Al Mawal

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From Time Out Abu Dhabi Eating Out 2010

While there are certainly better-decorated Lebanese restaurants in Abu Dhabi, as well as some slightly cheaper ones, Mawal serves good quality, authentic food in pleasant surroundings. The low ceiling and abundant shisha pipes tax the a/c system to the limit, and the tables are packed in close together, making it feel slightly claustrophobic at times, although when full it makes for a lively atmosphere. Although Mawal opens at 8pm, it’s mostly hungry Westerners who venture in at that hour; the crowd-pulling bellydancer doesn’t get going until 11.30pm and the singer comes on after her.

So it’s no surprise that it’s gone 10pm before the main crowd comes in: mainly Lebanese expats and the odd curious tourist. Most cold mezze dishes are between Dhs 18-20, while hot mezze is Dhs20-25, and the mixed grill a reasonable (particularly for a hotelDhs 45. For the more exotic gourmand, grilled sparrows, in a brace of 6, are available in season, but for those with a healthy appetite and a longing for Lebanese music, and of course, that belly dancer, we say stick around for the full show.

• Previous reviews
  • 01 January,2009- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff

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