A fun Lebanese restaurant that tourists will revel in, Al Khayal dishes out all the usual Arabic clichés, but they do so very well. And, according to the exceptionally effervescent receptionist, not only is Al Khayal the best Lebanese restaurant in Dubai, the entertainment is now even better than ever with a new, more polished, belly dancer. (Perhaps this is because Time Out suggested in an earlier review that the previous belly dancer was rather, um, ‘raunchy’?).

Whether it’s the best restaurant is debatable, but it is consistently good. The usual suspects appear on the cold mezze selection — the liberallyloaded kibbeh and sambousik are particularly successful, while the mixed grill in the mains section boasts big, juicy hunks of massati lamb, spicy kofta kebabs and perfectly tender chicken. The accompanying bread flavoured with meat, tomato and cheese will defy any Atkins-follower to not partake in its fluffy pleasures. The ensuing desserts are equally impressive: exotic fruits including a sweet and sour dragon fruit contrasted against a candied pumpkin is an unusual treat.

Seated amidst glittering pillars in this palace of Arabian splendour, surrounded by enthusiastic punters and accommodating staff members, you can’t help but smile in satisfaction. That is, until the bill arrives and, if you’ve ordered wine, this will be hefty. Still, the small pleasures in life are worth paying for and Al Khayal guarantees an entertaining night out.