Al Mazaj

Nestling modestly at the entrance to the popular Century Village, the Mazaj restaurant is framed, and partially obscured, by some enthusiastically leafy trees. Discuss this article

1

© ITP Images

View slideshow

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

Nestling modestly at the entrance to the popular Century Village, the Mazaj restaurant is framed, and partially obscured, by some enthusiastically leafy trees. The army of shisha pipes guarding the entrance to this little restaurant bear witness to its popularity as a laid-back smokers hangout for the Garhoud crowd. The service is a trifle slow, the waiters are a bit brusque and the tables are unceremoniously laid.

The food, however, is slightly more of a success. The menu offers a straightforward selection of typically Lebanese starters and grilled meat or chicken dishes for mains. The juicy spinach and onion salad bursts with a zesty dressing, and although slightly misleading in being called a vegetable platter, the generous helping of crispy fresh lettuce leaves, radishes, cucumbers and fresh mint sprigs is a popular and traditional table accompaniment. Mains are adequate but, like the service, hold no high aspirations. Chicken grills are flavoursome and simple and the lamb dishes juicy but make no great culinary leaps. The orali dish however, is still a winner, with tender chunks of beef, peppers and tomatoes, speckled with parsely and presented on a half-portion of Lebanese bread.

The bar is well stocked and the wine list impressive for a gaffe possessing such unassuming décor. A decent enough place to grab a quick bite or a grapey shisha, before heading out into the glamorous Dubai night, or just across the patio to the ever-popular Irish Village.

• Previous reviews
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 01 November,2004- reviewed by Matthew Lee

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.