Muscat Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Muscat

January 21, 2018 Vergie Nakamoto

Muscat (Arabic: مسقط‎, Masqaṭ pronounced [ˈmasqatˤ]) is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Muscat is also considered as a Global City. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.28 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately 3,500 km (1,400 sq mi) and includes six provinces called wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, the Portuguese Empire and the Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the Balochis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Things to do in Muscat

1. Woodlands

Al Bank Al Markazi St, Muscat 113, Oman Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$78 - HK$118 +968 24 700192
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 329 reviews

Woodlands

Woodlands Restaurant, widely recognised for its fine preparation of famous Chettinad dishes, has enjoyed immense popularity among food connoisseurs in Oman, especially the expats and westerners. With a track record of 30 years of successful operations in the Sultanate, it prides in being the ideal family restaurant that not only excels in food, but also in its service that comes straight from the heart. Little wonder then, that it won the 'Best Service Award' 5 times, Best Indian Restaurant 2011 & Best South Indian Cuisine Award for 2013 & 2014. Currently, the restaurant operates in the Central Business District, Muscat.

Reviewed By Alina M - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom

Woodland
Indian restaurant.
So, to give a little tribute to our "not meant to happen" holidays in India we decided to eat Indian. Found some suggestions on tripadviser and decided to tryitout.
Beautiful design of interiors, delicious food and very kind and helpful staff.
Thank you so much for great service enjoyed it very much.
Recommend !!!

2. Kargeen Restaurant

Al Bashair Street | Madinat Qaboos, Muscat 118, Oman Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Mediterranean, Barbecue, Middle Eastern, Persian, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +968 9925 3351
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Kargeen Restaurant

An elegant ambience with ethnic interiors, serving delectable home made cuisine; take you back in to living in vintage Omani culture. Choose a whole new experience of a beautiful candle light dinner on the lawns, accompanied by myriad stars or a cozy meal under the canopies.

Reviewed By annaabelle - Sydney, Australia

This place is an oasis in the city. The first thing that hits you as you enter is the smell of incense and shish which we didn’t mind. It was a hot day but sitting outdoors under the trees was very pleasant. We had the slow cooked lamb shuwa.Best lamb we have ever eaten. The grilled seafood was also delightful. Friendly , efficient staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and thought it good value.

3. The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat

18th November Street | Al Ghubra, Muscat 113, Oman Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Seafood, European, International, Mediterranean, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night HK$196 - HK$785 +968 24 524343
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 294 reviews

The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat

Dine along our 370 metre private beach where the creative seafood menu gets accompanied by a sublime Gulf of Oman Panorama and paired with an equally impressive wine selection. Soak up the sea breeze and salt air on the expansive waterfront patio or gaze out from the high ceilinged, contemporary dining room.

Reviewed By Go100go - Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

This is a super nice restaurant with excellent service and wonderful dishes. The only downside is that I wrote two emails trying to reserve via their homepage and I never got an answer.

4. Ubhar Bistro

Bareeq Al Shatti, Muscat 113, Oman Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$235 +968 9876 5555
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 508 reviews

Ubhar Bistro

Reviewed By einram101 - Stockholm, Sweden

we thoroughly enjoyed our set menu tonight. A great selection of Omani and Middle Eastern Foods. Definitely get a bowl of their frankincense ice cream.

5. Shiraz

Qurum Heights | Po. Box 1455, Muscat 112, Oman Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Middle Eastern, Persian, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$8 +968 24 574442
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Shiraz

Reviewed By joinedupwhiting - Surrey

During our stay at the Crown Plaza in Muscat we ate at Shiraz, the on-site Persian restaurant, several times and it was always a most enjoyable experience. It was great to try genuine Middle Eastern food of high quality. Be aware, portions are large and there is a complimentary starter of flat bread, yoghurt with walnuts and salad. The service, as elsewhere in this hotel, was friendly and efficient. We loved it.

