Sufret Maryam Review
If you’ve been to Bait Maryam in JLT, you know why it’s a cult favourite. With Levantine dishes that blend tradition with modern twists, it’s no wonder it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and appeared on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil.
When we heard Chef Salam Dakkak had opened Sufret Maryam, we couldn’t wait to check it out. This new “big sister” promises an upscale take on those beloved flavours, but can it match the magic of Bait Maryam?
Come with us to find out!
First Impressions
Sufret Maryam, located in Wasl 51, captures the same warmth and homeliness that made Bait Maryam special—right down to the beautiful tribute to Chef Salam’s mother, Maryam, whose portrait hangs proudly on the wall. Her mum’s cooking is the inspiration behind it all, and you feel that sense of home and love in every corner.
The restaurant is really beautiful—spacious yet cosy, with a welcoming waiting area, a wood-fired oven, and an open kitchen. And yes, there’s an actual olive tree in the middle (because, why not?). The walls are adorned with art that celebrates Middle Eastern culture, from Palestinian orange groves to figures dressed in traditional Lebanese attire. It’s elegant but still feels like a warm hug from your favourite aunt—inviting, full of heart, and impossible not to love.
And if the setting already has you excited, just wait until you hear about the food — it only gets better!
Starters: Mezze That Steals the Show
Mezze is life, isn’t it? Those little plates you can pick at endlessly, chatting and laughing with friends. And at Sufret Maryam, the mezze aren’t just delicious—they’re little works of art.
We started with the Musakhan Rolls, a Palestinian favourite made with roasted chicken, sumac, and fried pine nuts, all wrapped up in crisp perfection. It’s comforting yet elevated, like the food equivalent of wearing your best outfit to a family gathering.
The Halfa Rolls, filled with spicy potato, were another highlight—imagine samosas with a Middle Eastern twist. They came with amba, a tangy mango sauce with a bold, fruity kick, and raita, a cool, creamy yogurt dip that perfectly balanced the spice. Honestly, pure comfort food!
Then came the dips. The hummus was smooth and creamy, served with fluffy bread straight from the woodfire oven— let’s face it, good bread and hummus are hard to beat, and at Sufret Maryam, this was no exception. Honestly, I would come back for just this dish alone. The muhammara, a roasted red pepper and walnut dip, struck the perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness, making it impossible to stop dipping. And the shankleesh cheese, rolled in za’atar? Rich, herby, and completely addictive. Are you sensing we couldn’t agree on the highlights here? Haha
Mocktails: Refreshing and Delightful
Sufret Maryam: Main Dishes
Okay, so now we’re getting a little full—haha—but it was time for the main event. We ordered the Mixed Grill and Batata Harra (roast potatoes), and the grill was the perfect size. The platter, designed for two, came loaded with tender lamb, juicy chicken, and two perfectly grilled lamb chops. (There were four of us, so there was definitely a “Wait, how are we splitting the two chops?” moment—but don’t worry, we’re still friends!) The Mixed Grill was amazing. Everything was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of smoky, grilled goodness.
But wait—let’s talk about the roasted potatoes (Batata Harra). Garlic, lemon, coriander… what’s not to love? These little gems were next-level good. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and with the perfect balance of zingy flavours. These potatoes might have been the highlight of the night. So, do yourself a favour—do not, under any circumstances, skip the roast potatoes!
Desserts: Make Room
If you’ve got room for dessert (trust me, you do). You have to order the Labneh Brulee. It’s basically a creamy labneh crème caramel topped with this genius za’atar ice cream, sumac, and a sesame crunch that’ll leave you speechless. You’ll be thinking about this dessert for days, I promise. And if that not enough, the Halawet el Jeben with mascarpone and pecan crumble is also a total winner. It’s so creamy, so indulgent—just a perfect little bite of yum. Go for it, you won’t regret it!
Worth a Visit?
If you love the cosy charm of Bait Maryam, you’ll adore Sufret Maryam. It’s a step up in elegance but still retains that warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just fancy an unforgettable meal, this is one for the books.
Before you go, you may want to check out our other foodie reviews!
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