The best restaurants in Sharjah

The competition between Indian restaurants in Sharjah is fierce, but Rajasthan Al Malaki never fails to make its mark. As suggested by the name, the restaurant champions the famous cuisine of the Indian state of Rajasthan - think dahi vada, daal baati churma and vegetable thali.

Nestled in the heart of Sharjah, you'll find Beit Setti - a traditional Syrian eatery in a truly beautiful space. The interior is inspired by an ancient Damascus house and is soaked in rich hues of gold, burgundy and dark wooden tones, as well as boasting a ceiling covered with intricate carbings. Sharing plates are the name of the game here, with mezze, shawarma, soups and flatbreads intended to be shared by all the family.

Tucked away in the Sharjah Art Foundation - the city’s cultural epicentre - you’ll find Fen Café and Restaurant, an aesthetically pleasing fusion restaurant whose name is derived from the Arabic word ‘art’. The venue is split into the casual café and more upscale restaurant, which features a menu of eclectic dishes such as miso sea bass and wild-caught Kalba jumbo prawns.

One of the most popular sports in Sharjah, Black Salt has been serving all types of diners since its opening in 2017. The colourful menu focuses on sous vide and molecular gastronomy; however, the restaurant still maintains an approachable and accessible feel. Expect an eclectic international line up of foods served on pans, trays, boxes, barrels and sometimes even plates.

Ushna is the Hindi word for ‘warmth’, and nestled on the terrace illuminated by a glow from the lanterns, it’s easy to see why this name was chosen. This stylish spot specialises in centuries-old Indian dishes with contemporary twists, including tandoor lobster thermidor and ginger-marinated lamb chops. Be sure to check out the beautiful waterfront views.

If you fancy dining out in style, then Casa Samak is the place for you. With its exotic seafood plates and unmatched views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s easily one of the best restaurants in Sharjah. Find it perched inside Coral Beach Resorts, the ideal location for an intimate romantic evening or even just for a special night.

South Indian fusion is the name of the game here, drawing influences from the likes of French, Thai, Japanese and Arabic cuisines. Calicut Notebook boasts four locations across both the UAE and India, and this popularity is due to its heavy influence on customer service, as well as top quality dishes. Signature dishes include pandanas chicken, Thai mango salad and a delightful bamboo biriyani.

There’s no shortage of Thai restaurants in Sharjah, but Bangkok Town’s artistic décor, delicious Thai food and live tilapia tank really make it stand out from the crowd. Settle into one of the snug booths under thatched umbrellas and leaf through the expansive menu, featuring options such as pad pet beef, crispy spinach salad prawns, and tom yum seafood fried rice.

This Lebanese dining spot is run by celebrity chef Maroun Chedid, star of Top Chef Middle East. Not content just to rest on his celebrity laurels, Chedid has developed an exciting menu that uses classic Lebanese flavours in interesting new ways. Customers tend to favour the favourite grilled jumbo shrimp with roasted chilli pepper emulsion, followed by the authentically Lebanese maamoul cheese for dessert. All of this is served in a bright and calming location right by the Al Qasba Canal.

Serving over 360 dishes, Kamat is THE place to be for vegetarian food in Sharjah. The award-winning menu spans the Indian subcontinent and parts of China, and includes options like sarson ka saag, paneer hakka noodles and pav bhaji dosa. Every step of the process is a labour of love here, right from sourcing the finest ingredients to presenting dishes in tantalising ways.

Here, dum phukht cooking reigns supreme. This traditional cooking method hails from the royal kitchens of Awadh, India, and means ‘to breathe’ and ‘to cook’, respectively. On the menu you’ll find dishes that date back to the Mughal era, packed full of both authenticity and flavour. The tandoor lends a smoky flavour to the range of grilled plates, and other options include dum biryani and tandoori chicken.

This popular spot usually sees its tables filled until the early hours of the morning, as does its sister location in Dubai. Buzzing atmosphere isn’t the only draw here: the menu is packed full of the best of Levantine cuisine. Kick things off with some hot and cold mezzes, before treating yourself to grilled meats, shawarmas and kebabs.

Not to be confused with the Parisian bookshop of the same name, Shakespeare and Co. serves an interesting blend of Lebanese, English and American delicacies, as well as offering spectacular views of the famous Sharjah musical fountain. Whether you’re after all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a casual coffee and traybake, this eclectic menu will have something for you. Take in the charming kitschy décor, complete with pastel tones, vintage furniture and lace details.

So, what’s a momo? These dumpling-like treats are similar to Japanese gyoza, popular across Nepal, Tibet, and some parts of India, and are the speciality of the cosy and welcoming Momo House. There are enough different types of momos on offer here to make your head spin, alongside several noodle and rice dishes - be sure to arrive hungry.

This American fusion restaurant comes from the Spanish word for ‘melting pot’, an accurate description for its menu packed full of interesting ingredient combinations. Looks are important here, with time spent on presentation and thoughtful décor like dark wood and golden lighting. Swing by for all your upscale Tex-Mex needs.