Where Smoky Flavours Meet Laid-Back Vibes in Dubai
If you’ve been craving a restaurant in Dubai that does things differently where flavour comes first, vibes are mellow, and every plate feels like it was made just for you CHAR might be your next favourite spot. Nestled inside Nad Al Sheba Mall, this bold, homegrown grill concept by the team behind Around The Block is all about char-driven cooking, fire-kissed meats, and creative twists on everyday dishes.
From the moment you step into CHAR, it feels like you’re walking into something special. There’s no loud music, no rushed service, no fuss. Just a warm, glowing grill, smoky aromas wafting from the kitchen, and a vibe that says: take your time, you’re in for something good.
The Space: A Hidden Gem in Nad Al Sheba
Located inside the calm and easygoing Nad Al Sheba Mall, CHAR is somewhat of a surprise. You wouldn’t expect to find a stylish, flavour-forward restaurant tucked inside a neighbourhood shopping mall, but that’s exactly the charm of it. CHAR is casual without being dull, cool without trying too hard.
It’s the perfect setting for a long lunch with friends, an easy solo dinner, or a relaxed date night. It doesn’t try to impress with flashy décor—instead, the open flames, visible from most tables, set the mood. There’s a real sense of authenticity in how the space is put together. As the day progresses, so does CHAR’s ambience. It flows from a sunny café serving excellent coffee in the morning to a low-lit, grill-focused hangout as the evening sets in.
The Food: Where the Fire Really Shines
Let’s be honest, CHAR is all about the food. The menu isn’t unnecessarily long, but what it offers is consistently thoughtful and packed with flavour.
The chicken shawarma here deserves its own spotlight. Grilled right in front of you, it’s juicy, smoky, and layered with house pickles that add just the right amount of zing. It’s not your average shawarma—it’s a whole experience.
Then there’s the wagyu tenderloin. Served with a zaatar truffle butter, this dish hits that sweet spot between indulgent and balanced. The meat melts in your mouth, and the butter adds a rich, earthy note that lingers beautifully.
For starters, the Moroccan bread is a winner—pillowy, cheesy, and just the thing you want to tear into as soon as it hits the table. Pair that with the spicy, umami-rich street corn, and you’re in for a pretty memorable start.
The Drinks: Fresh, Unique, and Completely Alcohol-Free
CHAR’s drink menu is short but inventive. The Coal Cola is their house-made answer to the classic soda—lighter, cleaner, and more refreshing. It’s a surprising delight. Meanwhile, the Yuzu Kick is a citrusy, gingery cooler that feels like the cooler, sharper cousin of ginger ale.
Coffee fans will be glad to know that CHAR takes its brews seriously. The espresso is smooth, the flat whites are creamy, and everything is served with the same attention to detail you’d expect at a third-wave café.
And the best part? Everything is non-alcoholic, but still packed with personality and depth.
The Service: Friendly and Unhurried
At CHAR, the service follows the same relaxed rhythm as the rest of the space. The staff are warm, welcoming, and more than happy to talk you through the menu or recommend what’s fresh off the grill. Just don’t expect fine-dining speed or overly formal service—it’s all very easygoing, and that’s part of the charm.
One thing to keep in mind: the kitchen shuts down for an hour around 5pm to reset for dinner service. It’s a smart move on their part to ensure quality stays high, but it’s something to plan around if you’re coming late in the afternoon.
What to Order: The Ultimate Line-Up
If it’s your first time at CHAR, here’s what we suggest:
- Start with the Moroccan bread—it’s fluffy, cheesy, and comforting.
- Get the street corn for a bit of spice and savoury satisfaction.
- Don’t leave without trying the chicken shawarma, made fresh in front of you.
- Splurge a little on the wagyu tenderloin—you won’t regret it.
- Wash it all down with a Yuzu Kick or Coal Cola, or both.
Every dish is a flavour bomb in its own way. There’s creativity here, but also restraint—everything is designed to be satisfying without overwhelming the palate.
The Price: Worth Every Dirham
Dining at CHAR won’t break the bank, but it’s not cheap either. Expect to spend around AED 350 to AED 450 for two people, especially if you’re ordering a few plates and drinks. But for what you’re getting—unique flavours, generous portions, and a concept that doesn’t cut corners—it feels more than fair.
There’s no pretense here. You’re paying for quality ingredients, serious flavour, and a dining experience that feels crafted with care.
Final Thoughts: A New Favourite in the Making
CHAR x Around The Block isn’t just another café or grill—it’s a refreshing change from the usual. It’s for people who enjoy food that’s bold, thoughtful, and full of heart. It’s for diners who want to slow down, enjoy a proper meal, and discover flavours that linger long after the last bite.
Sure, it’s not about fine-dining finesse or Instagram-perfect plating. But what CHAR delivers is something more valuable: honesty, creativity, and comfort. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to—not just for the food, but for how it makes you feel.
So the next time you’re in Nad Al Sheba or just looking for somewhere new that actually lives up to the hype, give CHAR a visit. Bring a friend, come hungry, and leave the rush at the door. This is slow food, grilled to perfection.
Location: CHAR x Around The Block, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Dubai
Timings: Daily, 7am till late
Instagram: @charconcept | @aroundtheblock
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