The United Arab Emirates was often associated with just Dubai and sometimes Abu Dhabi. In fact, not many knew that the country had five other emirates. It is in the recent years that the attention started shifting to the other emirates, especially Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). This emirate is located in the northern most tip of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah holiday packages include rugged landscapes, mighty mountains (Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE), gorgeous beaches, and innumerable exciting adventurous activities. Today, Ras Al Khaimah is filled with resorts, hotels, and attractions to accommodate and entertain tourists. It is also a popular getaway for UAE citizens and residents from other emirates. This demand has also led to the emergence of a whole lot of restaurants in RAK.
What to Expect at the Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah?
If there is one word to describe the restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, it has to be diverse. You are in for a variety of cuisines from all over the world when you visit RAK. From traditional Emirati flavors to international cuisines, there is a lot to try in RAK. Fusion foods are also a craze here. Different kinds of restaurants also are available in RAK. You get to choose among casual dining places, waterfront and beach dining restaurants, family-friendly restaurants, and fine dining restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is surely a haven for food lovers. While the food is the main focus at these restaurants, equal attention is given to the décor and ambience of the places as well. With this note, let us look at the top restaurants that you can visit during your Ras Al Khaimah holidays.
Best Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah
Image Credit: https://www.hilton.com/
Lexington Grill & Bar
Lexington Grill & Bar is the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of fine dining in Ras Al Khaimah. This restaurant is a sophisticated and refined American steakhouse where flavors meet style and opulence. The décor of the place includes sleek furniture, rich tones, and muted lighting, perfect for a peaceful and relaxing dining experience. There is also an outdoor area that is apt for a romantic evening with a view of the glistening Arabian Gulf.
Food: The star attraction of the menu is the dry-aged steaks. Seafood and plant-based dishes are also a part of the menu. A large variety of wine collection is also awaiting you here. A highlight of the place is that diners get to choose their own cutlery. Live entertainment is also available here.
Location: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah (Al Hamra)
Timings: 5 PM to 11.30 PM (Monday), 6 PM to 10.30 PM (Tuesday to Saturday), Sunday closed
Price for Two: AED 500+
Levant & Nar
Image Credit: https://icrasalkhaimah.com/
Contemporary, stylish, and sleek, Levant & Nar is located on the water’s edge, giving it a polished and state-of-the-art look. The interiors of the restaurant are subtle, yet elegant with beautiful lights hanging off the ceiling. The open kitchen concept adds to its uniqueness. Then there is the open terrace filled with fire pits and the view of the Arabian Gulf, giving it an enchanting vibe and making it one of the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah  for a gourmet meal.
Food: Levant & Nar offers Levantine and Turkish cuisine. Cold & hot Mezzeh, grilled and slow flame-cooked meats and seafood, fresh seafood, etc., are some of the best dishes offered here. The dessert section, including the baklava, kunefe, Turkish ice cream, firin sutlac, etc., is also worth trying. Apart from the food, you can also try the Shisha here. Brunches are quite popular at Levant & Nar and so are the sunset dinners.
Location: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Mina Al Arab
Timings: 6 PM to 11 PM (everyday), 12 PM to 3 PM (Sundays)
Price for Two: AED 410+
Thunder Road Pizza & Grill
If you are traveling in Ras Al Khaimah with your family, especially small kids, you would want to dine at a place that is a bit casual. In this case, Thunder Road Pizza & Grill is the place for you. Offering a relaxed vibe, this restaurant is simple and welcoming. This is the ideal place to spend your time enjoying a brunch, a late lunch, or a casual dinner with your family and friends. The menu is also kid-friendly, as the prominent dishes of this restaurant are somethings that all kids love.
Food: Thunder Road Pizza & Grill is run by an Italian family and serves the most popular Italian dishes and American specialties. A visit to this restaurant will give you the chance to try delicious hand-tossed pizzas, handmade pastas, grilled steaks, enormous burgers, homemade cheeses, and more. You will find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options here.
Location: Creek Plaza, Al Jazaah Road, Al Nakheel
Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM
Price for Two: AED 250
Image Credit: https://www.buddhabar.com/
Karma Kafe by Buddha-Bar
Karma Kafe by Buddha Bar is another fine dining restaurant that offers delicious food along with a stylish ambience. It is located on the coast of Marjan Island, which is one of the best places to watch New Year fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah. The décor of the restaurant is eclectic and vibrant, while the terrace seating area gives you an amazing view of the Persian Gulf. The artistic elements like the dragon sculpture and the statues of Chinese soldiers add to its aesthetics.
