Lebanon’s Al Falamanki restaurant opens in Dubai

Al Falamanki is now open on Jumeirah Beach Road. Courtesy Al Falamanki

Al Falamanki, a restaurant from Lebanon, has just opened its first international eatery in Dubai, across from the Four Seasons Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road.

The restaurant opened in Lebanon in 2008 as a nostalgic cafe that transports guests back to 1960s Beirut. The founders came up with the concept after hearing about Al Khalil Al Falamanki, a Lebanese wrestler turned bodyguard who lived life to the fullest, travelling the world and winning over local and foreign celebrities with his charm.

The Dubai branch, a makeshift shrine to Al Falamanki, is filled with items from his personal collection. The restaurant seats up to 500 people and has a casual atmosphere with music from Fayrouz and Sabah. Al Falamanki’s signature dishes include classic tastes of Lebanon with a personal touch including ‘Khalil’s saj’ with thyme and a cheese mix made exclusively for Al Falamanki and ‘kbaibet in yogurt’ — fried kibbeh balls mixed with garlic, pine nuts and coriander. Throughout Ramadan, Al Falamanki is serving a set menu (Dh150) with traditional dishes such as hashed chicken, sumac potatoes, cheese rolls, fried kibbeh and main options that change daily.

Iftar is served nightly from sunset to 3am. 04 550 9142