The Hili area, north of the city centre near Hili Archaeological Park, has developed a reputation for good Lebanese and Gulf Arabic food that has made it a weekend destination for Al Ain families. The restaurants here are larger and more comfortable than the tight souq establishments in the city centre — air-conditioned, family-section separated, and staffed to handle a proper lunch crowd. Several have outdoor seating areas that are pleasant in winter.
Lebanese-style mezze is the best approach: a spread of cold dishes — fattoush, tabbouleh, moutabal, kibbeh nayeh — followed by grilled meats from the charcoal. Order the kafta (minced lamb on skewers) and the shish tawook (marinated chicken), with fresh bread baked continuously in the wood oven. The Hili area is also where you are most likely to find restaurants serving proper Emirati machboos on a daily basis rather than only for special occasions.
Pair a meal here with a visit to the Hili Grand Tomb in the archaeological park a few minutes' walk away, making it an easy half-day out of the city centre. Most restaurants open from noon and stay busy until mid-afternoon; evening service from around 7pm.