Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant serves Emirati and Kuwaiti food on Airport Road, behind Abu Dhabi’s National Theatre. Come for generous, family-style plates: lamb or chicken machboos, fragrant rice dishes and fish curry are among the draws. You can start with mutabbal and fresh bread, then finish with Arabic coffee, Medjool dates or asida. Inside, choose from regular dining tables and more traditional low seating. It gets busy, so book ahead if you can, or visit outside peak dining times.
Emirati and Kuwaiti dishes
Al Mrzab’s menu focuses on Emirati and Kuwaiti cooking, with family-style portions suited to sharing. Lamb and chicken machboos are prominent choices: both come with aromatic rice, and the lamb is known for its tenderness. The king fish curry is another reason to come, alongside biryani and grills.
For a starter, try mutabbal, an eggplant dip served with fresh bread. The restaurant also has a range of dishes from other countries, though the traditional Gulf food is the reason to make the trip. If you are new to the menu, ask the staff to explain the dishes and help you choose.
Drinks, sweets and coffee
The saffron drink gives you a refreshing option to try with your meal. Karak tea is another choice, and Arabic coffee pairs naturally with Medjool dates. Asida is also on the list of local specialties to look out for. These drinks and sweets make a good way to round off a table of savoury dishes.
If you are ordering for a group, the generous portions mean you can sample several plates together. A meal might start with mutabbal and bread, move on to machboos or curry, then finish with coffee and dates. The menu includes many choices, so ask about unfamiliar names rather than ordering more than your table can manage.
Seating and the setting
The dining room has traditional touches, including photographs that recall earlier years in the Gulf. Seating ranges from conventional tables to low tables with floor cushions; the restaurant also has majlis seating and private cabins. This range makes it practical for both a small meal and a larger family gathering.
Al Mrzab has served traditional food in Abu Dhabi for more than 20 years. Local families and groups are a familiar part of the dining room, and the staff can help visitors who are less familiar with the cuisine. The restaurant is on Airport Road, behind the National Theatre. It can fill up at busy times, so a reservation is a sensible choice if you have a set meal time.
FAQ
What food does Al Mrzab serve?
The menu includes Emirati and Kuwaiti dishes, such as lamb and chicken machboos, fish curry, biryani and grills.
What should I order at Al Mrzab?
Try lamb or chicken machboos, or king fish curry. Mutabbal with fresh bread is a starter option; Arabic coffee, Medjool dates and asida are choices to finish with.
Should I book a table at Al Mrzab?
A reservation is recommended if you can make one, as the restaurant can be busy and tables may not be available straight away.
Where is Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant?
It is on Airport Road, behind the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi.
