops until their table is ready.

Address:Open Flame Kitchen, 360 Mall, 6th Ring Road, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+965 25 30 99 90

Melenzane

Offering everything you would expect from an Italian/Sicilian fusion restaurant, Melenzane serves authentic pizzas, pasta dishes, risottos and paninis. Main courses also include classics such as funghi vitellino (veal with mushrooms), pollo parmigiana  and of course the restaurant’s namesake aubergine dish, melenzane casserole. They even have an alcohol-free version of the Italian after-dinner must, Limoncello. Melenzane aims to give guests ‘the perfect dining experience’, the Italian way, of course. Expect lots of food, tasty combinations, rich sauces and good home-style cooking. Finish with the ultimate espresso tiramisu or, during those hot evenings, opt for a lighter strawberry version.

Address:Melenzane, Albida’e, Al ta’awan Street, Salmiya, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+965 222 63112

Veranda

The menu at Veranda is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, guaranteeing there will be something to suit every taste. Choose from Josper baked lamb moussaka, oak smoked salmon salad, lobster ravioli and king prawn tempura. The in-store location makes Veranda less appealing to couples looking for an intimate dinner setting, but the sophisticated décor, cream furnishings and curved back comfortable chairs and sofas make it a welcoming adult environment. Tables are laid out at a significant distance from each other allowing guests to enjoy their meal in solitude from others’ conversations. For those not inclined to have dinner in a mall, why not stop by for afternoon tea or coffee and cake; bookings are rarely necessary.

Address:Veranda, Harvey Nichols, Avenues Mall, Ghazali Street and Mohammed Bin Alqasem Street.

phone: +965 2259 7777

Caribbean Hut Restaurant

For cheap, authentic, made-to-order Caribbean food, the Caribbean Hut Restaurant does not disappoint. The first Puerto Rican restaurant to open in the Middle East, it is little more than a shack, so it can be hard to find but the father-son duo that run it are happy to give directions via telephone. All customers are treated like extended members of the family and dishes are created using only the freshest ingredients. The dinner of choice is empanadas to start, one of the many mofongo (fried plantain dishes) on offer or stewed chicken for main, leche (milk) flan to finish and all washed down with the restaurant’s renowned non-alcoholic Pina Coladas.

Address:Caribbean Hut Restaurant, Abu Halifa, Block 2, Street 16, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+965 557 13750

Fish Market

Fish Market is a high-quality sit-down restaurant, set on the seafront and offering beautiful views along the coast. One for seafood lovers, diners can choose from the menu or directly from the fridge full of freshly caught red snapper, crab, scallops and shrimps. The fish is cooked to the diner’s preference: grilled, fried, steamed or in a curry and served with a selection of vegetables or salads. On warm evenings, dinner can be enjoyed outside on the terrace.

Address:Fish Market, Arabian Gulf Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone:+965 2575 5522

Tatami

Slightly out of the city center, Japanese restaurant Tatami is hidden away in the skyscraper park but still manages to draw the crowds. Serving innovative Japanese food, the menu comprises of sushi, sashimi, tempura and more; all with an elegant and artistic presentation. The ingredients are always fresh and the choice is abundant. The chef is a young highly-celebrated Kuwaiti lady who somehow finds time to leave her cooking and check on each table herself. To ensure your slice of the much sought-after green tea cheesecake, reserve a piece upon arrival.

Address:Tatami Japanese Restaurant, Shaymaá Tower Omar Ben Al, Khattab, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

phone: +965 2225 1266/5

Leila Restaurant

Serving ‘Grandma’s cooking’ with a lighter, updated twist, Leila Restaurant is a perfect lunchtime stop for all Lebanese food enthusiasts. Healthier and less heavy than most Lebanese menus but just as tasty, dishes on offer include the traditional phyllo rolls with basterma, kebbeh, tabbouleh and, of course, hummus. Diners have the option to follow the western three-course meal format or take a more Middle Eastern approach by ordering a mixed grill and selection of starters to share between a group of friends. For a really modern twist, finish your meal with cotton candy-flavored ice cream

Address: and Mohammed Bin Alqasem Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Salt Restaurant:

Sunk into the heart of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, the overly lavish interior of the Salt Restaurant sets out its intent: showy fine dining. Fortunately the food doesn’t disappoint and chefs plate up some of the most decadent seafood in the city as a live pianist tickles the ivories in the background.

Address: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Al Ta’awn Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2226 9666.

Website: www.jumeirah.com

Riccardo Italian Restaurant:

It’s not easy finding authentic Italian cuisine in Kuwait, but this long-standing restaurant, fashioned like a Renaissance period apartment, always delivers. Located in the heart of the Sheraton Kuwait, where it’s been a must-visit since 1979, try the traditional risotto and finish off your meal with a decadent tiramisu.

Address: Sheraton Kuwait, Fahed Al-Salem Street, Safat, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2242 2055.

Website: www.riccardokuwait.com

Pepper Steak House:

When nothing but a thick juicy steak will do, head to this stunning steakhouse. Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Kuwait, the service and setting are both impeccable, but it’s the meat that takes centre stage. As well as steaks, expect everything from duck salads to lamb shanks. Note: the dress code is smart casual.

Address: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Al Ta’awn Street, Safat, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2226 9666.

Website: www.jumeirah.com

Ayam Zaman Restaurant:

Nestled inside the Holiday Inn, and split across several rooms, Ayam Zaman serves Lebanese food with true Arabian hospitality. Expect sizzling mixed kebabs, mounds of tabbouleh, bowls of plump olives and plenty of creamy hummus. For something special, try the grilled chicken and pistachio rolls. Ask for a table that overlooks the garden.

Address: Holiday Inn, 140 Hamad Al Mubarak Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2184 8111.

Website: www.kuwait-hi.com

Assaha Lebanese Traditional Village Restaurant:

If you get fed up of flashy fine-dining restaurants, then this tourist-focused Lebanese eatery can be a breath of fresh air. With exposed brick walls, Moorish tiles and traditional hanging lamps, it can feel like a Disney version of an old-fashioned country house, but the food, in particular the shawarma grills, can feel much more modern.

Address: 360 Mall, South Sura, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 180 5050.

Website: www.lenotreparis-kuwait.com

Souk Al-Mubarakiya:

Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance of the restaurants that line the edge of Souk Al-Mubarakiya, they’re among the best cheap eats in the city. Pull up a plastic chair for an authentic Middle Eastern meal of fresh kebabs, green leaves, pickles, hummus and pita picked from the surrounding shops.

Address: Between Mubarak Al Kabir, Ahmad Al Jaber and Ali Al Salem Streets, North Shuwaikh, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Address: Al Khalij Al Arabi Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2253 3377.

Website: www.assahavillage.com

Le Notre:

You’ll see Le Notre a lot on your travels around Kuwait City – they have cafés in the Al Fanar, Marina and 360 malls. Despite the name, it isn’t limited to French cuisine, but serves fresh Mediterranean and Arabic dishes too. Its breakfast buffet is extremely good value, but leave room for its patisserie desserts, whatever the time of day.

Burj Al-Hamam:

If you’re on a budget, Burj Al-Hamam offers unrivalled sea views without the need for your sharpest threads. Jutting out into the sea from the Corniche, this is a great place to sample delicious Middle Eastern mezze. The desserts are particularly moreish – round off your meal with sweet baklava and a strong cup of coffee.

Address: Gulf Road, near Green Island, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +965 2252 9095.

Website: www.burjalhamam.com.kw

Share This Post