Persian cuisine has the influence of diverse cultures due to its strategic location at ancient Silk Road. It is the perfect amalgam of local produce, food from the Far East, the Middle East and some eastern Mediterranean countries. Also, Persia is famous for serving food with great love and warmth as people here are very welcoming. This delicious and unique cuisine is a combination of rice, with meat, vegetables, and nuts which are flavored with pomegranate, raisins, plums, saffron(key-ingredient), dried-lime, cinnamon, and turmeric. In this blog post, read my reviews of Fine Dining at Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai.
Dubai offers Diverse food options from all over the world and always surprises me with the best authentic & traditional cuisines from many regions of the world. If you are visiting Dubai or living here, then Go for Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai.
Reviews – Fine Dining at Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai
Anar – a Persian Restaurant in Dubai is a place where you are offered with two thousand and five hundred-year-old Persian recipes, served with great love and warmth.
“Anar” a Persian word which means Pomegranate in English is a key ingredient of this unique cuisine and therefore the restaurant is named after this generous fruit. You will find the taste of magical pomegranate in various dishes from starters to desserts in this restaurant.
AMBIANCE/ DÉCOR – The location of Anar is magical, as it is located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah which is a recreation of ancient Arabia with Arabic style of buildings, markets, canals, traditional boat rides, etc. Anar is centrally located on the popular walkways, besides the waterfront of tranquil canals and offers stunning views of Burj-Al-Arab and Souk Madinat.
Anar offers outside and inside seating whichever you prefer. While dining outdoor you can have your delicious food besides the canal and watch traditional Abras (wooden boats) passing by you.
Their interiors are also interesting as the theme is Persia and the whole environment inside the restaurant takes you there. Interesting and beautiful paintings adorning the walls, artifacts from Persia, rich turquoise furnishings, lavish chandeliers hanging from patterned roofs make the atmosphere very authentic and beautiful too. Also, light Persian music is played in the background which I found very soothing, though I don’t know the language it was perfectly blending with the theme.
They have open Tandoor area where you can see how special chef is preparing traditional bread and these bread are quite similar to Indian Tandoori Roti or Naan.
WHAT I ATE / ORDERED – Traditional Bread and a Plate of Walnuts, Feta Cheese, Leaves are served initially when you arrive and take your seat which is complimentary with your meals.
For Drinks I ordered Fresh Anar Juice – Fresh squeezed Pomegranate Juice and Fresh Mint Lemon Juice.
STARTERS
SALAD ANAR-O-KHIYAR – Cucumber and Pomegranate seeds drizzled with Pomegranate juice.
BADEMJAN SHEKAM POR – Baked Egg Plant with a stuffing of crushed walnuts and mixed vegetables.
BORANY BADEMJAN – Fried Eggplant with creamy Yoghurt. ( It is a kind of dip).
HUMMUS – Paste of cooked mashed chickpeas mixed with Olive Oil, Tahini, Lemon juice, Salt & Garlic.
MAIN COURSE – Gravy / Stew with Variety of Rice and Kebabs.
GHEYMEH BADEMJAN – Tender Lamb cubes cooked in tomato sauce with egg-plants & yellow lentils. I am vegetarian so asked them to make this dish without Lamb cubes. It is a perfect gravy with large quantity and even vegetarians can also have it.
KHORESHT BAMIYE – Lamb cubes cooked with Tomato Gravy & Baby Okra. Again I requested them to eliminate Lamb cubes from it to transform into a vegetarian version.
RICE VARIETIES – They have many flavors infused rice varieties which are worth.
BAGHALI POLOW BA MAHICHEH – Dill and Fava beans flavored rice. It has braised lamb but I opted without it.
ZERESHK POLOW – Wild Berries and Saffron-infused rice which also has slow cooked chicken. Again in this, I opted without chicken.
DESSERTS –
FALOODE SHIRAZI – Rice Noodles, Rose-water Sorbet with Lime.
BASTANI AKBAR MASHTI – Persian style Saffron infused Ice-cream.
And last but not least the winner of all dishes is – the famous Persian Tea and no food is completed in a Persian restaurant without having their famous and special Tea.
Persian tea here is served with many assorted Persian Delights/cookies. This special tea is infused with flavors of saffron and even the sugar stick served with it has a coating of saffron.
MY VERDICT –
Food – 4.8 out of 5
Ambiance – 5 out of 5
Service – 4.8 out of 5
Cleanliness – 5 out of 5
Check its ratings and more reviews about Anar at Zomato –
FEATURES –
- Welcoming and courteous staff
- Expert chefs from Persia.
- See through Tandoor with the live preparation of Tandoori Persian Bread.
- Full Bar. Happy Hours is from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
- Opens from 12:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.
- Valet Parking
- Located at one of the most Popular and Beautiful Tourist Location of Dubai.
- WiFi
- Kids Friendly
- Outdoor and Indoor seating options with stunning views
- Bread is Complimentary and can have as many as you want.
- Check deals on Groupon or Entertainer.
TIPS –
- Book your table in advance and grab a good view.
