The Al Safadi chain of restaurants has become synonymous with good Lebanese food in Dubai. In recent years the franchise has started expanding, slowly but outdoing itself in terms of size and interior extravagance with each new outlet, this Al Safa branch included. And there lies the problem – it’s not humble and homely anymore. It’s all glitz and bling now. Many will argue that this is a good thing and in some ways they’d be right. But I can’t help feeling that it’s lost some of its character. Anyway, these are petty, first world problems…
Interior 
A view from the street 
Interior
Our party of three ordered some mezza to start; nothing OTT – Hummus, Fattoush, Falafel and some of the best Sujouk in town. The waiter recommended the 1 kilo mixed grill for our main (how boring) and, as we were in a bit of a hurry, we all agreed. It was nothing special – nothing you don’t get almost everywhere else. And this was a surprise to me because usually Al Safadi mixed grills really wow! The Kunefe we had for dessert, however, really hit the spot as did the fruit platter.
The best Sujouk in town 
Falfel 
Mixed Grill 
Fruit Platter 
Kunafe 
Our table
With dozens of waiters running about, it wasn’t hard to get attention. Service was reserved but good. Although I was disappointed with my overall experience at Al Safadi, it wasn’t because the food or service or ambiance were bad. It was because the latter two were too good. As I said at the beginning of this review, it’s as if Al Safadi has lost some of its character. That said, it’s still one of the better Lebanese restaurants in town and worth a visit.
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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. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.