Barouk

Polished Lebanese fare
Popular plate: The shanklish—crumbling, soft cheese cut with garlic and herbs—is among the best in Abu Dhabi. Not a bad way to start the meal.

The city’s best Lebanese restaurants aren’t always the most attractive but Barouk is a happy exception to that rule, serving up excellent, traditional mezze on starched white tablecloths, in a room smartly outfitted in shades of oatmeal and rouge.
The venue’s slickness doesn’t detract from the authenticity of the food. Aficionados of Middle Eastern cuisine will delight in the extensive mezze selection—there’s 35 to chose from—while novices can try 101 with the well-thought out fixed menu. Live oud music and belly dancing helps keep the mood light and jovial.