Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal opened in 1984 and is one of the oldest fine-dining restaurants in Muscat, a long run in a city that has changed enormously since then. It serves North Indian cooking in the Mughal tradition, following recipes the restaurant traces back to the courts of the Mughal Empire, and it has been named Best Indian Restaurant ten times at the Oman Today Restaurant Awards. The restaurant stands on a hillside in Al Qurum, close to the City Amphitheatre and the Children's Museum, with views out over Qurum Park and the Gulf of Oman.

The menu draws on the cooking of northern India, with plenty for meat eaters and vegetarians, and lighter options such as pani puri sit alongside modern touches like a tawa chicken burger. A wine list is available. Ordering a few dishes to share, with bread and rice, is the best approach for a group.

The restaurant is open every day from noon to 11pm, which makes it a useful option for a late lunch after sightseeing as well as dinner. Book ahead for weekend evenings, and ask for a table by the window if you want the view. Private dining is available for groups and celebrations, and the restaurant also offers delivery.

The hillside position is part of the appeal, so an early dinner timed for sunset over the water is a good plan. It suits families, couples and groups, and it is a dependable choice for visitors who want something other than hotel dining without giving up comfort. Prices sit in the upper-middle range for the city. Mention any allergies or spice preferences when booking. With a wine menu available, it is also a good option for visitors who want a glass of wine with dinner outside a hotel.

The address is Building 80, Way 2601 in Al Qurum, near the Children's Museum. It is a few minutes from the Qurum and Shatti Al Qurum hotels and about 20 minutes from Mutrah. Qurum Beach and Qurum Park are both nearby for a walk before or after the meal, which makes it easy to turn dinner here into a relaxed evening out.