Best Restaurants in Oman 2026

Shuwa

Oman's most iconic dish — whole lamb or goat marinated in a paste of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked in an underground sand pit for 24-48 hours. The result is incredibly tender, smoky, and deeply flavored meat served on rice.

Where to try: Ubhar restaurant, traditional Omani homes during Eid celebrations

Price: OMR 8-15 per portion

Harees

Ancient dish of slow-cooked wheat and meat beaten to a smooth porridge-like consistency, seasoned with clarified butter and cumin. Comforting and filling, it has been eaten in Oman for centuries.

Where to try: Ubhar, Bait Al Luban, traditional Ramadan iftars

Price: OMR 2-5

Mashuai (Grilled Seerfish with Lemon Rice)

Whole seerfish (kingfish) grilled over charcoal served with tangy lemon-infused rice. The national dish of Oman showcasing the country's deep seafood heritage and the unique loomi (dried lime) flavoring.

Where to try: Al Bahar Restaurant, local seafood restaurants near fish markets

Price: OMR 4-10

Qahwa (Omani Coffee) and Dates

Omani coffee flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water served lukewarm in small handleless cups alongside premium Omani dates. The foundation of every social interaction and act of hospitality in Oman.

Where to try: Offered everywhere from souqs to hotel lobbies; authentic at traditional coffee houses

Price: OMR 0.5-2

Halwa

Dense, jewel-colored sweet made from sugar, eggs, butter, rose water, saffron, and cardamom. Each Omani family has their own recipe. Available in distinctive wooden boxes making excellent gifts.

Where to try: Halwa shops throughout Oman, Mutrah Souq, duty-free at airport

Price: OMR 2-10 per box

The Beach Restaurant

Award-winning beachfront fine dining at The Chedi Muscat with sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine, extensive wine list, and impeccable service. Romantic candlelit tables on the sand.

The Chedi Muscat, North Ghubra 32

Ubhar

Modern Omani restaurant celebrating local ingredients and traditional recipes. Contemporary setting with focus on regional specialties and warm hospitality.

Al Mouj, Muscat

Bin Ateeq

Local favorite chain serving traditional Omani cuisine at affordable prices. Famous for breakfast items, grills, and authentic local atmosphere. Multiple locations across Muscat.

Multiple locations, Muscat

Hilal Burger

Legendary local burger joint serving massive burgers with special sauce since 1978. Late-night favorite with cult following among locals and expats.

Al Hail North, Muscat

Yiti Cafe

Trendy beachside cafe in Yiti village serving excellent coffee, healthy breakfasts, and light meals. Stunning beach views and relaxed atmosphere.

Yiti Beach, Muscat

Al Angham

Royal Opera House's signature restaurant serving elevated traditional Omani cuisine in elegant setting. Authentic recipes with modern presentation and theatrical ambiance.

Royal Opera House, Shati Al Qurm

Kargeen Caffe

Popular garden restaurant with traditional Omani ambiance, shisha, and affordable Middle Eastern cuisine. Lush outdoor seating areas and family-friendly atmosphere.

Madinat As Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

Fairooz Restaurant

Popular local restaurant serving traditional Omani and Middle Eastern dishes. Known for generous portions, reasonable prices, and authentic local flavors.

Al Hail South, Muscat

Shawarma

Lebanese-style shawarma with marinated chicken or lamb in flatbread with garlic sauce is ubiquitous throughout Muscat. The Lebanese chain Automatic Restaurant is most popular for late-night shawarma.

Find it at: Shawarma stalls throughout Ruwi, Muttrah, and all neighborhoods

Indian Canteen Biryani

Excellent value South Indian and Pakistani biryani rice dishes served in no-frills canteens in the Ruwi commercial district. Large portions of spiced rice with chicken, mutton, or fish for under OMR 2.

Find it at: Ruwi CBD canteens, Al Wattayah area

Fresh Juice and Sugarcane

Fresh-pressed juice bars serving sugarcane juice, mango, tamarind, and mixed tropical juices are scattered throughout Muscat neighborhoods. Refreshing and safe to drink.

Find it at: Juice stalls throughout Ruwi, Muttrah Souq area, Qurum beach

Omani Khubz (Bread)

Thin flatbread baked in traditional clay ovens, sold fresh at bakeries in the early morning. Best eaten warm with date syrup or alongside morning eggs at a local canteen.

Find it at: Traditional bakeries in Ruwi and old Muscat neighborhoods

Al Seeb Fish Market

Muscat's main working fish market where fishermen auction the morning catch of tuna, grouper, seerfish, and shellfish. Authentic local atmosphere best at 5-7 AM when the auction is in full swing.

Hours: 5:00-9:00 AM daily

Mutrah Souq Spice Section

Within the covered souq, a dedicated spice section sells saffron, cardamom, dried limes (loomi), frankincense, rose water, and the spice blends used in Omani cooking. Educational and aromatic.

Hours: 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-21:00 Sat-Thu

Al Mawaleh Central Market

Large covered produce market popular with local residents for fresh vegetables, herbs, and imported produce at wholesale prices. Less touristy and more authentic than souq shopping.

Hours: 6:00-14:00 daily