Experience
Emirati Hospitality
The First Authentic Emirati restaurant since 1997
Welcome to
Arabian Tea House Restaurant
A journey into Dubai’s past could well begin through the door of a quaint tea house in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, once known as Al Bastakiya. As you step into the Arabian Tea House (although old-timers would still prefer to call it the Basta Art Café), you are transported into the old times, authentic style with turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains, and beautiful flowers, enjoying your cup of gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) in the shade of an old tree and the languid air swoons around you, dreamlike, as if it were always afternoon.
Taste of genuine
traditional Emirati hospitality
What is Our Guest Saying?
As good as it gets during winter. Time to spend viewing the port and old Arabian city of Sharjah. Enjoy the Arabian food. And don't forget to drink the Arabic coffee ( Gahwa)...A must visit place for tourists in Sharjah.
This is my second time visiting. This place is an experience. It has a very local feel and has an amazing menu. The food is delicious and fresh, and the service is incredible. there are so many people around to help. We like to sit in the "outdoor" area. The fans are annoying for the styrofoam plates and cups they have to use- they kept flying around. But we always consider this place a treat to go to. It's located in such a nice area as well!
Great service, everyone super friendly and nice. Hummus and flat bread SUPER fresh!!! The lamb roll was also very good. No photos of the food as we were too busy eating the delicious dishes
Absolutely amazing Emirati food. The five star reviews due justice. Everything was on point! Thank you for having us
The best way to experience local Emirati food. I had a very nice time with my family there! And the service is top, we never had to wait for a waiter. Waiters are responsive and quick! Would unfair to not recommend this place and a crime not to try it when you're around!
Beautiful and cozy restaurant. Lovely experience trying local food. Great customer service!
It has one of the best basic food and no complications! Yet the best team to manage the place I had a great experience specially with Leslie super helpful
Fantastic spot! The food is delicious and done with love. The best tea I’ve ever had! If you come here, you must get Karak tea! The labneh and hummus were divine! Not a big dessert person, but wow they were fantastic! Definitely come here for lunch or dinner:)
Beautiful view, best Arabic food. Staff very friendly.The only negative point is that the restaurant closes at 8 pm but not their fault as they are located inside a place which closes at 8 pm that's why still giving 5 stars.
A beautiful spot with must try Arabian breakfast trays. Arabic music in the background and a lovely outdoor sitting.Better to get there early morning for the best serviceNice staff who know how to take care of their regulars. Edineke is my favorite, she gets things done, always with a smile!
Food is very nice and delicious.Staff are very friendly and supportive.The place is very tiny and crowded. Many people were waiting for a table.
We had our breakfast there and it was amazing experience, the liver and Mr. Ali's breakfast was really nice taste.. the service was great as well.Jumeirah archaeological branch is highly recommended.
Fantastic spot! The food is delicious and done with love. The best tea I’ve ever had! If you come here, you must get Karak tea! The labneh and hummus were divine! Not a big dessert person, but wow they were fantastic! Definitely come here for lunch or dinner:)
Beautiful view, best Arabic food. Staff very friendly.The only negative point is that the restaurant closes at 8 pm but not their fault as they are located inside a place which closes at 8 pm that's why still giving 5 stars.
A beautiful spot with must try Arabian breakfast trays. Arabic music in the background and a lovely outdoor sitting.Better to get there early morning for the best serviceNice staff who know how to take care of their regulars. Edineke is my favorite, she gets things done, always with a smile!
Food is very nice and delicious.Staff are very friendly and supportive.The place is very tiny and crowded. Many people were waiting for a table.
We had our breakfast there and it was amazing experience, the liver and Mr. Ali's breakfast was really nice taste.. the service was great as well.Jumeirah archaeological branch is highly recommended.
Great experience! We visited at 10:30am on a Saturday during Ramadan and got a good table with a child seat. Food is exceptionally good - we just loved everything we had! We ordered a plate to share and then additional items and everything was so delicious!And they were very friendly with our toddler, there is also a special child menu for breakfast & lunch. Will definitely come again!
Great experience in this traditional house. Attentive service, we were eating out on the terrace, beautifully decorated with flowers. Regarding the food, all the dishes were nicely cooked, the combination of favors and the cooking points were great. The only (only) thing that could be possible improved is the coffee, but of course this is not their specialty and still is a 5/5 stars for me. I would recommend with no hesitation if you are visiting Dubai
I always go there when friends are visiting me. Really nice food and good experience.But! It's time to change both cages for the birds. It's way to small! There is plenty of space for a really big bird aviary.Please change that. Those birds earn better.Thanks
Loved it!!I highly recommend it.The place by itself it's stunning. From outside you'd not expect to have a beautiful place like that waiting for you. The food was great and very good price for a touristic area.But the best thing is the service. All of them are amazing from the ladies who take the orders to the people who deliver the food❤️. I will definitely go to try different branches.
Absolutely loved it! Super cute. The staff was very nice. The food was very good & reasonably priced. I even got a sufficient amount of ice for my soda (harder than you may think in Dubai). No complaints at all.
This place is so beautiful! The atmosphere is amazing and so nice to sit inside or out. I always bring my friends who come to visit from outside of Dubai. The staff are super nice too and the food is amazing. Traditional Emirati food as well as different Arab food choices. I love to come in the morning or afternoon for breakfast but dinner is also delicious. Sitting outside is great when it's not too hot
Wonderful authentic atmosphere and flavours. Enjoyed the Egyptian breakfast, especially the date syrup. Average AED60/person. Points for improvement: the doorway for the toilet is small and you can bump your head while exiting. It would be good to put foam or bright yellow tape to avoid injuries. I would have liked to see low fat and milk alternatives for the coffee. It was nice to provide a basket for handbags. Parking is not convenient unless you pay for valet.
We loved this place which transports you back in time. The whole feel is one of an old village w the stone floor and palm leaves roof. The service is very good and attentive. The food was excellent, everything we ordered was delicious with good quality. Loved the lamb chops and the mutton biryanis. The bread coming out of the oven is warm and inviting. Nice experience, certainly to be repeated.
If you want a restaurant with a warm and cozy feeling and a unique decor, this is definitely a place to visit. Absolutely beautiful inside. Food and drinks are delicious. Service is quickly, despite being busy. Staff is very friendly and helpful.
We came here a few times for lunch and were never disappointed. Lovely food and pleasant atmosphere. This time we decided to try their breakfast, and vice was up to the mark as well. Definitely a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Hummus is something to absolutely try here, nothing like I ever tried with the bread that is freshly made
