Feeling a craving for succulent, perfectly grilled kebabs, perhaps with a side of freshly baked bread and vibrant salads, enjoyed in a comfortable setting with your family in Sharjah? The emirate’s rich culinary tapestry, drawing influences from across the Middle East and beyond, offers an array of fantastic restaurants where you can savor these universally loved skewers. We’re here to guide you to the best spots for a memorable kebab feast that will surely satisfy everyone at your table.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: Emirati Flavors Meet Kebab Excellence
While Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is primarily celebrated for its authentic Emirati cuisine, their menu often includes delicious grilled options that cater to families, making it a great spot for those who enjoy a broader Middle Eastern experience alongside their kebabs. You might find traditional grilled meats that share similarities with kebabs from across the region, prepared with aromatic spices and served with rice or traditional bread. What makes Al Fanar unique is the chance to enjoy your meal in a setting that evokes old Dubai, with traditional décor and a welcoming ambiance that’s perfect for family gatherings. It offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce your family to Emirati hospitality and cuisine, with grilled items that are often as flavorful and satisfying as any dedicated kebab house.
Turkish Kitchen: Authentic Turkish Kebabs
For a truly authentic Turkish kebab experience, Turkish Kitchen is a strong contender in Sharjah. Turkish kebabs are renowned worldwide for their distinct flavors and preparation methods, often involving special cuts of meat, unique marinades, and charcoal grilling. At Turkish Kitchen, you can expect to find classic options like Adana Kebab (spicy minced lamb), Urfa Kebab (mild minced lamb), and Shish Kebab (tender cubes of marinated lamb or chicken). These are typically served with freshly baked lavash bread, grilled tomatoes and peppers, and a selection of fresh salads and dips like ezme (spicy tomato paste). The atmosphere is usually casual and family-friendly, focusing on delivering high-quality, flavorful kebabs that are cooked to perfection. It’s an excellent choice for a satisfying and genuine Turkish meal.
Bosporus Turkish Cuisine: A Lavish Kebab Experience
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and perhaps slightly more upscale Turkish dining experience that features excellent kebabs, Bosporus Turkish Cuisine is a fantastic choice. Bosporus prides itself on offering a wide array of authentic Turkish dishes, and their kebab selection is a highlight. Beyond the standard lamb and chicken shish, you might find more elaborate Mixed Kebab Platters that allow your family to sample various grilled meats, including doner kebab, iskender kebab, and beyti kebab. Their kebabs are often known for their tender texture and rich, well-balanced flavors, a result of quality meat and traditional marinades. The restaurants typically boast a welcoming ambiance with Turkish-inspired decor, making it a pleasant setting for a family dinner where everyone can find their favorite grilled delight.
Levant Village Restaurant: A Fusion of Grilled Delights
Levant Village Restaurant offers a delightful blend of Levantine and Turkish cuisines, meaning you can expect a rich variety of grilled dishes and kebabs that cater to diverse preferences. Their menu often includes not only Turkish-style kebabs but also popular Levantine grilled meats such as Shish Tawook (marinated chicken skewers) and various Koofteh (minced meat skewers). This provides an excellent opportunity for families to explore a wider range of grilled options, all prepared with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. The restaurant usually provides a comfortable and spacious dining environment suitable for families, allowing for a relaxed meal where everyone can enjoy their preferred grilled dish, alongside a selection of fresh salads and traditional breads.
Al Dar Restaurant: Traditional Middle Eastern Grills
Al Dar Restaurant is often cited as a go-to for traditional Middle Eastern grills and kebabs in Sharjah. While their menu might encompass a broader range of regional dishes, their grilled section is typically a strong point. You can expect to find classic Lamb Chops, Shish Taouk, Arayes (grilled pita bread stuffed with minced meat), and various minced meat kebabs, all cooked over charcoal for that distinct smoky flavor. These are commonly served with choices of rice or traditional bread, along with refreshing salads and popular dips like hummus and mutable. Al Dar generally offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for families to enjoy a casual yet authentic Middle Eastern grilled meal.

The Art of Kebab: What to Look For
When seeking the best kebabs, here’s what truly makes them special:
- Quality of Meat: Fresh, well-marbled, and properly trimmed meat is crucial for tenderness and flavor.
- Marinade: A good marinade, often involving yogurt, olive oil, onion juice, and various spices, infuses the meat with flavor and helps tenderize it.
- Cooking Method: Charcoal grilling is often preferred for that smoky, charred exterior and juicy interior.
- Accompaniments: Freshly baked bread (like khubz or lavash), vibrant salads (like tabbouleh or fattoush), and traditional dips (hummus, mutable, garlic sauce) are essential for a complete experience.
These elements combine to create a kebab that is truly a culinary delight, satisfying both the palate and the soul.
Tips for a Family Kebab Outing
When planning your family kebab outing in Sharjah, consider the timing. Dinner time is usually the most popular for kebab restaurants, especially on weekends (Friday and Saturday evenings). Many restaurants offer family platters or mixed grills that are specifically designed for sharing, providing a good variety and often better value. While we cannot provide exact prices, these platters are generally priced approximately per person or for a set number of diners, offering a convenient way to sample different types of kebabs without breaking the bank. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s operating hours and consider making a reservation, especially for larger groups, to ensure a smooth dining experience.
The Social Aspect of Kebab Dining
Eating kebabs with family in Sharjah is often a social event, mirroring the communal dining culture prevalent across the Middle East. It’s about gathering around a table laden with platters of sizzling meats, fresh salads, and warm bread, sharing stories and laughter. The act of tearing off pieces of bread, dipping them into flavorful sauces, and selecting your favorite kebab off the platter fosters a sense of togetherness. This communal experience makes the meal more than just food; it becomes a cherished family memory, a delicious thread connecting you to the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Discovering Your Favorite Kebab Spot
Sharjah’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and while we’ve highlighted some reliable favorites, new restaurants specializing in grilled meats may emerge. Exploring different neighborhoods, particularly those with a strong Middle Eastern presence like Al Qasimia, Al Nahda, or areas around Buhairah Corniche, can often lead to discovering hidden gems. Keep an eye on local food blogs or review sites, as well as recommendations from the www.few.ae team, for the latest and most buzz-worthy kebab joints. Each restaurant might have its own unique twist on a classic, making the exploration all the more exciting.
Your Kebab Feast Awaits in Sharjah
In summary, Sharjah offers a fantastic array of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious kebabs with your family, ranging from authentic Turkish flavors to broader Middle Eastern grilled delights. We encourage you to explore these culinary havens, savor the succulent meats, and create wonderful family memories around the table in Sharjah.