Times of Arabia

Overpriced Arabian at The Madinat 11 Reviews

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

As a rule of thumb, a busy restaurant is a good restaurant. But there is an exception to every rule, and in this case Times of Arabia is it. The crowds must be unwitting tourists who have chanced upon the restaurant, hoping for a taste of the Middle East.

You hope that they do not leave under the misguided impression that their experience was authentic; it remains a mystery why the management have yet to capitalise on such a coveted, canal-side location.

The waiting staff tend to wander around in a daze not really serving anyone, and placing an order takes them by surprise. Cutlery and napkins are not guaranteed.

Though the menu is fairly inclusive, revolving around the idea of Lebanese mezze, the dishes are mediocre at best and lack presentation. Bread comes to the table in a plastic bag, the dishes arrive with no garnish or accompaniments whatsoever; the chicken livers are overcooked and the portions tend to be stingy.

Even if you manage to artfully navigate your way through the menu for a satisfactory meal, the bill will take you off guard. There are much better places to go.


By Jeremy Lawrence

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

Details

  • Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
  • Tel: 04 368 6044
  • Travel: Al Sufouh Road
  • Website

Is this your establishment? Want to update any details? Please send your updates here.

Map

User reviews

ValueAmbienceService
DecorFoodOverall
  • Users voted this restaurant most suitable for: Romantic

User reviews:

Posted by: Abc on 04 Jul ' 12 at 11:54
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Romantic
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: nasir Uddin Chowdhury. on 01 Jul ' 12 at 08:43
  • Best for: Romantic
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? No

i am Looking for Best Job in Lebanese Cuisine Dubai.Thank You.

Posted by: manish on 29 May ' 12 at 08:47
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

It's the worst restaurent I visited in the last many months! the face of the servers are almost depressing! It seems that they are doing a favor to us by serving us... even the person who takes the order feels the same!

Posted by: joanne on 06 Mar ' 12 at 07:41
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Romantic
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went to Times of Arabia with my fiance and we both enjoyed our time there from beginning to end. The hostess who greeted us was most welcoming and made us feel very at home. Service was very fast and friendly and our food came very quickly and most importantly presentation and taste were both superb!! Yes the prices are high but well worth it i would say. The decoration and feel to the whole restaurant made it feel very romantic and a traditional Lebanese restaurant. I would recommend anyone to try their beautiful cuisine. It was the perfect evening.

Posted by: Emma Louise on 12 Feb ' 12 at 09:52
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Family friendly
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Had a wonderful meal there yesterday and wanted to share my experence with others. The resturant is beautifully decorated, the staff are friendly and helpful and the food was just lovely.
I would definatly return to this resturant.

Posted by: Shona on 11 Feb ' 12 at 12:05
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Romantic
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Wow what a beautiful place. The restaurant and the view made a romantic evening just perfect. The staff were so friendly and the hostess came over and had a chat with us , advising us on which meals we should try , she was so lovely and the food was wonderful .Thank you times of Arabia for great food service and a night to remember, ill definitely be seeing you soon.

Posted by: Sreda on 07 Sep ' 10 at 07:26
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Way to expensive!!!! It's just not worth it.

Posted by: marlyn on 22 May ' 10 at 08:21
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue

it was too expensive...dishes quantity very poor...no garnish
staff are too be busy to look at the customer....not a proper management

decor and outside setting is nice but need lots of improvement on food and service

Posted by: Marina on 27 Apr ' 10 at 18:30
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Family friendly
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Nice restaurant. The food is really tasty, but prices are so expensive for lebanese kitchen.

Posted by: shatha on 21 Jul ' 09 at 10:04
OverallDecorService
FoodAmbienceValue
  • Best for: Romantic
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

we were a group for 15 people ,realy we enjoy the time there,and even the restaurant was epensive,but the offer set menu for us just 200 Dhs for each one withe alot of nice food and drinks..
they are friendly there,and lovely restaurant,i like it too much.

Posted by: george on 21 Jul ' 09 at 09:55
  • Best for: Family friendly
  • Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

it is amazing restaurant lebanese in madinat jumeirah and dubai,when i entered in side and see the menu,i found little expensive prices,but when i got the food and test thier wine,i told to my self that is deserving the best in area with the quantity and the quality,and the service was good as well.

Add your review/feedback

Your Rating (Min. 1 star, zero stars will be treated as unrated)
Yes No

Subscribe to Restaurants newsletter

Prove you're not a robot:

Submit

Search

Explore by

Our favourite features