Bait Al Luban Restaurant Muttrah

for a nice meal

Opposite the Fish Souq (still under renovation) in Mutrah is a restored old house. On the upper floor is the Bait Al Luban Restaurant (Bait Al Luban is Arabic for Frankincense House ).

Luban Restaurant Room
Bait Al Luban Restaurant Room

Its decor is re-imagined traditional Omani and sets the atmosphere nicely. The restaurant has only just opened in Mutrah so diners were outnumbered by staff, however rather than Continue reading “Bait Al Luban Restaurant Muttrah”

Restaurants and Rain

in a cold Muscat

An intense 2 or 3 hour downpour was enough to create a river of brown sludge, which diverted even the most massive trucks on their route through Ruwi. The flow lifted away cars and more, and left behind a fine silt to dry in the sun. With the rain came a drop in temperature to an unseasonable 20c and far less at night, winter has arrived.

A river of Mud in Ruwi
A river of Mud in Ruwi

Some consolation was Continue reading “Restaurants and Rain”

Camilia Restaurant Ruwi for Dinner

Since the area is still quiet we took a meal in Camilia Restaurant Ruwi before work starts again tomorrow. I’ve been a customer since 1986 and guess this is probably one of the longest established restaurants in Oman. I suspect Camilia has had several managers over its history and the current person must be the best there has been.

Camilia Salad
Camilia Restaraunt Salad

From the remarkably genuine Continue reading “Camilia Restaurant Ruwi for Dinner”

Rumba Lattina Restaurant at The Cave

We arrived after Iftar for a meal at The Cave, Muscat’s newish restaurant complex (intended to have numerous themed dining choices). Currently there are two choices of venue, one with a buffet that seemed to have been cleared – so we had no choice but to walk to the single option open, which was Rumba Lattina.

The Cave Rumba Lattina exterior
The Cave Rumba Lattina exterior

As there did not appear to be any service offered outside this restaurant we ‘chose’ to sit  Continue reading “Rumba Lattina Restaurant at The Cave”

Meal at Al Mandoos the Omani themed restaurant.

Though centrally located in Muscat it was a struggle to find Al Mandoos, the Omani themed restaurant in Ghubrah. It was found on the parallel side-road to Shell, just behind a small bakery. The menu had a reasonable selection that allowed choice without overwhelming the decision process.

Al Mandoos Meal in Oman
Al Mandoos Meal in Oman

The waitress kindly gave her suggestions which we took. The food then arrived in startlingly quick time, Continue reading “Meal at Al Mandoos the Omani themed restaurant.”

Meal at Relish Qurm

We decided to have a meal in Qurm and to go for the new rather than old.

Relish is a vegetarian restaurant, well located where the old Al Bustan Bakery was. With a bright cheerful decor and both inside and outside seating, it’s an inviting place to eat. It turned out we were fortunate to get a table on arrival – for those arriving after us had to wait for space.

The menu was almost entirely Indian and so we took a bit of advice and went for one Mexican !!  and two Indian dishes to share. I chose a fruit juice simply based on the name.

Meal at Relish Qurm
Meal at Relish Qurm

The food Continue reading “Meal at Relish Qurm”

Grand Fish Restaurant

We had a meal at the Grand Fish Restaurant near Muscat City Centre. It’s clearly a popular place, as mid-week all indoor tables were full and doubtless if it wasnt for the rain the outside ones would have been used as well.

Grand Fish Restaurant Soup
Grand Fish Restaurant Soup

Sticking to its theme Continue reading “Grand Fish Restaurant”

Visiting Ubhar in Muscat

a stand out on the food scene in Muscat – for lots of reasons

Ubhar is one of the more distinctive restaurants in Muscat (unusual addition of an ‘h’ into what is more usually spelt Ubar).  Its in a central location in Qurm with a discrete appearance from the outside. Inside however it’s a fusion with dark wood, shocking fuchsia cushions and clear Perspex chairs – almost 1960s retro.

Ubhars metal covered menu
Ubhars metal covered menu

The restaurant opened a few months ago and is probably suffering from the economic slump and a focus by the affluent local population on coffee shops and fast food . They are missing a unique experience . Standouts were the Appetizers, Soup, and Crème Caramel – the very personable service by the maître d’hôtel and his 100% Omani staff.

A very good soup at Ubhar
A very good soup at Ubhar

One to visit again.

Oman Air to Muscat

Flying from the green of an English Summer into Muscat on Oman Air

The rain of a typical British Summer has kept trees in early summer leaf (except the Horse Chestnut which, where we live, has been badly affected by the new fungus which creates an Autumn brown off in early July).

English Fields
English Fields

On the ground the constant downpours have forced the birds of the garden under the creepers, Continue reading “Oman Air to Muscat”