Véranda
Located on the first floor of Harvey Nichols Kuwait at The Avenues, Véranda offers impeccably presented dishes from a Middle-Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Traditional flavours get a contemporary twist: try roasted cubes of salmon and jewel-coloured tabbouleh with fresh garlic and mint labneh. Book a table by the window overlooking Grand Avenue for a front-row seat of Kuwait City’s mall culture.
Salt Restaurant
Set inside the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, this stylish restaurants is one of Kuwait City’s most prestigious. Don’t miss Salt’s version of Surf n Turf: Wagyu beef tenderloin piled high with succulent jumbo prawns and rich Lobster Thermidor. For a lighter option, the platters of sushi and sashimi are expertly presented, while the much-loved charcoal sweetcorn soup is fabulous comfort food.
Mais Alganhim
Sample authentic Lebanese cuisine at the charming, family-owned restaurant on the Gulf Road. This restaurant has been tossing crisp fattoush salads, blending deliciously smoky baba ganoush and stuffing vine leaves since 1953, having started out as a cafeteria for founder Edmond Barakat’s employees. Its popularity spread and it has since transformed into a buzzing place for a light bite, with a consistent flow of diners. One of Kuwait City's most relaxed restaurants, its expansive menu is family friendly with plenty for vegetarians.
Tatami
A stylish and minimalist haunt in the heart of Kuwait City, Tatami is a Japanese restaurant with beautifully presented sushi and sashimi alongside traditionally prepared Asian classics. Crisp prawn tempura and fresh crab rolls rub shoulders with salmon teriyaki and black pepper beef. Edamame beans and matcha green tea also feature on the menu to complete the authentic Japanese dining experience.
Assaha
Arabic for meeting place, Assaha is a traditional Middle Eastern concept restaurant with branches as far afield as London. Located on a corner on the Gulf Road, the space offers cosy private alcoves tucked behind teardrop archways, and large tables to allow for bigger groups. The menu is packed with local favourites such as fresh tabbouleh and fattoush, plates of creamy hummus and mint-laced labneh, flavoursome stacks of moussaka and meaty kebabs. Our tip: pick a selection of two or three sharing plates per person, and order more if required.