Al Mazaj

No fuss food from Lebanon Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

If gongs were handed out for undemanding conviviality, then Al Mazaj would undoubtedly secure its fair share of nominations. Ambition and innovation are both thin on the ground here, but the absence of airs and graces make for a pleasantly unprepossessing dining experience.

Once ensconced in one of the cosily ergonomic seats, kick back with a shisha pipe and let your stresses drift away like the wafts of smoke billowing through the trees. The food doesn’t quite match up to the ambience, but there are several perfectly acceptable dishes on offer.

The fattoush is fresh, if a little functional, while the hummus balila is a hot and garlicky portion of whole chickpeas. Meanwhile, the moussaka bears little resemblance to the classic lamb dish from Greece, and is instead a pleasant cold stew of aubergine with tomatoes, onion and chickpeas.

There’s better Lebanese food on offer in Dubai, but decent grub and good vibes is a winning combination that Al Mazaj has down to a fine art.

• Previous reviews
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by TimeOut 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.