6. Kurkum

Way No. 08, Mutrah, Corniche | Corniche, Muscat 117, Oman Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Wheelchair Accessible Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +968 24 714114
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Kurkum

Kurkum (Telephone: 24714114) is new Indian restaurant in Mattrah

Reviewed By Paul P - London, Canada

Food, service and atmosphere was outstanding. On the main walking street just down from the "tourist" restaurants . Thanks to a quick Tripadvior search about another restaurant we noted the reviews of this one we had walked by. Not inexpensive but very good - note...MoreDear Customer, Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant.

7. The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat

18th November Street | Al Ghubra, Muscat 113, Oman Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi European, Asian, Middle Eastern, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$196 - HK$589 +968 24 524343
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 661 reviews

The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat

Elegantly curved Omani arches make a dramatic first impression in this vaulted, crystal chandelier lit dining room with contemporary cool dark grey terrazzo floors, expansive bay windows on the Gardens and live piano music. Four open show kitchens add entertainment and aromas as Muscat’s finest culinary talents prepare Western, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian fare, best paired with sips off our award winning wine list. Dine as well on the outdoor patio or among equally chic private dining rooms with lounge areas that make memorable venues for business dinners, family gatherings and festive events

Reviewed By Nicolas S - Altdorf, Switzerland

We just passed by for a drink at the pool bar and to have a look inside of course! The location and the area is just mindblowing but this is what I would expect for such a room rate! The price of drink was fair and the served small snack for free! The staff was very friendly!

8. Steak Company

Bareeq A'Shatti complex | Shatti Al Qurm, Muscat 113, Oman Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available American, Steakhouse, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +968 9411 6600
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Steak Company

Reviewed By Matthew B

Had garlic bread for starters and sirloin steak for main.
Garlic bread was a bit burnt I thought and not enough garlic. Average.
The steak was not bad. I had asked for medium rare and it was a little over cooked. I didn't think the quality of meat was great.
Prices are reasonable and service was fine.
Overall I was slightly disappointed

9. Turkish Diwan Restaurant

Al Kuleiah Street | Al Khuwair, Muscat 113, Oman Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Delivery Seafood, Mediterranean, Barbecue, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +968 24 486937
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

Turkish Diwan Restaurant

Reviewed By shishibaka - Doha

We had a couple of appetisers (tabboule and hummus) which were ok, and muhamarra (different taste than what I expected).
Grilled fish was super fresh. A bit overcooked was the squid, but the rest it was perfect and juicy.
Staff is friendly and the environment very casual.
Will return for more.

10. The Blue Marlin Restaurant

Marina Bandar Al Rhowda | Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat 113, Oman Takeout, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, European, British, Arabic, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$63 - HK$392 +968 24 740038
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 353 reviews

The Blue Marlin Restaurant

The Blue Marlin serves variety of international style cuisine is offered in an exquisitely lively ambiance. Whether grabbing lunch, including some amazing seafood while chilling by the pool, or enjoying candle lit dinner with friends and family the same standards of culinary excellence, service and personal attention pervade every aspect of Blue Marlin experience. Enjoy your meal indoors where the ambiance is warm and cozy or take in the picturesque views of the Marina from the pool side. For those planning special events, the Blue Marlin provides catering for large parties, wedding receptions, conferences and product launches. We have a fully licensed bar, and we can serve drink with your food, or while you relax by our swimming pool. Our Full Menu is online on out Facebook page. Thanks The Restaurant Team.

Reviewed By muddyoldengr - England

Certainly one of the best breakfast spots in Muscat. Well placed on the marina, good service , good selection of dishes and good coffee. A great place to start your day off where you can also relax by the pool, and even get a beer if you want. The car park does get busy with all the trips form the marina, but you can normally get a table here.
Hopefully as this is my second review, and i go at least once every couple of weeks, I;ll qualify for the vouchers offered!!

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