- Do not forget to take your camera with you as this location and restaurant are truly photogenic.
- Sunset time is the best time to go for this restaurant as you can have the view of both day and evening times.
RECOMMENDED FOR – Romantic Dinners, Couples, Family Outings, Group Dinners, Parties, and celebrations.
PRICE – AED 425 – 450 for 2 persons approximately.
GOOGLE MAP LOCATION – Click here to reach this location.
PHONE NO:- +971 4 368 6505
Check their Facebook Page
Anar has won Trip Advisor excellence awards and offers true Persian flavors with full of love at one of the most picturesque locations in Dubai.
If you are visiting Dubai or live here, then soak yourself in the true Arabic settings of Souk Madinat Jumeirah and enjoy true & unique authentic Persian food at Anar. So visit this stunning place with awesome authentic Fine Dining at Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai
Before or after having food at Anar, you can go for Abra (Wooden Boat) ride in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Getting lost in Arabic lanes, shopping ethnic Arabic crafts here is very interesting and something unique in Dubai. Souk Madinat Jumeirah also has a theatre where you can book your favorite show. Many famous plays are staged here.
Note – Though I was invited by Anar for dinner, the views and opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.
Dubai has many hidden treasures like old souks – Al Fahidi Souk, getaways like Hatta mountain ranges near Dubai, archaeological ancient sites and many exotic beaches like La Mer Beach and JBR beach.
So, until then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
DISCLAIMER – The content of the blog is solely my views of a place or a thing. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products and for that, this site is not responsible after you click those advertisements. We are the independent owner of this site and views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me. There can be slight differences in distances, locations or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, means at no additional cost to you. I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase
I love Persian cuisine, and miss it a lot, as we used to have two great Persian restaurants within a couple of minutes walk from my house and now both are closed. I am heading to Dubai in the new year, so am noting this recommendation for Anar in my bookmarks. I love the idea of recipes that are 2,500 years old, what a lovely piece of history. The location and setting also appeal, it looks beautiful.
If you are visiting Dubai on New Year, then from this restaurant you can view the fireworks of Burj Al Arab on New Year’s Eve
This sounds absolutely delicious place. Your photos totally captivated me. I wonder who wouldn’t want to go there?
Thanks Su Bha Sun
Its not only the food thats attracting me, its also the amazing architecture. I have always loved middle eastern food for its variety of flavours, and Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant, seems to be delivering exactly that. A true experience, with all the Arabic vibes, to go with the food.
Thanks Arnav
Mmmh, this feast alone would be a reason to go to Dubai! Funny enough, I find the three kinds of rice most alluring; but also the stuffed egg plant with yoghurt. I love Persian cuisine, anyway, and these dishes look sooo delish.
Thanks Renata
Persian theme and music, open tandoor oven, outside seating… Anar sounds incredible!
Thanks Alan
The restaurant itself looks so exotic with stunning views of the canals and the boats. And such a wide variety of authentic flavors and traditional food to soak in the views and fill your appetite. I would love to try their anar juice and the persian tea when I am there. A perfect relaxing end to a day, I am sure.
Thanks Arti
I love the decor and atmosphere of this restaurant! It looks like the perfect place for a romantic dinner. All of the Persian food looks amazing but I think my favorite is the tea with the Persian cookies and desserts.
Thanks Kristy
What a feast!! Everything looks so delicious. Love all the Persian decor and how cool they cook the Tandoori Bread at plain sight. Definitely a place to check out if I’m ever in Dubai.
Thanks Marlene
Wow, 2500 year old recipes, that’s incredible! The food looks and ‘sounds’ delicious, but I absolutely love the decor. Looks like a brilliant place to spend an evening filled with great food!
Thanks Noraly
I love Persian food, it’s one of those cuisines that is just seeped in history and is a mingling of different cultures. The food at the restaurant looks incredible, my stomach is rumbling just looking at the photos! I’m glad the atmosphere was good too, sometimes fine dining places can be a bit stuffy. Love that the sugar is coated in saffron too – so decadent!
Thanks Chesca yes that sugar coated in saffron is very unique and easy to mix in tea.
Wow mouthwatering food. Love the pictures.
I have to admit that I don’t have much experience with Persian food, but this sounds delicious! I do love pomegranates and the fresh juice sounds absolutely amazing! I think my favorite part would be the ambiance. The outdoor seating and view looks spectacular!
Thanks Sierra
LOVE Persian food. This place looks magically. Would love to find something similar in San Francisco.
Well now I’m hungry! I love the fact that they make the naan right in front of you. Pomegranates are one of my favorite fruits on the PLANET, and the Anar Juice sounds absolutely amazing! The views look incredible as well, and I totally get how eating there around sunset would be the best of two worlds with the canal and incredible architecture surrounding. Lovely post!
Thanks
My mouth is watering…. I once joined a Persian New Year Eve’s dinner and og, the use of nuts and pomegranate… I so wish I could jump in your pictures!
Thanks
Anar sounds like a fun restaurant. I love Persian food, and I love pomegranates! I think we will have to keep this restaurant in mind if we ever visit Dubai.
