At first glance, Filful seems like a posher version of Zaroob. Located in the Claren Towers on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, it actually offers a similar proposition to Ayam Elezz in Umm Suqeim, with which it shares a retro-nostalgic look and vibe, as opposed to Zaroob’s street food menu and ambience. What’s important is that it all feels believable and comfortable.
In the summer one can choose from smoking and non-smoking sections, a/c and ventilation of the smoking section had issues when I visited then. But it’s from now till April that one can enjoy the good weather sitting outside even if there is a bit of vroom-vroom noise from the street.
The food at Filful is typically Lebanese and it’s very, very good. I like their mezza because it’s not too sour, the salads in particular. Unique to Filful is what they call Broasted Chicken (breaded fried chicken to you and me). It’s amazing and all I’ve ever ordered there. Service is Filipino friendly and attentive but that in itself takes a lot away from the authenticity of the venue. I can’t understand half of what the Egyptian boys at Zaroob say but at least they look, sound and act the part. All this said, along with the amazing Leila next door (thought I had forgotten about Leila, huh?) Filful is one of the best retro-nostalgic Lebanese restaurants around and well worth a visit.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue.
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