Muscat, Oman — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Muscat, Oman
Restaurants
Expensive
Al-Tanoor Restaurant
For a fine dining experience in a gorgeous seaside location it's worth venturing out to Muscat's luxurious resort, about 20 minutes through the mountains from Old Muscat. The Al-Tanoor offers authentic flavors of the Middle East in a chic, understated venue with chefs on show in four open kitchens. Go early for an aperitif in the neighboring piano bar with golden views at sunset.
Al-Bander Hotel, Shangri-La's Barr al-Jissah Resort and Spa
Tel: 2477 6666.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Mumtaz Mahal
In a capital city with almost more Indian expats than resident Omanis, it's praise indeed to call this one of the best Indian restaurants in Muscat. With a hill top perch overlooking Qurm Natural Park, it is a sophisticated choice for a working lunch - though not much work gets done after the snake coffee, a coffee concocted at the table involving brandy being drizzled along a sinuous piece of orange peel and set alight.
Way 2601, Qurm
Tel: 246 05907.
Moderate
Khargeen Cafe
This deservedly buzzing outdoor cafe is the perfect place to while away an evening, sipping on mint lemon and eating kebabs, hummus and taboule. Khargeen Café is highly popular with the in-crowd, with diners either relaxing cross-legged on Arab-style divans or sitting among the potted plants in the magical little courtyard - summer temperatures permitting.
Medinat Qaboos Shopping Complex, Medinat Qaboos
Tel: 24 69 2269.
Cheap
Bin Atique
It has to be said that Omani food is not to everyone's taste but if you're keen to try it regardless, this sit-on-the-floor restaurant, catering mainly for homesick business men from out of town, is one of the few places to sample genuine Omani cuisine - like ma owl (a dish garnished with dried shark).
Slip Road adjacent to Muscat-bound Sultan Qaboos Street, Al-Khuwair
Tel: 2447 8225.
D'Arcy's Kitchen
For those who just can't imagine life without bacon (albeit beef bacon) and eggs for breakfast, steak pie and chips for lunch and a beans on toast for tea, this homely, immensely popular cafe is a short distance from a nap on the beach.
Way 2817, Shatti al-Qurm
Tel: 2460 0234.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Muscat tends to refer more to a picnic under the streetlamps of the coast road or a few kebabs with friends at one of the ubiquitous coffee shops. That said, all the hotels have lively bars (with a license for alcohol) and a few local dance venues are beginning to gather momentum. All are obliged to double as restaurants.
Bars
Trader Vics
For modish maracas-shaking, there's a nightly ensemble of Santana-types at Trader Vics, InterContinental Hotel, Shatti Al-Qurm. The dance floor is limited but it doesn't stop diners and divas jostling for hip space - especially after one or two of the venue's professional cocktails.
Shatti al-Qurm
Tel: 2468 0000.
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Rocklands
Much less hip (in fact more T-Bone) is the new kid on the block, Rocklands. Located in the Ramee Guestline Hotel, this live rock venue doubles as a steak bar.
Way 1622, Qurm
Tel: 2456 4443.
Website: www.rameehotels.com
Clubs
Pavo Real
For those for whom East Coast means less Mombassa and more Mexico, Pavo Real offers tequila-fuelled dancing at weekends (Wednesday and Thursday nights in Muscat).
Medinat Qaboos Shopping Complex
Tel: 2460 2603.
Live Music
Club Safari
Located in the basement of the Grand Hyatt Muscat, a live band playing East African rhythms reminds Muscat citizens of their Zanzibari connections.
Shatti Al Qurm
Tel: 2464 1234.
Website: www.muscat.grand.hyatt.com
