Following a complete transformation, Anar has officially reopened at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, inviting guests into a renewed space that blends modern elegance with the warmth and generosity of Persian hospitality. Anar overlooks the Souk’s serene waterways, where abras drift quietly along the canals, and the iconic Burj Al Arab rises beyond the terrace.
A Space Rooted in Heritage and Contemporary Design
Anar’s interiors have been fully reimagined with clay-washed walls, hand-textured plaster, dark distressed wood, and glazed tiles inspired by Persian courtyards. The refreshed design channels a sense of intimacy and timelessness while offering guests a calm, atmospheric backdrop for long lunches, slow dinners, and evenings that unfold at an easy pace.
The new aesthetic draws inspiration from the restaurant’s founding brand myth of Ziba, a symbolic wanderer whose intuitive approach to flavour helped shape Anar’s identity. While Ziba remains part of the soul of Anar, the refreshed design leans into a more refined and contemporary interpretation of Persian warmth.
A Refined Culinary Presentation: The Neo Persian Soul Experience
Under its Neo Persian Soul philosophy, Anar continues to honour centuries-old Persian culinary traditions while elevating the experience through a more modernised presentation. Guests can expect soulful stews, saffron-led flavours, charcoal-smoked grills, and elegant desserts, presented in a more contemporary way, while remaining faithful to the flavours guests know and love.
Signature dishes include:
- Kebab Kubideh – Charcoal-grilled minced lamb skewers, delicately seasoned and served juicy and aromatic
- Ghormeh Sabzi – A deeply comforting Persian classic of slow-cooked herbs, beans, and tender braised meat
- Joojeh Masti – Yoghurt-marinated chicken grilled over open flames for a rich, smoky finish
- Gardan – Slow-braised lamb neck, fall-apart tender and infused with warm Persian spices
- Faloodeh – A refreshing traditional Persian dessert of icy vermicelli noodles with rose and citrus notes
The All-New Courtyard Bar and Cocktail Program
The most dramatic addition to Anar is its newly created courtyard bar, a charismatic alfresco setting designed for sundowners, spirited conversations, and late-evening gatherings under the open sky. With its own distinctive energy, the bar introduces an entirely new cocktail program that brings Persian ingredients into bold serves. Crafted by a talented barman whose experience includes the world-famous Paradiso Bar in Barcelona, ranked No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022.
Small Bites for the Bar: Anar’s Greatest Hits, Reimagined
To complement the courtyard bar, Anar has introduced a small bites menu, a curated selection of the restaurant’s “greatest hits” in bite-sized portions. Designed for easy sharing and effortless grazing, the menu is ideal alongside spirited as well as non-spirited cocktails, with flavours that echo Anar’s culinary identity while fitting the rhythm of alfresco evenings.
The Anar Bazaar: A Curated Slice of Persia
Adding a new layer to the experience, Anar now introduces the Anar Bazaar, a beautifully curated collection of items crafted by Persian artisans from their homeland. From plates, bowls, and vases to pillows, scarves, and backpacks, it celebrates Persian artistry and everyday beauty, allowing guests to take a piece of Anar home with them.
Quotes
Mr Hani Sleiman, Director of F&B, Comida, said, “Anar’s reopening marks a return to soulful, authentic Persian cuisine in one of Dubai’s most memorable waterfront settings. The refreshed interiors honour the restaurant’s heritage, while the new courtyard bar and cocktail program bring a fresh energy to the experience for today’s guests.”
Anar’s Head Chefs added,“Persian cuisine is built on patience, balance, and emotion. With the Neo Persian Soul experience, we’ve stayed faithful to traditional flavours while refining the way each dish is presented. Every plate carries a sense of home, memory, and pride.”
A Setting That Feels Like Dubai
Set along Souk Madinat’s winding canals, Anar’s terrace remains its most iconic feature. At sunset, the scene shifts as abras glide softly through the waterways and the Burj Al Arab transitions from gold to deep indigo. This vantage point has long made Anar a favourite for travellers and residents seeking both flavour and a sense of place, now elevated with a courtyard bar made for lingering, and an experience that feels unmistakably Dubai.
Restaurant Details
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop #147, Dubai
Hours: 12pm–11:30pm
Average Spend: AED 250–300 per person