Food: When it comes to food, Karma Kafe serves Pan Asian cuisine, including delicacies from Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines. As the café has a mixology program, you will also get to taste some of the finest cocktails and beverages here. The restaurant is most popular for its sunset brunches. Do take part in Karma sessions and events, which involve themed nights complete with dance, music, and food.
Location: Al Marjan Island
Timings: 12 PM to 2 AM
Price for Two: AED 320+
The Market
The Market is one of the most unique restaurants you will find in Ras Al Khaimah. As the name suggests, this all-day dining restaurant offers you a market-style experience within a trendy space. The interiors of The Market hold numerous live cooking stations, where the team of chefs would prepare a variety of dishes from an array of cuisines. You can choose to sit at a table within this restaurant or opt for one on the terrace with a view of the beach.
Food: What makes The Market really special is that you can get to eat the tastiest foods made from the freshest ingredients right in front of you. You can choose the ingredients and the chefs at the restaurant would prepare the best dish for you. The restaurant offers Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, European, and Asian flavors. From breakfast to dinner, the restaurant serves the most amazing dishes loved by every palette. The Market is quite popular with families not only because the menu holds several favorites of kids but also because it has a kids play zone where kids can have fun in between their meals.
Location: Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Timings: 6.30 AM to 10.30 AM (breakfast), 12.30 PM to 3.30 PM (lunch), and 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM (dinner)
Price for Two: AED 300-400+
Image Credit: https://puro.ae/
1484 by Puro
Another unique restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah that is loved by locals and tourists alike is 1485 by Puro. Perched 1485 meters above the ground, right on top of Jebel Jais, UAE’s tallest mountain peak, 1485 by Puro is the country’s highest restaurant. The décor of the restaurant is contemporary, although it is the open-air terrace with the view of the rugged Hajjar Mountains that is a favorite among visitors. 1485 by Puro is an all-day diner, popular for its hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches, gourmet afternoon teas, and relaxing dinners. It is the perfect place to unwind after exploring and taking part in the adventures offered at Jebel Jais, which are some of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Food: The food here is a combination of Emirati classics and many other international cuisines. You can try European and Asian flavors along with traditional local dishes at this restaurant. If you are at the restaurant during breakfast, Eggs Benedict and Shakshuka are somethings you must try. The 1484 vegan poke bowl, Korean fried chicken, tempura wasabi shrimp, tiramisu, sticky date pudding, etc., are some of the must-try dishes here. 1484 by Puro also has an extensive beverages section, consisting of different types of coffees, teas, mocktails, etc.
Location: Jebel Jais Welcome Center, Wadi Shehah
Timings: 2 PM to 9 PM (Tuesday), 9 AM to 9 PM (Wednesday to Sunday), Monday closed
Price for Two: AED 240+
Image Credit: https://www.marriott.com/
Shore House
If you are craving for seafood while exploring Ras Al Khaimah, the Shore House would be a good choice. Located on the shores of the Al Hamra Beach, this restaurant gives you direct access to this white sand beach and the view of the Arabian Gulf. The décor of the restaurant has a maritime theme with wooden tables, soft plush seatings, and clean lines that give it a sophisticated air without being too formal. The color palette includes a lot of whites, creams, aqua, soft blues, and wooden tones. There is also an outdoor seating area that offers uninterrupted view of the beach and the sea. Shore House is the apt venue for a romantic date, especially during sunset.
Food: Shore House is a seafood specialty restaurant where you get to feast on fresh fish caught by the fishermen on the same day. The cuisine of the restaurant has a Mediterranean influence and offers a variety of grilled food and seafood specials. Omani jumbo prawns, Atlantic lobster, oysters, mezze-style salads, salmon teriyaki, sushi, etc., are some of the things you must try here. Handcrafted mocktails and cocktails are also worth trying at this restaurant.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
Price for Two: AED 300-AED 500+
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance to eat at the Ras Al Khaimah restaurants?
Are the restaurants in RAK expensive?
Do RAK restaurants serve alcohol?
Do the restaurants in RAK have vegetarian and vegan options?
Do the RAK restaurants have a dress code?
Conclusion
This is a just a gist of the restaurants you will find in Ras Al Khaimah. Whatever might be your requirement, a formal dinner with clients or to celebrate a special occasion, a casual meal with your loved ones, or a romantic evening with your beloved, you will find the perfect restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah.
