Many of the best places to eat and drink in Ras Al Khaimah can be found in the city’s luxurious resorts. Each one offers several restaurants and bars for you to choose from and dishes are influenced by cuisines from around the world.
But you’ll likely also want to sample traditional Arabic dishes during your stay. These are very similar to those you would find an hour and a half down the coast in Dubai. As well as the resort restaurants, the cafes on the Corniche are a great starting point for a more authentic experience.
Before you fly, read on to discover the best food and drink in Ras Al Khaimah that you will definitely want to try during your trip, as well as where you should be booking a table during your stay.
What to eat in Ras Al Khaimah
Here is a selection of the most popular Arabic dishes that you might like to try during your time in Ras Al Khaimah.
1. Manakish
Flatbread is incredibly popular in the UAE. Manakish is a particularly delicious flatbread that is served with a range of toppings. The most common of these is zaatar (a spice mixture), cheese and spiced minced lamb or beef. This can be enjoyed at any time of the day so you’ll find you’re able to order it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
2. Falafel
Spices are mixed with ground chickpeas or fava beans to form these fried balls. Can be enjoyed on its own or dipped in a sauce such as tahini. It's also delicious in flatbread or pita bread and is the perfect choice for an afternoon snack to keep you going until dinner.
3. Shawarma
Typically strips of chicken - but sometimes lamb - shawarma consists of meat cooked on a spit with spices. It’s then served in pita bread with lettuce and a drizzle of tahini sauce. This is one of the most popular dishes in this corner of the world, so you definitely won’t want to miss out on sampling some during your stay.
4. Shish taouk
Shish taouk is a chicken shish kebab. It’s served on a skewer after being marinated in yoghurt, lemon juice and spices and cooked in a tandoor oven.
5. Fattoush
This salad is ideal for a starter or can be ordered as a main course if you are looking for a lighter lunch or dinner. Ingredients can vary depending on where you are dining but it tends to be made using tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and pomegranates topped with toasted or fried bread.
6. Samak Mhammar
Seafood dishes are popular in Ras Al Khaimah due to the city’s position on the coast. This traditional dish is formed of a whole fish, spiced and served with yellow rice and caramelised onions.
7. Honey cake
If you are in the mood for something sweet then you’ll want to try this layer cake made with local honey and cream, and finished off with a sprinkling of biscuit crumbs. Perfectly complimented by a cup of coffee.
What to drink in Ras Al Khaimah
Need a beverage to go with those delicious Arabian dishes? Here are some of the most popular drinks that you might like have to accompany your meal:
1. Arabic Coffee
Arabic coffee - which you might see on menus as gahwa - is perhaps the most popular drink in the UAE. This warming beverage, which is often spiced with saffron, cloves, cumin and cardamom, is served in an Arabian coffee pot, known as a dallah. It’s then poured into finjaan - small cups that you’ll cradle in your hands as they don’t have handles. The Arabic word for coffee means strong and it definitely is here! Traditionally, it’s served with dates - the ideal mid-morning pick me up.
2. Arabic Tea
If you’re not a fan of coffee but fancy a hot drink, you’ll be pleased to hear that tea is almost as popular in Ras Al Khaimah. It can be strong and black or herbal - such as Chai Noomi Basra which is a dried lime tea. The one you are most likely to come across is Karak Chai which is spiced and fragrant. This might be served with ginger, fennel, cinnamon or cardamom.
3. Amar al-Din
If you are looking for a cool and refreshing drink then you’ll want to try Amar al-Din. This is a thick apricot drink that is particularly popular in the UAE during Ramadan. It is made from dried apricots which are mixed with either rosewater or orange blossom water. Ice is then added to the drink and nuts (or other toppings) provide the finishing touches.
4. Jellab
Another refreshing drink - that’s also typically enjoyed during Ramadan - is Jellab. This drink consists of grape - but sometimes date syrup - mixed with rose water. Toppings such as pine nuts or raisins can then be added.
5. Laban
This buttermilk drink, which is both rich and creamy, is often flavoured with rosewater, orange blossom water or blended dates. Alternatively, spices may be added to it including cardamom and saffron.
What is the drinking age in Ras Al Khaimah?
You must be over the age of 21 to drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah. As a Muslim country, alcoholic beverages won’t be found in local restaurants, however, you can purchase alcohol at most dining outlets in the resorts.
Where to eat and drink in Ras Al Khaimah
The best places to eat and drink in Ras Al Khaimah are often found in the city’s resorts. Please be aware that it is the resorts' discretion to close any restaurant at any time. We recommend checking with the resort directly if you wish to dine at a particular restaurant. For now, here are a few that you might like to visit and the restaurants you can choose from.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, with its private stretch of sand, boasts 10 restaurants, bars and lounges. Here are just three of the best to consider dining in:
- Al Maeda: This Lebanese inspired restaurant comes with incredible views of the Arabian Gulf as you tuck into dishes such as smoked lamb Frikih.
- Piaceri da Gustare: Fancy an Italian meal? Here you can order from a selection of Italian classics for your main and then finish with a tasty sorbet or gelato.
- Pura Vida Restaurant: Brazilian meat including burgers and braised barbeque ribs are served here alongside signature caipirinhas.
This resort also provides somewhere truly unique to enjoy your traditional Arabic beverage throughout the day – the swim-up bar. Alternatively, head down to the beach bar for incredible views of the ocean and to enjoy the sunset as you sip on something sweet.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
In 2018, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah was voted one of Tripadvisor’s top 25 hotels in the UAE. It's not hard to see why when the 5-star resort boasts a private beach and nine restaurants and bars. Choose from these enticing on-site locations:
- Le Diwan: This bar offers an authentic experience and the opportunity to sample delicious local cuisine and Arabic juices.
- Marjan: Enjoy traditional Arabic dishes while taking in views of the Arabian Gulf.
- Lexington Grill: Succulent steak and seafood - including an oyster bar - are available at this restaurant.
- UMI: Fancy Japanese food? Head here for the sushi corner and Teppanyaki grill.
- Peacock Ally: Try the famous Waldorf salad in this grand signature lounge or stop by for afternoon tea.
Whether you fancy a cocktail or mocktail head up to 17Squared on the 17th floor where you can take in incredible views of Ras Al Khaimah.
Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is a 5-star beachfront hotel with an incredible 13 restaurants and bars. Take a seat in one of these guest favourites:
- Al Marjan: Live cooking and a buffet serving up cuisine from around the world is available all day at this restaurant.
- Meze: This Turkish restaurant serves up meze platters with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
- Sanchaya: Fancy Asian cuisine? Then head here for dishes including nasi goreng and Thai green curry.
After dinner, go up to the rooftop for drinks and nibbles as you take in views of the sea from the 9th floor.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert is a secluded escape with rolling sand dunes for as far as the eye can see. You may even spot an Arabian oryx stroll past as you tuck into your meal here. Choose from one of these popular eateries:
- Farmhouse: Homegrown vegetables and meats are available at this rustic farmhouse-inspired restaurant.
- Khaheela Restaurant: The buffet here serves up dishes from across the Middle East and India.
- Destination Dining: For a unique experience, you can choose a secluded spot to enjoy a romantic meal. Options include the top of the Arabic watchtower and a barbecue among the sand dunes.
During the day, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar then once the sun sets head up to the rooftop Moon Bar for a signature cocktail.
If we’ve made you hungry for traditional Arabian cuisine then check out holidays to Ras Al Khaimah or speak to one of our expert team to organise your trip today.