Bait Maryam Dubai | A Taste of Levantine Hospitality at Home

• UAE Script Staff
• September 4, 2025
• Dubai
• Bait Maryam
• 0 Comments

Dubai has a lot of great restaurants, but one place stands out among the fancy ones and the ones with Michelin stars: Bait Maryam. This restaurant is located in the center of Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) and has become a favorite among both locals and tourists. Bait Maryam is known for its real Levantine food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. Eating there feels more like having a meal with family than going out to eat.

The name of the restaurant, which means “Maryam’s Home,” perfectly describes what it is. It’s not just about the food; it’s also about the culture, the comfort, and the community. Bait Maryam will bring you Palestinian musakhan, creamy hummus, or freshly baked manakish, all with a touch of tradition and love. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this culinary gem in Dubai, including where it came from, what dishes are popular there, its reputation, prices, and why it should be on your must-visit list.

About Bait Maryam

The talented and passionate Chef Salam Dakkak started Bait Maryam. Its simple but powerful mission is to serve authentic Levantine food in a setting that feels like home. Bait Maryam is different from many other fancy restaurants in Dubai because it focuses on simplicity, nostalgia, and warm hospitality.

Maryam, the chef’s mother, inspired her to start cooking and named the restaurant after her. The recipes for every dish on the menu have been passed down through the years, and they are made with the same love and care that you would expect from a family kitchen. This personal touch is what makes Bait Maryam more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the classic tastes of the Levant.

The restaurant has become well-known over the years, not just with customers but also with food experts. The Michelin Guide Dubai has listed it, and food critics have praised it for staying true to its roots while always providing excellent dining experiences.

Location and Atmosphere

Bait Maryam is in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), which is one of Dubai’s most lively areas. The restaurant is in Cluster D, which is easy to get to by car or public transportation. There are also good parking options nearby.

The atmosphere is meant to be warm and simple. Bait Maryam doesn’t use flashy decorations. Instead, it has cozy interiors, family-style seating, and homey touches that make guests feel at home right away. Families, friends, and even people eating alone can feel at ease in a place with wooden furniture, traditional touches, and soft lighting.

When you walk in, you might hear Chef Salam herself greeting guests or walking around the tables. This personal touch makes it even more charming and makes visitors feel like they’re not just customers but guests in someone’s home.

Information

• Location: Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai, UAE.
• Opening Hours: Typically 12 PM – 11 PM (hours may vary during Ramadan or holidays).
• Contact: Phone reservations and online booking options available.
• Access: Paid parking available in JLT, plus Dubai Metro (DMCC Station) within walking distance.
• Nearby Attractions: JLT Park, Dubai Marina, and JBR are close by, making it easy to combine dining with leisure activities.

Food and Menu Highlights

Food is the most critical part of Bait Maryam. The restaurant serves Levantine food, which includes the cooking styles of Palestinians, Jordanians, Syrians, and Lebanese. Fresh ingredients are used to make each dish, and the cooking method keeps the real flavors.

Famous Dishes

• Fattet Hummus – A dish with layers of chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, and crispy bread. A hearty and tasty comfort food that everyone loves.
• Palestinian Musakhan – It is one of the most popular foods at Bait Maryam. It has roasted chicken on flatbread with caramelized onions and sumac on top.
• Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab) – They are soft vine leaves filled with rice and spices and simmered until they melt in your mouth.
• Manakish – This is a type of Levantine flatbread that is baked fresh and topped with za’atar, cheese, or meat. Great for sharing.
• Grilled Kebabs – Juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, with fresh sides on the side.
• Kunafa – It is a must-try dessert that is sweet and made with cheese. It has shredded phyllo dough and syrup on top.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

The menu at Bait Maryam is also known for being vegetarian-friendly. People who want plant-based options without losing flavor can enjoy dishes like baba ghanoush, fattoush, falafel, and lentil soup.

Seasonal & Specialty Dishes

The restaurant has seasonal specials from Time to Time. During Ramadan, the Iftar menu is a big draw for many diners.

Chef Salam Dakkak: The Woman Who Runs Bait Maryam

Chef Salam Dakkak, a woman who has become a legend in Dubai’s food scene, is the main reason why Bait Maryam is so popular. Salam was born and raised in Jordan to Palestinian parents. She grew up with the rich traditions of Levantine cooking all around her. Maryam, her mother, was a big part of her cooking journey. She taught her that food is more than just feeding people; it’s also about making connections.

At first, Salam worked as a teacher when she moved to Dubai. But her love of food eventually led her to open Bait Maryam, where she could share her family’s recipes with everyone. Today, she is known as one of Dubai’s best chefs because she is humble, uses traditional methods, and is dedicated to preserving culinary heritage.

