Dandana Gourmet Restaurant-مطعم دندنة غورميه

Dandana Gourmet Restaurant invites you to discover an upscale family dining experience in Abu Dhabi's Al Zeina district. Specializing in Lebanese and Syrian cuisine, Dandana combines authentic oriental flavors with a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's name itself, meaning "singing in a low voice," sets the tone for an evening where food, live music, and elegantly inspired décor merge into a cohesive lifestyle experience. From early breakfasts at 8 AM to late-night dinners until 2 AM, the venue caters to a diverse clientele seeking everything from a casual meal to a vibrant evening of entertainment.

Occupying a prime location in Al Zeina Block A, near Raha Beach, Dandana Gourmet is positioned as a destination for both local residents and visitors exploring the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The restaurant's own description emphasizes a "vital site to repeat"—steps from the sea and canals, conveniently close to the city yet removed from its noise, and near landmarks such as the airport and Ferrari World, while still maintaining a quiet corner ambiance. The establishment offers a full spectrum of services including dine-in, takeaway, contactless delivery, and online ordering, making it adaptable to any dining preference.

Customer feedback on Google Maps, where the restaurant holds a 4.6-star rating based on over 3,000 reviews, consistently highlights the quality of the food and the attentiveness of the service team. Recurring themes include the delicious food, friendly staff, and the overall welcoming environment that makes guests want to return. One reviewer noted the "super lecker" (super delicious) food and the excellent service from a specific staff member, while another described Dandana as a cherished ritual in Abu Dhabi, praising the cold mezze, mixed grill platter, and especially the lamb tikka. The management actively engages with reviewers, thanking them for their feedback and encouraging return visits.

Culinary Highlights at Dandana Gourmet

The menu at Dandana Gourmet showcases a blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, Oriental, Continental, and Grilled specialties, all prepared with a distinctive Syrian touch derived from Syria's rich culinary heritage. The official website lists a broad range of offerings: from Manakish, pizza, and pasta to hot and cold mezze, catering to both traditional palates and those seeking international comfort food. The emphasis on using fresh and organic ingredients, specially imported for the restaurant, is a core part of the Dandana promise, with skilled chefs transforming these materials into signature dishes.

The Google Maps "Menu and Highlights" section and review narratives point to popular items that have become associated with the Dandana experience. The Mixed Grill and Lamb Cubes are prominently featured as customer favorites. Reviews further detail the appeal of the cold mezze selection and the grilled platters, with specific praise for the lamb tikka's flavor. The restaurant also accommodates various dietary needs with a selection of healthy options, ensuring a broad appeal. Seafood dishes and Western specialties are also part of the extensive culinary repertoire, complementing the traditional Eastern grills and Lebanese appetizers.

The Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Experience

Operating from 8 AM to 2 AM daily, Dandana Gourmet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a consistent dining option throughout the day. The breakfast menu, while not detailed in the available sources, is a key service offering alongside the extensive midday and evening meals. For dinner, the variety expands into a full gourmet experience, including a renowned buffet and a luxurious brunch that the website claims satisfies every palate.

Beverages and Specialty Offerings

The beverage program is comprehensive, featuring a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served at the elegant Dandana Café or the dedicated bar. The shisha service is a significant draw, with over 140 reviews mentioning it, suggesting a well-regarded and globally-inspired setup. The restaurant offers dedicated zones for cigars and shisha, alongside non-smoking areas, allowing all guests to tailor their experience.

Dining Atmosphere and Entertainment

Dandana Gourmet is designed as more than just a restaurant; its own branding positions it as a lifestyle where dining, music, and ambiance converge. The interior is described as having an oriental-inspired décor that creates a quiet musical atmosphere, aligning with the meaning of its name. Every night, live musical performances create a unique ambiance, with the restaurant noting a built-in concert system integrated with surveillance and television for live broadcasts. This emphasis on high-quality audio equipment ensures that the entertainment complements rather than overpowers the dining experience.

Family-Friendly and Specialized Spaces

The venue is meticulously segmented to cater to different groups. For families, there is a dedicated children's play area with smart device monitoring, allowing parents to enjoy their meal with peace of mind. Special sessions for women and non-smoking zones are also provided for comfort. Meanwhile, the terrace offers a stunning view and is a hub for watching major sports events like football matches in the open air, while the bar area provides a more intimate setting for sports viewing.

Events, Catering, and Private Occasions

Dandana Gourmet extends its services beyond the restaurant walls with high-quality catering and delivery for special occasions. The venue itself hosts events and private occasions, supported by enticing special offers. A VIP session concept merges luxury and comfort for those seeking an exclusive Middle Eastern journey. The gallery sections on the website showcase the restaurant's versatility in hosting both food-focused and music-driven events, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive destination for celebrations.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

The restaurant's 4.6-star rating from over 3,000 Google Maps reviews is a strong indicator of consistent customer satisfaction. Reviews are broadly positive and consistently affirm the restaurant's value proposition. A Local Guide reviewer described it as their "favorite ritual in Abu Dhabi," a sentiment that underscores the restaurant's success in building customer loyalty. Another reviewer noted the "super lecker" food and specific staff member's service that made them feel very comfortable, with the owner quickly responding with gratitude. The overall feedback pattern highlights three main areas of praise: the authentic taste and quality of the food, the friendly and attentive nature of the staff, and the beautiful ambiance, particularly the live music and shisha offerings.

Dandana Gourmet in Abu Dhabi's Al Zeina District

Dandana Gourmet Restaurant is situated at Al Zeina Block A in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This location places it in the Raha Beach area, a prominent waterfront community. The description provided by the restaurant emphasizes its dual advantage: proximity to luxury hotels, the airport, Ferrari World, and crowded shopping centers, while being tucked away in a quiet corner near the sea and canals. This makes it accessible for both a spontaneous meal and a planned evening out. The establishment provides free parking for guests, and the property includes features like wheelchair-accessible spaces, ensuring convenience for all visitors.

Hours, Contact, and Reservation Information

Dandana Gourmet welcomes guests every day from 8 AM to 2 AM, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. While walk-ins are likely accommodated, reservations are encouraged and can be made through the website or by phone. The restaurant operates a second location in Al Wahda, but the Al Zeina branch is the primary subject of this profile.

Contact Information for the Al Zeina Location

• Phone for Reservations: 02-5837777 / 050-3090032
• Phone for Delivery: 02-5822223 / 050-5518604
• Email: info@dandana.ae
• Online Ordering & Reservation: Available directly through the official website dandana.ae.

Common Questions

What type of cuisine does Dandana Gourmet specialize in?

Dandana Gourmet specializes in Lebanese and Syrian cuisine with a broader menu of Mediterranean, Arabic, Oriental, and Continental dishes, including grilled foods, mezze, and more.

Does Dandana Gourmet offer shisha?

Yes, Dandana Gourmet is well-known for its shisha service, which is mentioned extensively in customer reviews. The restaurant offers dedicated areas for shisha with globally-inspired, innovative setups.

Is Dandana Gourmet suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The restaurant has a dedicated children's play area and offers smart device monitoring, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children while dining. Non-smoking zones are also available.

What are the opening hours of Dandana Gourmet?

Dandana Gourmet is open every day from 8 AM to 2 AM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Does Dandana Gourmet have live music?

Yes, the restaurant features live musical performances nightly, creating a unique atmosphere that is a significant part of the Dandana experience.

Can I order delivery from Dandana Gourmet?

Yes, Dandana Gourmet offers contactless delivery. Orders can be placed online through their website or by calling the delivery line at 02-5822223 or 050-5518604.