Amirah’s Grill

Upstairs, diners are ushered into a private ‘tent’ of sorts with a low table and plenty of cushions to throw around; Arabic ballads mixed with the jovial hubbub of conversation, and the slow-turning Ottoman-styled lamp above, add to the cosy mystique.

At $25, the three-course set menu is a worthwhile choice. Fervidly dip away at the home-made hummus and baba ganoush with warm slices of pita and garlic loaf; wash it down with the harkhadae (hibiscus juice) – a unique thirst quencher.

Sadly, the one-sauce-fits-all slathered over the lamb kofta, butter prawns and chewy tenderloin kebab leaves all the main courses tasting similar. Its warm service and relaxed surroundings make Amirah’s a great place for friends to meet, but leave the culinary experience for another locale. Marc Checkley