Ubhar

Ubhar takes its name from the ancient city of Ubar, the legendary frankincense trading centre said to lie in the sands of the Empty Quarter in the far south of Oman. The restaurant applies the same pride in heritage to food, presenting Omani cooking in a contemporary setting at Bareeq Al Shatti in Shatti Al Qurum, close to the beach and the big hotels of the area. It is a good choice for visitors who want to try national dishes in a relaxed, modern room rather than a formal dining hall.

The menu mixes traditional dishes with playful updates. Shuwa, the slow-cooked spiced meat of Omani celebrations, appears in classic form and in a shuwa burger, and the kitchen serves a slow-roasted camel shuwa, known as saloonat laham jamal, for those who want to try something unusual. There is also an Omani-style steak, and for dessert the house chocolate cake, the Chocolate Legend, has a following of its own. Ask staff to point out the most traditional dishes if this is your first Omani meal.

Seating includes both traditional Omani-style floor seating and standard Western tables, so mention your preference when you book. Reservations can be made through the website or by phone, and booking is sensible on weekend evenings. Prices are mid-range for the city, higher than a local café but well below hotel fine dining.

Ubhar works for couples, families and small groups, and it is a useful place to bring friends who are new to Omani food, as the familiar formats such as the burger make it approachable. Allow around an hour and a half for a relaxed meal. If you want to try camel, which is rarely found on menus outside the region, this is one of the easier places in the city to do so, and staff can advise on portion sizes for sharing. Vegetarians should ask what can be adapted, as the signature dishes are meat-based.

Bareeq Al Shatti is on Al Sarooj Road in Shatti Al Qurum, near the W Muscat hotel, and taxis can drop off outside. After dinner, the Shatti Al Qurum beachfront is a short walk away, and the Royal Opera House is a couple of minutes by car.