Meat the Fish review: Beloved Beirut spot brings fresh and familiar flavours to Dubai
Some restaurants serve more than just food – they offer a sense of belonging. Meat the Fish has always been that kind of place for me, a destination I find myself going back to over and over again during my trips to Beirut, both for the familiar faces and flavours. For me, the restaurant is synonymous with hearty meals and conversations. It's where I've spent countless hours indulging in my favourite foods while catching up with my favourite people after being away for months on end. So when the beloved Beirut-born concept opened an outpost in Dubai, I knew it would be more than just another addition to the city's rich culinary scene. Instead, it felt personal, like a piece of home had made its way to the UAE. Meat the Fish Dubai is tucked along the picturesque waterfront promenade of Marsa Al Arab, and the setting couldn't be more fitting. With a prime spot facing the sea, the outdoor seating is a dreamy escape – breezy, welcoming and light-filled. For those warmer summer days in Dubai, the indoor seating provides a cool, minimalist and inviting space that retains the restaurant's signature charm. Dining at Meat the Fish in Dubai felt like a reunion with an old friend. The familiar flavours, attentive service and serene setting all work hand-in-hand to recreate the warmth and comfort I associate with its Beirut counterpart. The menu stays true to its roots, emphasising freshness, with weekly specials that ensure each visit offers something new. I started with the salmon tartare (Dh95), which was fresh and delicately seasoned, allowing the quality of the fish to shine through as it literally melted in the mouth. Paired with some sourdough bread and a squeeze of lemon juice, the combination was nothing short of divine. The market salad (Dh45) with ruby red salmon was another favourite. The delicate, buttery fish carried a subtle sweetness that balanced perfectly with the crisp greens and tangy dressing. For the main course, we ordered the black cod donburi (Dh145) - a comforting bowl of miso-marinated black cod over black forbidden rice. Each spoonful offered a harmonious blend of flavors that was nourishing, without compromising on taste. While I didn't have the chance to sample the salmon kale caesar salad as it is only served on Wednesdays, it is a must-try and my go-to order at Meat the Fish Beirut. Other dishes I recommend – the butter lettuce salad, the whipped feta, lobster roll and bibimbap bowl. If you order one thing at Meat the Fish, let it be the black bao (Dh98). The bun is pillowy soft and jet black, wrapped around crispy king prawns that are cooked to perfection. The fresh mint leaves and radish in the bun bring all the flavors together, with a taste of sweet and sour sauce and kewpie mayo for an extra flavour kick. It's crunchy, juicy and just the right amount of indulgent, making it one of the most satisfying items on the menu and another go-to order of mine. Bringing Meat the Fish to Dubai feels like more than just a new branch – it's a continuation of everything that made the Beirut original so beloved. Here, it comes with a sea breeze, a skyline view, and that same unmistakable sense of care behind every dish. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lunch, a sunset dinner, or just somewhere to reconnect with loved ones over fresh, hearty meals, Meat the Fish delivers. And for those of us who've known and loved it since its Beirut days, there's something deeply comforting in knowing it's found a second home - and brought its soul with it. Dishes range from Dh45 to Dh240 and drinks are from Dh30 to Dh43. Meat the Fish is open from 8 am till midnight. Reservations can be made on 058 930 4640. The review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
EgyptAir cancels flights to key Middle East cities amid Israel-Iran conflict
Egyptair has announced the cancellation of flights to Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Erbil until further notice, citing safety concerns amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The airline said in a statement that the decision was made to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew as tensions in the region continue to rise. "In light of the current events in the region and in the interest of the safety of our customers, Egyptair announces the cancellation of flights to the airports of Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Erbil until stability is restored. We urge affected passengers to review their bookings by contacting EgyptAir's customer service centre," the statement read. Israeli authorities said on Sunday that the country's airspace remained closed for a third consecutive day following retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. This comes after Israel launched a large-scale military campaign on Friday targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership, an operation that has triggered deadly escalations across the Middle East. Iran responded to Israel's strikes by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles into Israeli cities, destroying residential buildings and hitting near key infrastructure sites in Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv remains closed, with authorities stating that reopening will require at least six hours' advance notice once it is deemed safe to resume operations. However, Israel's land borders with Jordan and Egypt 's Sinai Peninsula remain open. Israel's national carrier, El Al Airlines, on Sunday cancelled flights to and from several destinations, including Tokyo and Moscow, until June 23 due to the continuing conflict. Other global airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India, have also suspended flights to the region or rerouted them over Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or Turkey to avoid the volatile airspace. The closures have disrupted global travel for thousands of passengers and increased operating costs for airlines due to longer flight routes and higher fuel consumption. Several Israeli airlines moved their fleets to airports in Greece and Cyprus. Israeli airlines El Al, Israir, and Arkia began relocating their planes out of the country on Friday, hours after Iran's retaliation. The planes were flown without passengers, according to a spokesperson for Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
Lebanon looks to visitors from Gulf as it pushes to increase tourism
