Restaurant Launch: Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant, Arabian Courtyard

We were invited to the launch of Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant last Wednesday 5th August. The name gave away the predominant cuisine on offer; Egyptian ofcourse! However, the actual look and feel of the restaurant far exceeded my expectations.Pharaoh Cafe and restaurant launch arabian courtyard egyptian fine dining dubai review (4)

Located on the Mezzanine floor of Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa (the award-winning hotel located in the heart of Bur Dubai) Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant is the latest addition to their culinary offerings and recreates Egyptian classics as well as Mediterranean favorites in a suave fusion of style and hospitality.

Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant has a direct view of the Dubai Museum, and the interiors of the restaurant are made to look like a mini museum of its own.

A view of Dubai Museum from the window
A view of Dubai Museum from the window

Mummies and papyrus, treasure-chests and interesting archaeological finds adorn the space.

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The tables were laid out in immaculately laundered white linen, and billowing curtains added to the dreamy drama of beige and blue.

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Even the staff are dressed to match the Egyptian theme.

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We were served a number of interesting samplers, many a fusion of Egyptian favorites that have been revamped for fine dining.

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Tabbouleh bites served in scooped-out cucumber. Freshly whipped hummus on a specially baked nutty bread. An array of kebab nibbles, and feta skewers.
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Foul Medames served in a crunchy Mexican taco shell.
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My favorite bite from the night has to be the Dawood Basha. The meatball was soft and succulent, and the tomato gravy was bursting with flavorful goodness.

Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant has a fully licensed bar, and stocks a number of house wines and beers.

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White wine at our table
White wine at our table

Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant has a magical ambiance. The service is friendly and attentive, and the beautifully put together color theme along with the gorgeous Egyptian replicas makes me want to dwindle away hours on end at a table here.

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A few drinks down and several rounds of samplers later, we were surprised by how full we were. Then along came the desserts!

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Luqaimat, the deep-fried dumpling coated in rose syrup, is an Arabic favorite.
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Basbousa; Arabic semolina cake.
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Fruit Tarts with a decadent chocolate cream filling.

We had a lovely laid-back evening at Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant, and if the samplers were this impressive, I can’t wait to try out the full-course menu! The restaurant is now fully operational, and I will defiantly be returning here soon.

As we were leaving, my daughter was super excited to meet Cleopatra! #photoopp

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Experience the magic of Pharaoh Cafe & Restaurant for yourself. Visit the Arabian Courtyard website for details.