Salam has won many awards and gotten a lot of praise in the culinary world for her hard work. But what makes her stand out is her genuine love for her guests and her ability to make everyone feel like family.

Dining Experience & Hospitality

When you eat at Bait Maryam, it’s not just about filling your stomach; it’s about having a complete experience. You are welcomed with warmth as soon as you walk in. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knows the menu well. They are always ready to suggest dishes based on what you like.

Chef Salam’s personal touch is what makes the experience special. She often greets guests in person to make sure they feel welcome and at ease. This personal touch is hard to find in Dubai’s competitive dining scene, which is one reason why people keep coming back.

Families like Bait Maryam a lot because it feels safe, cozy, and kid-friendly. The restaurant is always friendly, whether you’re there for a casual dinner, a celebration, or a family outing on the weekend. That’s why it’s at the top of many people’s dining lists.

Pricing & Value for Money

One of the best things about Bait Maryam is that it is a great deal. The cost for two people ranges from AED 150 to AED 250, depending on what they order. This Price is reasonable and easy to get compared to many other high-end Levantine restaurants in Dubai, and the food is still delicious.

Many guests say that the portions are significant, which makes the restaurant suitable for groups. Most people who eat at Bait Maryam agree that it’s worth every dirham spent because of how real it is, how good it tastes, and how good the service is.

The Best Time to Go

Maryam’s Bait is busy all week, but it’s hectic on weekends and in the evenings. To have a good Time, it’s best to go to:

• Weekdays during lunch hours (quieter, quicker service).
• Early evenings before peak dinner hours.
• Ramadan evenings for a special Iftar menu (reservations are essential).

If you want to go on the weekend, it’s best to make a reservation so you don’t have to wait long.

Bait Maryam in Dubai’s Food Scene

There are many different kinds of food in Dubai, but not many restaurants leave a lasting impression like Bait Maryam. There are a lot of great Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, but Bait Maryam stands out because it focuses on being authentic and straightforward.

The Michelin Guide Dubai has listed it, which adds to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city. It has a loyal following among locals, expats, and tourists who want real Levantine food, in addition to winning awards.

Bait Maryam shows that sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable in a city known for its opulence.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Don’t forget to try kunafa, musakhan, and fattet hummus.
• Make a reservation ahead of Time, especially on weekends or during holidays.
• Go as a group; the significant portions are significant for sharing.
• Dress comfortably. There is no strict dress code for casual dining.
• The staff will be happy to help you choose dishes that go well together.

Other options for Bait Maryam

Bait Maryam is one-of-a-kind, but Dubai does have other Levantine restaurants:

• Al Safadi – Known for Lebanese classics.
• Zahr El-Laymoun – A casual Lebanese eatery with healthy options.

• Reem Al Bawadi – Popular for its wide menu and shisha.

But none of these really capture the warmth and authenticity of family-style dining that Bait Maryam does.

Conclusion

Bait Maryam is more than just a restaurant; it’s a food experience based on love, tradition, and honesty. Everything about this restaurant, from Chef Salam Dakkak’s personal story to the carefully planned menu and friendly service, shows a genuine love for Levantine food.

Bait Maryam stands out in a city known for luxury and excess by keeping things simple: great food, warm hospitality, and a homey feel. This restaurant should be at the top of your list, whether you live in Dubai or are just visiting and want to have a great meal.

Bait Maryam is the best place in Dubai to get real Levantine food. It feels like home.

FAQ’s

What kinds of food does Bait Maryam serve?

Bait Maryam serves real Levantine food, like Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese dishes.

What part of Dubai is Bait Maryam in?

The address is Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai, UAE.

Who is the person who cooks at Bait Maryam?

Chef Salam Dakkak, a well-known chef known for her Levantine recipes, runs the restaurant.

Does the Michelin Guide list Bait Maryam?

Yes, Bait Maryam is in the Michelin Guide Dubai.

What are the best dishes to try at Bait Maryam?

Musakhan, fattet hummus, manakish, and kunafa are some of the most popular foods.

Is Bait Maryam okay for vegetarians?

Yes, there are a lot of vegetarian-friendly dishes on the menu, such as falafel, baba ghanoush, and fattoush.

What is the Price of food at Bait Maryam?

The average cost for two people is between AED 150 and 250.

Can you make a reservation at Bait Maryam?

Yes, it’s best to make a reservation, especially on weekends and during busy times.

What Time does Bait Maryam open?

The restaurant is usually open from 12 PM to 11 PM, but hours may change during Ramadan or on holidays.

Is Bait Maryam a good place for families?

Yes, the restaurant is warm, friendly, and great for families.

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