Zaatar w Zeit is a Lebanese casual eatery known for manakeesh, wraps, salads and fried halloumi, with branches across Dubai. It began in Beirut in 1999 and has grown into a regional chain. This guide from Dubai Guided covers the menu, where to find a branch and how to order well.
What Is Zaatar w Zeit?
The name says it all. Zaatar is a thyme based herb mix, and zeit is the Arabic word for oil. Spread them on warm flatbread and you’ve got manakeesh, a Lebanese breakfast people have eaten for generations.
The brand opened its first doors in Sodeco, Beirut, in 1999. It started as a bakery and grew into a fast casual chain with branches in Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and later Canada. In the UAE, the brand sits with Cravia, a Dubai based company that also runs franchise names like Cinnabon and Five Guys.
Zaatar w Zeit Menu: What You’ll Find
The menu is wide, but it’s easy to follow once you know the sections. Listings and reviews mention teasers (small starters), salads, pizzas, platters, specialty wraps, lighter options, breakfast, manakeesh, desserts and drinks. Menus change, so treat this as a guide and not a price list.
Manakeesh, the original star
Start here. The classic zaatar manakeesh is the dish the brand was built on. Cheese and meat toppings sit beside it, and many diners order one to share before moving on. Reviewers also mention pizza style choices, such as a Meat Craze pizza.
Wraps and shawarma
Wraps are an everyday favourite. The chicken shawarma wrap gets regular praise in reviews, and kafta, falafel and turkey and cheese wraps show up too. The brand has also offered lighter wraps made with multigrain dough, which helps if you want a smaller lunch.
Salads, soups and teasers
Fried or pan grilled halloumi is a smart opener. One reviewer enjoyed a quinoa salad with a sharp lemon dressing, and others mentioned pumpkin soup and cheese balls. Order a few teasers for the table and you’ve got a light meal.
Breakfast, desserts and drinks
Some branches serve all day breakfast, which suits late risers. Reviewers also mention desserts like tiramisu and strawberry cheesecake. Try the salty yoghurt drink called laban ayran too. It cuts through rich food nicely.
Zaatar w Zeit Locations in Dubai
Zaatar w Zeit has been listed in Business Bay, near Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai Marina, and at Al Ghurair Centre on Al Rigga Road in Deira. Earlier brand announcements also named branches in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Springs Souk, Golden Mile on Palm Jumeirah, Mira Town Centre, Al Hadeel and The Dubai Mall.Some of those announcements are a few years old, so don’t treat the list as final. Branches open and close. Before you go, check the brand’s official website or a live map to confirm the nearest outlet and its timings.
Heading to Deira? Al Ghurair Centre also houses Bestoon Samad Iraqi food restaurant, which makes a good second stop if your group wants a different cuisine.
How Much Does a Meal Cost?
Prices depend on the branch and what you order. One restaurant listing for the Business Bay outlet shows a cost for two of around AED 150. That’s a rough guide only. Menu prices in UAE restaurants are usually shown with five percent VAT included, something we explain in our Dubai restaurant menu with a price guide.
Opening Hours and Delivery
Hours change from branch to branch. Mall outlets follow mall timings, which can run later on weekends. One Business Bay listing says the kitchen serves until 2:00 AM, and some UAE outlets have been reported to stay open around the clock. Always check the branch you plan to visit.
If you’d rather stay in, many diners order chains like this through delivery apps. Look at which apps cover your area, since coverage depends on the branch nearest to you.
Tips for Your First Visit
Go early for manakeesh. It tastes best warm, and breakfast tables are quieter. Share a few teasers instead of ordering one big main. If you want a lighter meal, ask about the lighter wraps.
Office areas like Business Bay and Sheikh Zayed Road get busy around midday, so a slightly earlier or later lunch saves waiting time. One reviewer of the Sheikh Zayed Road branch mentioned RTA parking nearby, which is handy if you’re driving.
World Mankousheh Day on November 2
Zaatar w Zeit celebrates the dish it grew from. The brand has said it marks World Mankousheh Day on November 2 by handing out free zaatar mankoushes to local businesses, neighbourhoods and charities. It’s a good reason to try a fresh one around that date. Check the brand’s social pages for what’s planned in the UAE.
More Lebanese Street Food in Dubai
If you enjoy this style of food, our guide to Allo Beirut Lebanese street food covers another casual brand with shawarma, falafel and manakish. You can browse more places in our Food section.
FAQ,s
What is Zaatar w Zeit known for?
It’s known for manakeesh, chicken shawarma wraps and fried halloumi. The brand started as a Lebanese bakery in 1999 and now serves a wider casual menu.
Where is Zaatar w Zeit in Dubai?
Listings show branches in Business Bay, Dubai Marina near Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. Confirm the latest branch list on the official website before you visit.
Is Zaatar w Zeit open 24 hours?
Some UAE outlets have been reported to open around the clock, but hours differ by branch. Check your chosen branch first.
How much does Zaatar w Zeit cost?
One listing puts a meal for two near AED 150 at the Business Bay branch. Your bill depends on the branch and what you order.
Does Zaatar w Zeit have vegetarian options?
Yes, the menu includes items like zaatar manakeesh, halloumi, falafel and salads. One reviewer also mentioned a vegan menu at a Marina area branch, so ask staff what’s available.
Is Zaatar w Zeit halal?
The menu centres on chicken, kafta, cheese and vegetarian dishes, and the brand operates under UAE food rules. If halal certification matters to you, ask the branch to confirm before you order.
Conclusion
Zaatar w Zeit gives Dubai a simple, familiar Lebanese meal: warm manakeesh, hearty wraps and light sides in a relaxed setting. Start with a manakeesh, add a wrap or a salad, and confirm your branch’s timings first. For more local food guides, keep exploring Dubai Guided and the Food category.
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