Zefki Has Arrived: A New Levantine F&B Experience Now In Dubai!

Bringing together traditional dishes with a twist, Zefki, an authentic Levantine affair, has officially opened in popular landmark, Number One Tower Suites, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Blogliterati.com attend a review night and tried some of their dishes. We decided to rate it with a full 5 on zomato because the place really deserves it, hands down!

The food we tried

We started off with some peppy juices. In starters we were served Hummus Zefki, Moutabbal Zefki, Tabboule, Pacanga Borge, Zefki Felafel. The cold mezze - Hummus and moutabbal were remarkable and distinct not only in taste but also in looks. It were multi-coloured, flavoursome and fresh.

We also enjoyed the sujouk (oriental style spicy lamb sausage) and shish barak cooked in yoghurt and topped with sauteed nuts. Both tasted amazing .

In the main course we had mixed grill which was sufficient for two of us. We ended with some tantalizing desserts - rice pudding and Oumali. Both very good.

Originating from the Turkish word ‘zevki’, meaning ‘pleasure’, the 60-seater venue plays host to a menu adorned by classic, homely and beloved favourites hailing from countries including Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and the UAE, in addition to housing Eastern Mediterranean inspired décor and tableware, harmoniously intertwined with a relaxed and charming ambience.

Traditional dishes with a modern flair take centre stage on Zefki’s menu. The eclectic selection includes kabsa, Turkish pides and viral-worthy 1 metre kebabs. Zefki also serves a memorable visual and palette experience with Turkish coffee made on sand. The restaurant offers culturally authentic dishes such as Kuzu Guvec – originating from the Turkish word Güveç, meaning earthenware pots, which were used in traditional Turkish cuisine. At Zefki, Kuzu Guvec is served with slow cooked lamb shank and vegetable stew, oven-baked in a clay pot.

The kitchen by Zefki is led by Chef Mohamad Tayeb Derbas, who comes from a culinary background of 16 years working in renowned F&B concepts in Dubai. Working predominantly with Mediterranean and Levantine fresh herbs such as zaatar, baby rocca leaves, thyme and basil along with freshly grounded spices like sumac, saffron and cumin, Chef Derbas brings to the city a flavour profile that is refreshed to wow modern palettes but still stays true to its originating roots.

“Food is considered one of the greatest pleasures in life,” says Chef Derbas. “It is a significant element in every culture that carries deep traditions and brings people together. Our goal at Zefki is to bring joy to every single guest dining with us through our food, hospitality and overall ambience.”

The newly launched restaurant offers an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a buffet breakfast for hotel guests from 7AM-11AM, business lunch from 1PM-3PM, and delivery and dine in offerings to the public and hotel guests of Number One Tower Suites.