Thanks Astrid
Anar Persian Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai sounds and looks like a nice restaurant. I like that they use persian recipes from two thousand and five hundred-year-old. My mouth is watering and definitely adding this place to my list for when i would return to Dubai
Thanks Mel
If any city is going to provide over-the-top luxury fine dining, it’s Dubai. I wish I would’ve known about this restaurant when I was there! The pomegranate, cucumber, walnuts, and eggplant dishes just reminded me how much I want to visit Iran. What an incredible culinary experience!
Yes Cristina, Dubai has top luxury restaurants
I feel like I just ate the best meal ever! Between your descriptions and pictures I can almost taste all of this wonderful food. I’ve been excited to visit Dubai for the architecture and gardens but now I’m also really looking forward to the food!
Thanks Angela
What a spread of delicacies you have introduced in this blog post, Yukti. Splendid! Being a vegetarian I am a bit sceptical when trying out new dishes from different regions.But, I may opt for your idea from now.Eliminate non-veg but again I wonder about the oil used! Never knew that tea is served with sugar sticks.Interesting. The decor , the canal and the views are beautiful and your captures add so much beauty to the overall post.
Thanks Meenakshi, i asked them they told everything is made separate and they use fresh oil.
You had me at pomegranate! I adore it raw, or in cooked foods. But all the foods you introduced look amazing and the setting should make any dinner seem special
Thanks Mirela
The restaurant seems wonderful, and most of the dishes are so familiar. Persian and Indian food have influenced each other so much, isn’t it? What was your most favorite flavour?
Yes, Persians and Indians have many things in common, first of all we Indians also call Anar and saffron rice is made in India too. I loved Lentils gravy with eggplant and Saffron Rice.
Wow, what an incredible place to eat, the food just looks wonderful and the setting really enchanting too. I love that they are so accommodating with vegetarian requests too, that would be important for us.
Thanks Nic
What a great looking restaurant. The viewing area to see them make Tandoori looks really great. If I ever make it back to DUbai I will have to check it out.
Thanks Alice
The rice dishes in particular look very light and flavorful. The chefs sound like they can accommodate people with dietary restrictions, as they were able to withhold meat for your dish. That is good to know.
Thanks Jerry
I am a big fan of Middle Eastern food and Persian food holds a special place in my heart. It is a little different from typical Arabic fare but delicious. And yes, Anar does play such a big role in their food. This looks like a great place to eat out. I would definitely want to try that baked eggplant and the lamb dishes. And the Persian tea after all of it. Will try it out next time I am in Dubai.
Thanks Soumya
Oooh fine dining indeed! I don’t splurge on food more than once per trip but Anar definitely looks like a place I’d want to indulge while in Dubai! I’m not very familiar with Persian cuisine but the food looks and sounds delicious – especially the lamb which is my fave meat dish!
Thanks Aisha
Another great treat from the city that never ends to offer new experiences. Anar is surely a winner not just due to the food but also the ambience and the location. Persian food is one of my favourite and I love the Bughali pulao which looks absolutely amazing at the anar. what a great way to leave a master stoke by offering anar juice. Thanks for sharing a great find and a new place to visit on my next trip to Dxb.
Thanks Amar, You can try this lovely place with superb views when you visit to Dubai again.
It’s funny that I just stumbled upon your post because I have been eating pomegranate all summer long where they grow wildly in the Balkans.
I love love persian food and I would definitely try persian food at Anar if I ever get the chance to visit Dubai! I am sure the food is excellent and the setting is perfect indeed!
Btw, how many people were you eating all that food? So much!
Thanks Dada, I went there for family dinner, I alone can’t eat so much.
This is fantastic. such a variety of rich flavors in the spread. Thanks to your pictures I can smell the spices, the aromatic Rice and all the lovely Persian dishes. The desserts also look delicious. I love that you suggested some places to see around the restaurant as well
Thanks Sinjana
Great tips! I want to sit outside at Anar. Seems like it would be a beautiful place to spend an evening.
Yes Dana it is beautiful place with lovely views
Anar with such beautiful outdoor surroundings looks like an ideal restaurant to spend a calm and relaxing evening. Also the lovely interiors make the ambiance of the restaurant very soothing. I loved the variety of food options and the fact that pomegranate is used in most of the dishes, since it is my favorite fruit. Also the rice variations seem unique. I would surely make a visit to Anar to try out the authentic Persian cuisine soon on my next visit at Madinat Jumeirah.
Thanks Anjali, I too love the use of Pomegranate in various dishes.
Anar looks like a the perfect date place for my husband and I. Its name is very special because the meaning (“pomegranate”) has the same meaning of my last name (Granada). 🙂 I would love to go there someday!
Wow, gr8 to know that Anar is also know as Granada in your language. When you visit Dubai, have a perfect date with your husband here at Anar.
Amazing post! I absolutely love Persian food, and the food you posted photos of looks and sounds delicious. I didn’t realize that pomegranate played such a big role in Persian food. This sounds like a great place!
Thanks Leah