Al Angham

Al Angham is the restaurant most people choose when they want to try Omani cooking in a formal setting. It sits within the Opera Galleria complex beside the Royal Opera House Muscat in Shatti Al Qurum, and it describes itself as the first restaurant of its kind in Oman to build its whole design around the country's architecture. The halls are decorated with Omani patterns, carved details and traditional silverware, and even the tables carry motifs drawn from Omani heritage, so the room feels closer to a palace reception hall than a hotel dining room.

The menu is built on traditional Omani dishes, prepared with more polish than you would find at a family restaurant. Look for shuwa, the slow-cooked spiced meat of Omani celebrations, along with harees, jareesh and orsiya, and aromatic rice dishes. It is worth asking the staff to explain the background of each dish if you are new to Omani food.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and its website lists Sunday to Thursday hours of noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm, so check weekend times before you go. A smart casual dress code applies, the restaurant does not serve alcohol, smoking is not permitted and children under six are not admitted. Reservations are confirmed by email, and celebration cakes need to be ordered at least 24 hours ahead. Both cash and cards are accepted.

Al Angham suits couples, business dinners and anyone wanting a special-occasion introduction to Omani cuisine, and it pairs naturally with a performance at the opera house next door. Book ahead for evenings when there is a show, as pre-theatre tables are popular. Expect prices at the top end of the city's range. During Ramadan, opening times change, so check with the restaurant if you are visiting then, as many places in Muscat focus on iftar and suhoor meals during the holy month.

The restaurant is reached through the opera house grounds on Al Kharjiyah Street in Shatti Al Qurum, a short taxi ride from the Qurum and Al Khuwair hotels. Arrive a little early to walk through the gardens and the Opera Galleria, or come after a daytime tour of the opera house for a late lunch.