Meet the country’s first Em Sherif Sea Café

The new culinary concept pays homage to Lebanon’s historic ties to the Mediterranean world.

Everything Mireille Hayek touches turns to gold. In fact, the restaurateur’s passion project Em Sherif – famed for its refined take on Lebanese cuisine – was a finalist in the inaugural MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list earlier this year. Now, alongside 17 restaurants across ten locations, Em Sherif Restaurant Group has opened the first Em Sherif Sea Café in the UAE.

Located on the ground floor of the Rosewood Hotel, the concept is a tribute to Lebanon’s historic ties to the Mediterranean world, complete with hand-painted Azulejo wall tiles from Portugal. “Em Sherif Sea Café is my love letter to Lebanon’s Mediterranean side, with fresh bright flavours and welcoming interiors filled with natural light and beautiful sea-inspired designs,” says Hayek. “The last few years have reminded us of the value of time, and being able to spend it with loved ones, so this is a space where everyone is welcome and can come together to enjoy a great meal, but also just catch up with friends over a coffee or shisha if that’s what they please.”

With waterfront views on Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi, this evolution in the Levantine dining experience began in the heart of Beirut back in 2011. Today, the seafood concept is also present in Bahrain. The opening of Em Sherif Sea Café Riyadh is expected later this year. As for the new outpost’s menu? It features a variety of fresh seafood dishes including ‘the catch of the day’, allowing guests to select their choice from the display bar to be expertly prepared to their liking. There’s also a selection of cold and hot mezze, including traditional delicacies and more contemporary dishes with a unique twist. 

Highlights include Raw Red Sea Bream, Shrimp Provençale, and Samak Rass Asfour, as well as delectable vegetarian options such as a Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Tahini and spicy pickled walnut dip, Hindbeh bil Zeit and Lentil Kibbeh – all perfect for a light meal. For those looking for a heartier option, the restaurant also features a beef bar corner with a selection of grilled meats, made to order, including Aged Cote De Boeuf, Ribeye, Striploin, Wagyu Tenderloin, and accompanying sauces such as béarnaise, zaatar chimichurri and peppercorn.

GO: Email info@emsherif-seacafe.com or call 02 626 2895 for reservations and more information.