Lebanon is looking forward to a boost in tourism from Gulf countries as its new leadership works to rebuild ties after years of estrangement. The UAE and Kuwait have lifted bans on their citizens travelling to Lebanon after recent visits by President Joseph Aoun, who has also travelled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar after taking office in January. 'Lebanon is moving in the right direction, getting back to the Arab fold – and that's a Lebanese demand before anything else,' Fouad Dandan, Lebanon's ambassador to the UAE, told The National. Gulf tourists and investors − particularly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE − were significant contributors to the economy for decades before relations soured over the increasing influence of Iran over the country through Hezbollah. However, the Lebanese armed group and political party has been considerably weakened after a year-long war with Israel that led to them signing a peace deal last November. Preparations for an increase in arrivals are already under way, with an additional terminal to be built at Beirut's international airport. Plans for a new airport are also in the works, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announcing last month that the master plan would be unveiled shortly and the project thrown open to foreign investors. To be called the Rene Mouawad Airport, the new airport in Qlayaat 'could play a strategic role in facilitating cargo movement and affordable travel', Mr Salam told a conference in Beirut on Tuesday. At the same time, flag carrier Middle East Airlines is looking at setting up a low-cost carrier to serve destinations in the Middle East and Europe. The budget airline would be a wholly owned subsidiary of the wider MEA group but fully independent, Mohamad El Hout, chairman of MEA, told The National. He said MEA had seen 'significant growth in passenger traffic' this month, and was forecasting year-on-year growth of 10 per cent to 15 per cent in the second half of 2025. Given its history of conflict, Lebanon's security forces have also been rallied to encourage more foreign visitors. 'Preparations are under way to welcome tourists, though the state is working with a limited budget. Efforts have been made to improve visitors' experience. The road from the airport to Beirut has been repaired, and political banners and posters were removed months ago,' a senior security official involved in the operations told The National. 'What's new is the increased police presence near airport routes, especially at night. Police staffing has recently expanded to accommodate these new duties, and additional checkpoints are now active, with clear instructions to search suspicious vehicles and fine violators.' In the long run, drawing more visitors to its beaches, mountains and nightlife could play a key role in Lebanon's efforts to rebuild an economy hit by mismanagement, corruption and war, with the tourism sector estimated to account for 20 per cent of GDP. 'Eid Al Adha gives a glimpse of how this summer will look,' Jean Abboud, president of the Association of Travel and Tourist Agents in Lebanon, told The National. 'We're seeing new nationalities this year: Emiratis, Kuwaitis and Qataris. Gulf tourists tend to spend more time and money in the country. 'In May, airport traffic rose 11 per cent compared to the same period last year. The momentum is encouraging.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
6 days ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Meet The Art Foundation Celebrating Lebanese Creativity Through Its Rich Cuisine
The new Em Sherif Art Foundation is celebrating Lebanese art and creativity abroad through the country's rich cuisine Bringing together both outstanding cuisine and inspiring art, Em Sherif is now expanding its celebration of Lebanon's culture beyond the dining table, offering Lebanese creators a platform to showcase their creative talents worldwide with the newly formed Em Sherif Art Foundation. Created by Em Sherif founder and chef Mireille Hayek – along with brother and CEO Dani Chakour, and son and curator Sherif Hayek – the Em Sherif Art Foundation is a non-profit organisation with a mission to nurture and promote Lebanese artists through Em Sherif restaurants around the world. Within these collaborations, this ambitious initiative aims to provide increased visibility for artists, raising awareness for Lebanese art and culture on the international stage. Meaning 'The Mother of Sherif' in Arabic, Mireille Hayek opened her first Em Sherif restaurant in Beirut in 2011, as a contemporary take on traditional Lebanese food and familial hospitality, passed down from generation to generation. The brand has since exploded in popularity, with 24 venues across 12 cities around the world, including Doha, Monaco, London and Dubai. 'The Art Foundation is another meaningful way for us to give back to our beloved Lebanese community,' Mireille Hayek told Bazaar. 'Our passion and mission remain the same; to offer our guests an invigorating and wholesome experience that sparks curiosity and nourishes the heart and soul.' 'Art has always been part of my life,' adds Sherif Hayek. 'I studied it, worked in galleries and began collecting early on. At the same time, I've always been inspired by what my family built with Em Sherif. [This is] the perfect opportunity to bring these two worlds together.' This venture transforms Em Sherif restaurants into cultural hubs where food, design and art blend together. Upon entering, diners are presented with an 'art menu', highlighting the artists on display and their works, allowing both audiences and artists to engage with one another. This strengthens the position of Lebanese creatives within the worldwide art scene, providing much needed exposure. Currently showing at Em Sherif Café in Paris, Ziad Antar is a Beirut-based artist and photographer; the Em Sherif Art Foundation's first exhibitor. Born in 1978, his practice focuses on the material complexity of photography, pushing it beyond its traditionally documentary nature, and interrogating the unpredictability of the image creation process. 'We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting local talent and deeply believe in the extraordinary creativity of our people,' said Mireille Hayek. 'To the wider Em Sherif community, the Art Foundation stands as our enduring promise to celebrate and share the very best of our city and its people. We can't imagine a more beautiful or powerful way to do so.'
