Abd El Wahab Souk Al Bahar Review: Is It Worth It for the Fountain View?

If you’re planning a special dinner in Dubai, you’ve probably wondered where to eat with a clear view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. There are many restaurants around the lake, with different cuisines and a price range.

I know how hard it is to choose. You want good food, a nice setting, and a view that is worth the price. During one of our Dubai visits, my husband suggested we try Abd El Wahab in Souk Al Bahar, a place he already knew from previous visits.

So we booked it for our Christmas Eve dinner. After our dinner there, I will help you decide whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai plans.

About Abd El Wahab Souk Al Bahar

Abd El Wahab is a Lebanese restaurant named after a well-known street in Beirut. In Dubai, you’ll find two branches: one in Dubai Marina and one in Downtown Dubai. This review is based on our visit to the Souk Al Bahar location.

The restaurant sits inside Souk Al Bahar, directly opposite the Dubai Mall. It’s a modern-style souk filled with shops and restaurants, and Abd El Wahab is located on the first floor.

Restaurants at Souk Al Bahar in Dubai with a large lit-up archway entrance and people dining on the terrace at night.

One thing we noticed is that prices are quite reasonable for this area. Considering the location and the fountain view, it did not feel overpriced compared to similar restaurants nearby.

Another big plus for us was the gluten-free options, which were very important for our visit.

Contact details
Email: aw-otci@hhh-me.c
Website: https://hhh-me.com/brands/abd-el-wahab/

The Atmosphere

After we arrived and gave our reservation name, the staff quickly escorted us to our table, which was already prepared.

Inside, the restaurant looks pleasant with oriental-style decor. But the real highlight is the outdoor terrace. That’s where you want to sit.

The Dubai Fountain show at night with water jets lit up against the city skyline, seen from Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, with traditional wooden abra boats floating on the water in the foreground.

From the terrace, you get a direct view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain just across the lake. Watching the fountain show while having dinner is an unforgettable experience.

My tip:

Book in advance
Request terrace seating in the first row
Aim for 6 pm or later when fountain shows begin (every 30 minutes)

You typically get about two hours for your reservation, which we found was plenty of time to enjoy both the food and the shows.

Abd El Wahab works well for:

family dinners
romantic evenings
dinners with friends or colleagues

If you visit in summer, just keep in mind it can still be quite warm outside in the evening.

The Food and Drinks

Since Abd El Wahab is a Lebanese restaurant, the menu focuses on classic Lebanese dishes.

What you’ll find on the menu

Cold starters

hummus
stuffed vine leaves
salads

Hot starters

sambousik
sausages
other warm mezze

Main dishes

grilled meat
seafood
mixed grills

Desserts

baklava
mouhallabiyeh

A table full of Lebanese dishes at Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Downtown Dubai, including hummus, falafel, stuffed pastries, a stew, and a fresh green drink.

Set menu vs regular menu

The restaurant offers two ways to order:

1. Regular menu
You choose individual starters, mains, and desserts.

Regular menu price guide
Approximate prices:

cold starters and salads: 30 to 40 AED
soups: around 30 AED
hot starters: 30 to 50 AED
seafood mains: 70 to 100 AED
grilled meat mains: 70 to 100+ AED
desserts: around 30 AED
soft and hot drinks: 20 to 30 AED

2. Set-up menu (for groups)
This is what we chose. It includes:

selection of cold starters
warm starters
main dishes
desserts
non-alcoholic drinks

We were told the set menu is designed for four people.

There are two versions:

279 AED per person
299 AED per person (more seafood-focused mains)

We chose the first option.

Our experience with the food

We were four adults plus our 4-year-old daughter (who ate for free), and the amount of food was more than enough. We couldn’t finish everything.

A group of people enjoying dinner at Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, with a night view of the Dubai Mall and city skyline in the background.

The flavors were very good across the board. The hummus was creamy, the grilled meats were well seasoned, and everything tasted fresh.

If you visit, I definitely recommend trying the mint juice. It was one of our favorite drinks of the evening.

Alcohol is available but costs extra.

Customer Service

Service was one of the strongest parts of our visit.

The head waiter was very attentive and took time to walk us through the menu. Since we needed gluten-free options for our daughter, he clearly explained what she could and could not eat.

In fact, aside from the bread, Arabic sweets, and one or two items, she was able to eat most of the menu, which made the evening much easier for us.

A woman and a young girl smiling at the dinner table at Abd El Wahab Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, with a fresh green drink and the city skyline lit up at night in the background.

The manager was also very present in the restaurant, regularly checking tables and speaking with guests. It felt professional but still friendly.

As a sweet surprise, our daughter received a complimentary vanilla ice cream, which absolutely made her night.

Final Verdict

If you want a restaurant with good Lebanese food and one of the best fountain views in Downtown Dubai, Abd El Wahab is a great choice.

The terrace setting, generous portions, and friendly service made our Christmas evening so special. Just make sure to book ahead and ask for an outdoor table if the view is important to you.

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