Salam Daqqaq is a Palestinian-born chef and restaurateur, celebrated for her deeply personal and soulful interpretation of Levantine cuisine. She is the chef-owner of Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam.
Bait Maryam offers authentic, home-style Levantine dishes, named after the owner's mother. It provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a glass-enclosed lakeside terrace. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not accept reservations.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Bait Maryam for its exceptional hospitality, warm, home-like ambiance, and authentic Levantine/Palestinian flavors. Reviewers highlight the comforting portions, fresh ingredients, and traditional recipes. Specific dishes like the Fatet Maryam Musakhan and creamy hummus with toasted pine nuts receive frequent acclaim. The staff are noted for being friendly, attentive, and making guests feel like family.
Additional Details
The restaurant aims to deliver authentic tastes from 'Belad Al Sham' (the divine lands of the Levant) to Dubai. It has been featured on the TV show 'Somebody Feed Phil'.
Ideal for both lunch and dinner. As the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits.
Bait Maryam is a place that feels like home from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of character, reflecting the spirit of traditional Levantine hospitality. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s an experience that tells a story through food, décor, and genuine service.
What truly stands out is the authenticity of the dishes. Every plate is prepared with care, using fresh ingredients and recipes that feel deeply rooted in tradition. From the rich flavors to the comforting portions, the food delivers a sense of nostalgia that’s rare to find. It’s clear that a lot of thought and passion goes into every detail.
The service complements the experience perfectly. The staff are friendly, attentive, and make you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. There’s a personal touch that elevates the entire visit.
Bait Maryam is more than just a place to eat—it’s where culture, flavor, and hospitality come together seamlessly. Whether you’re going for a casual meal or hosting guests, it consistently delivers a memorable experience. Definitely a must-visit if
This charming little restaurant is a true gem for anyone who loves authentic Levantine cuisine. Every dish was beautifully prepared, full of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and traditional touches that made the meal memorable. From the appetizers to the main courses, everything was incredibly tasty and presented with care.
What really elevated the experience was the outstanding service. The staff were genuinely warm, attentive, and welcoming, making us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived. They were knowledgeable about the menu, happy to offer recommendations, and checked in just the right amount without being intrusive.
The restaurant itself has a cozy, cute atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends. Combined with the delicious food, excellent hospitality, and inviting ambiance, it’s a place I’ll gladly return to and highly recommend to anyone looking for exceptional Levantine cuisine. @the_traveling_vineyard_
5
I watched the Dubai episode of “Somebody Feed Phil”. Decided to stop at Bait Maryham. I’ve never had Palestinian food but the story of the place touched me.
It’s June. Hotter than Texas heat…and that’s saying something. I find my way to the restaurant and am greeted by Lijo. He put me in the coolest part of the restaurant. I was about to combust into flames. I asked for his recommendations and the food came quickly.
The hummus with toasted pine nuts was the smoothest hummus I’ve ever tasted. Creamy. Light. Ethereal. I was blown away! I’m a foodie and cook myself, but have never even imagined hummus could be as light as angel wings. The olives burst in a spicy and lemony delight. What the perfect marriage!
Next came the Fatet Maryam Mousakhan. I’m generally not a huge fan of hot yoghurt, but the combination of chicken in its special spices, toasted almonds, other magical things with more magical things made for the perfect lunch. Each bite was a declaration of pride and a feeling of being home. Tender. Sweet. Unassuming but very prideful. I felt I was transported to an old familiar place I had never been. And the lemonade?! THE LEMONADE!!! Lemons. Mint. Orange blossoms. Rose water. Heaven.
After I had my last bite, the mosque around the block started the call to prayer. What a great way to end the perfectly new meal to me.
Thank you Lijo. Thank you Dubai. I feel whole again.
5
10/10 Recommend!
The Palestinian Authentic dishes are absolutely delicious. The lambchops with honey we're memorable, the msakhan rolls were the best i've had, and the freekeh and lamb were absolutely high quality. If I could give them another Michelin star, I would. To top it off, the chocolate cake and Umm Ali were totally next-level.
The waiters are very nice and sweet, they give you privacy to eat in peace, but also provide recommendations in terms food choices.
In terms of atmosphere, views were absolutely incredible and beautiful, the music playing in the restaurant was very appropriate and nice.
5
Bait Maryam JLT was such a beautiful foodie experience, and every dish we ordered was a delight. The eggplant moussakaa, hummus bel khalta, kabse chicken, lamb shank with rice, chili paste, and mouhalabiah all brought their own charm to the table, with flavors that felt comforting, rich, and truly memorable.
A special mention to Mohamed for his wonderful suggestions and for spending time with us so warmly. His hospitality added so much to the experience and made the meal feel even more personal and enjoyable.
For anyone who appreciates soulful food and genuine service, this is a place worth returning to again and again.
