Arabian Tea House

Sun-drenched courtyard in historic Bastakiah 5 Reviews

© ITP Images

UPDATE: Basta Art Café is now called Arabian Tea House
Basta Art Café has one of the most magical locations in the city, amid the art galleries and maze-like alleyways of Bastakiya. Its main eating area is outside in a peaceful courtyard shaded by a huge oak tree. Unfortunately this sun-scorched quarter is a no-go zone during summer, and customers must retreat indoors. While that kills the ambience somewhat (and reduces the number of customers), the interior décor is equally appealing, with the kind of white wicker furnishings and random arty clutter that remind us of our great aunt’s summer house. The service is better when it’s less busy (we have been taken aback in the past to have our polite request for extra sides met by a tut and an eye roll). Nevertheless, we love Basta’s healthy, fresh menu – a rarity in this city. From wake-up shakes to the imaginative, not to mention gigantic salads (mango, melon and halloumi, anyone?) and the special Basta sandwiches featuring all sorts of veg wrapped in Arabic bread, the host of herbal teas and desserts, everything on the menu appeals. Ideal in the winter and still worth a trip in the summer – there’s nothing like lunch at Basta, complemented by a chorus from the surrounding minarets.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 24 March 2011

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 06 April,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 29 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 17 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 01 August,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 February,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 June,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb

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

User reviews:

Posted by: Kate on 09 Apr ' 13 at 20:40

OverallDecorService

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

Nice enough place but disappointing based on the reviews. The decor is no longer the same-although shaded by trees, there were several wires criss-crossing the courtyard with sheets hung from them which served to give the impression of sitting in someone's back garden with the washing out. The upholstered chairs while comfy were stained. The menu was like something you'd expect in a greasy spoon apart from the salads which had some slightly "interesting" combinations (tuna pasta with pineapple anyone?). I'd travelled from the Greens to try this place but paying 121 dhs for two sandwiches (no accompanying salad or fries), two drinks and a small pot of tea won't tempt me back. I'd suggest Shakespeare for better food, bigger portions, more choice and better decor for somewhere in the same price bracket.

Posted by: Ali Jawad on 16 Mar ' 12 at 09:02

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The best place in town!! Away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city, there is a place with all its serenity and calmness, waiting for a romantic couple to spend unforgetable moments under the branches of old shady trees and to relish a delicious and mouthwatering food. I tell you, that place is magical and once you get in there, it will get into your mind and you'll not forget it as long as your are alive. Especially the smile of Siddiqa, the girl who waits with a smiling face. Whenever I am in Dubai, I am in Basta cafe...thats for sure the place where anybody can find me in DXB!!

Posted by: marko on 10 Oct ' 10 at 19:13

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

pretty fantastic place

Posted by: Jen on 24 Mar ' 10 at 12:15

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Wonderful location. A great place to spend time with friends. The food is served in large portions and is a good value for the money. I highly recommend the lime-mint juice.

Please be advised that dervice is slow and local parking is very limited at times.

Posted by: Juliette on 17 Mar ' 09 at 11:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A really lovely garden setting, perfect for catching up with friends on the weekend, over the delicious salads and juices. Shame the service is so unfriendly.