Al Khaima

Now located in what looks like a marquee from an Arabic wedding, Al Khayma may have new surroundings but they’re still up to their old tricks. Discuss this article

Now located in what looks like a marquee from an Arabic wedding, Al Khayma may have new surroundings but they’re still up to their old tricks. If you ask for a ‘selection of mezze’ they’re likely to bring you everything on the starter menu, including a plate of whole, unprepared vegetables that resemble last prize at a country fair. And you’ll be charged accordingly for it. The water they foist upon you without asking for it, will also appear on the bill.

That said, the cheese dishes and mutabbal dip are really quite tasty, even if most of the mezze are as tame as a stag night in Sharjah. The low sofas that seat up to six around a table feel fun and authentic, but those long of leg will find themselves fidgeting by the main course. One interesting addition is the big screen that silently shows everything from live football matches to Hollywood films, which can be distracting, especially if there is a good game on and your dining companion is as dull as half of the starters.

The mixed grill as a main course is a splendid meat feast, and the jumbo prawns are plentiful and live up to their name in terms of size. Mixed baklava dessert, like a one-armed golfer, is more miss than hit, but sweetly entertaining all the same and there’s a very good range of shisha.

Calling the service crafty may be a tad harsh, but if you try the food here, some of which is fine, make sure you only pay for what you ordered and never assume that anything they bring is complimentary. If you just fancy shisha and a few drinks, this is a decent enough spot, but ultimately the neighbouring Al Qasr is a far superior bet.

• Previous reviews
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence

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