RAK’s Top Hidden Culinary Treasures That Will Leave Your Stomach Full And Your Heart Happy.

It’s your first full day in Ras Al Khaimah, and after a full day of sightseeing or working, you’re ready for a delicious, filling meal.

Due to the booming tourism industry and its draw for international business, many restaurants in the area boast vast menus that incorporate flavors from cuisines around the world, ranging from Italy to China to the Mediterranean.

Concerned about Covid? The UAE has resumed most transportation operations (including airports) and business operations (including daycares and school). Many hotels, restaurants and businesses have launched Covid safety precautions and are open for travellers. For the latest Covid information related to travel, please visit consult the official UAE government site or your local government agencies.  In July 2020, Ras Al Khaimah was also declared as the first safe city in the world, receiving the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Assurance Label and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp.

Here’s a list of 10 of RAK’s top hidden culinary treasures that will leave your stomach full and your heart happy.

1. Pura Vida Restaurant 

   Located in the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, this restaurant is known for its vast menu of foods from around the world. Choose between hearty quesadillas or Brazilian Churascco slow-grilled meat for an unforgettable dining experience.

   Pura Vida Restaurant is open for lunch between 12:30 and 3 p.m. and opens again for dinner between 7 and 11 p.m.

2. Emirates Sea Restaurant 

   Using only the freshest ingredients and boasting signature seafood dishes that bring in the true flavors of Arabia, the Emirates Sea Restaurant is known across the UAE for its high-quality food and hospitality.

   Its extensive menu includes dishes suited for varied palettes and includes foods inspired by Indian, Chinese, Continental, Arabic, and Thailand cuisine. However, it’s signature dishes include Tomyum seafood soup, saffron phirni, salmon in lemon butter sauce, special mixed kebab, dynamite lobster, baked baby crab, and Szechuan mussels.

   This restaurant is located on Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road and is open for lunch between noon and 4 p.m. and dinner from 7 p.m. to midnight, with extended hours on the weekend.

3. Shakespeare and Co.

   Stop for a midday meal or just a cup of tea and a pastry at this café-restaurant located in both the Al Hamra and Al Naeem Malls. Established in 2001, Shakespeare and Co. has locations across the UAE and the world which serve a wide selection of teas, coffees, drinks, sandwiches, salads, soups, crepes, and other desserts.

   Shakespeare and Co. especially offers a list of delicious mocktails, including strawberry lemonade and “minty licious” which is made of kiwi, apple, fresh mint, and lemon sorbet.

   The café-restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to midnight every day at both locations.

4. Zaitouna House

   Rich Lebanese and Levant-inspired dishes are served at this restaurant located in the Marjan Island Resort & Spa. With seating overlooking the sparkling gulf, the location also makes this restaurant a place to remember.

   Try ordering the restaurant’s hummus, fattoush (a Lebanese salad made with well-seasoned pita bread and vegetables and drizzled with a zesty lime vinaigrette), lamb chops, or flavorful kebabs.

   Zaitouna House is open from 1-11 p.m. every day.

5. Sanchaya 

   This restaurant, located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, boasts indoor and terrace seating and a menu filled with Asian-inspired dishes.

   For starters, try a side of steamed scallops in a flavorful ox sauce or a glass noodle salad with fried squid, dried chili, and garlic. A large dim sum and sushi selection have options that everyone will love.

   Popular main courses include Singaporean roast duck, Mongolian-style lamb shank, Thai green curry, and crispy Szechuan beef. For a side, enjoy Cantonese fried rice, egg fried, rice, Jasmine rice, Asian greens, or lemongrass steamed potatoes.

   This restaurant is open for lunch on Fridays from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and for dinner Monday-Saturday 6:30-10:30 p.m.

6. Thunder Road Pizza & Grill

   This popular restaurant is renowned for its American-Italian fusion menu of delicious pizzas, pastas, steaks, and other sides. Founded by Guiseppe Tatulli in Italy, the location in RAK was established in 2015 by Guiseppe’s son Alessandro.

   This restaurant is perfect for families or those craving pizza ranging from traditional Margherita to one loaded with calamari, shrimp, mussels, tomato, salsa, parsley, and olive oil to Nutella pizza topped with powdered sugar.

   If you’re craving something other than the signature dish, Thunder Road Pizza & Grill also offers premium rib eye steak, burgers, soups, salads, and focaccia.

   This popular lunch and dinner spot is open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. every day.

7. Farmhouse

   Located in the Al Wadi Desert inside The Ritz-Carlton, Farmhouse offers a variety of seasonal and authentic seafood, smoked meat, and vegetarian dishes.

   This upscale restaurant features dishes such as seared foie gras, grilled Candian lobster, prime ribeye, butternut squash ravioli.

   Farmhouse is open from 6:30-11 p.m. every day, and the bar is open from 5:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

8. Lexington Grill 

   Savor the taste of steak and seafood at the Waldorf Astoria’s Lexington Grill. This refined dining room was modeled after sophisticated American steakhouses and named after New York’s famous avenue.

   Air-dried beef cuts are head chef Alexander Turgeon’s specialties, and you can choose a wonderful bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive list to accompany your meal.

   While Lexington Grill is closed on Mondays, you can order dinner from 7-11 p.m. every other day of the week.

9. Muse Cafe – https://www.facebook.com/themusecafe.ae/

   Muse Cafe is a lovely gathering place for meets up over coffee, breakfast and a light lunch. There is often live music or entertainment in the patio area. Many diners give positive remarks about the outdoor seating area as well as the quality food. Whether you want to drink a morning cortado or egg white spinach omelette, Muse Cafe should be on your must check out list.

   Muse Cafe’s light ambiance and carefully crafted food will make you want to take endless food photos for your Instagram account. This cafe is kid-friendly has indoor and outdoor seating and free parking and WiFi. If you are just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, they have an assortment of fresh baked items and desserts.

   Muse Cafe is open Sunday – Thursday 8-10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 9-10:30 p.m.

10. Space Cafe –https://www.instagram.com/spaceae/?hl=en

    If you want delicious street corn or a nice burger, look no further than Space Cafe. Many reviewers comment on how this restaurant is their go to meeting spot for healthy, beautifully crafted lunch and breakfast dates.

    Don’t take our word for the yummy quality food. Their popular instagram account shows the mango mousse, fresh juices, salads and burgers. There is plenty of variety on their menu and something for everyone in your vacation group.

    Space Cafe is open Saturday – Wednesday 8-12 a.m. and Thurs-Friday 8-1 a.m.

11. Salt – https://www.find-salt.com/

    When the weather is good and you are looking for a place to enjoy a burger, fries and milkshakes visit Salt, a food truck restaurant on Al Marjan Island. The menu offers some unique dishes like Chicken Cheetos, a chicken fillet with Cheetos sauce and a lotus milkshake.

    On the surface the restaurant just looks like a typical burger and fries place but either unique flavors and dishes are guaranteed to provide a special experience.  On hot summer days, they offer an air conditioned area to enjoy your food away from the heat.

    Salt is open daily 11:30-1 a.m.

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