Long before Ras Al Khaimah became a modern tourism destination, a number of restaurants were already serving residents and visitors with authentic flavours and warm, welcoming environments. These long-standing dining spots have earned a special place in the city’s dining scene, becoming local landmarks in their own right.
Some are traditional eateries while others are family-run restaurants that have served generations of diners, offering modern-day visitors a glimpse into Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural evolution.
Here is a guide to some of the must-visit old restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, where traditional recipes, loyal customers, and unique backstories continue to define the dining experience.
What Are the Best Old Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah?
The best old restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah include Calicut Restaurant, Mannoor Cafe & Restaurant, RAK Traditional Cafe, Asayel Cafe, Al Hamoor Restaurant, Siket Al Teben Cafe, Eayshat Awal Restaurant, Fareej Eshhafan Restaurant and Ashuk Ice Cream. These long-running establishments are known for traditional recipes, local heritage, and loyal customers who have returned for decades.
Below, you’ll find more information about each restaurant and what makes it an important part of Ras Al Khaimah’s dining history.
Oldest Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah
Calicut Restaurant Old Ras Al Khaimah
Calicut Restaurant in Old Ras Al Khaimah is a very famous established Indian restaurant, well over 40 years old. Located in the Sidroh area, along Old Corniche Road, its defining factor is the large yellow signboard and small veranda. As a humble South Indian eatery, the restaurant has served generations of Indians in Ras Al Khaimah with a taste of home.
Classic items on the menu include chicken chilli, porotta, fresh egg dishes and steaming chai for a simple, sit-down meal in the middle of the day at an affordable rate.
Mannoor Cafe & Restaurant
Mannoor Cafe & Restaurant is also located in Old Town Ras Al Khaimah and was established over 100 years ago. The cafe is known for its warm, comforting beverages, the simplicity of its homely ambience, and friendly staff. Locas frequent the place to relax and socialise, often over games like cards.
Mannoor’s highlights are its extensive teas, from milk and karak tea to green tea and cinnamon tea. You’ll also find Turkish and Arabic coffee, juices, and beans and chickpeas as light bites.
RAK Traditional Cafe
RAK Traditional Cafe was established in 1978 in Ras Al Khaimah. A historical restaurant with warm, rustic interiors, it serves comforting traditional Emirati food, shisha and drinks.
The charming open-air vibe allows for slow-moving, serene conversations and catchups with family and friends, with stunning waterfront views, especially towards the evening.
Asayel Cafe RAK
Asayel Cafe in Sidroh is among Ras Al Khaimah’s most traditional coffee shops. The vibe is vibrant and inviting, and the interiors are furnished with vintage artefacts and designs that take diners back in time to the homely atmosphere reflecting Arabian heritage.
You’ll find authentic Emirati dishes, such as Arabic coffee, porridge, Khabisa, and mash soup.
Al Hamoor Restaurant
Al Hamoor Restaurant is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s cosiest restaurants serving Indian, Arabic and Chinese cuisine. It is located in Al Nakheel.
Expect a lively ambience, welcoming staff, and amazing food to satisfy every craving. Menu highlights include chicken pollichathu, chicken manchow soup, nai pathiri, and various types of chai. Wraps, sandwiches, simple grilled fish dishes, and biryani can all be found in plenty of variations.
Siket Al Teben Cafe & Restaurant
Siket Al Teben Cafe, in the Old Souq area, serves traditional Emirati food, from warm snacks to stews. The atmosphere is relaxing and offers the perfect place to unwind. Locals often chat and tell stories over coffee or steaming chai. You’ll also get some of the best traditional breakfast options here.
Eayshat Awal Restaurant
Eayshat Awal is yet another old dining spot located in Old Town Ras Al Khaimah, near the old market. What makes it stand out are the colourful, rustic interiors, creating an elegant environment in which to unwind with a slow-moving dining experience.
Dishes at Eayshat Awal reflect the diversity and simplicity of home-cooked food. The menu range features Arabic salads, pasta, biryani, fish dishes, fried, grilled or dried as you like, and rice and curry as well.
Fareej Eshhafan Restaurant
Fareej Eshhafan in Al Dhait South is another quaint cafe, dating back to the 1980s. It serves traditional Emirati cuisine and sweets.
With an old-fashioned feel that appeals to locals, the restaurant’s interiors transport diners back in time. The low, almost floor-like seating arrangement and style are perfect for group dinners and allow conversation to flow naturally.
The menu features an assortment of seafood and meat dishes, from biryanis to kingfish curry and grilled lobster, providing diners with an authentic fresh taste.
Ashuk Ice Cream
Ashuk is the oldest and most beloved ice cream shop among locals in Ras Al Khaimah, with a loyal following. Operating for decades, it has several branches and a steady stream of customers all through the week. On the menu are indulgent sundaes, milkshakes, and even the traditional, decadent falooda.
A popular choice is a dessert combining pomegranate, mango and apple ice cream topped with pistachios and strawberry syrup.
The oldest restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah offer a blend of history and diverse culinary traditions that is unmatched. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, taking out the time for a dining experience at these beloved outlets is a chance to connect with a part of Ras Al Khaimah’s rich heritage.
Find more local recommendations with The Ras Al Khaimah Atlas, your guide to the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.