At the Mleiha Archaeological Center in Sharjah, just an hour away from Dubai, you’ll find Bystro Mleiha, which serves some much-needed comfort food, and specialty coffee with a side of blissful and historic views that date back to 130.000 years. The Mleiha area happens to hold a precious slice of Emirati history.

Ancient Surroundings

Bystro Mleiha shares its neighborhood with bronze age tombs, fossil rocks, and the renowned “horse with the golden discs” (an ornately dressed horse that was sacrificed in an ancient tomb to accompany its deceased owner into the afterlife. Surrounded by vast stretches of pristine desert, the eatery has both indoor and outdoor seating. You can either choose to sip your coffee in the great outdoors or soak up the views, without braving the weather, indoors. The restaurant is also decked out with a glass wall, giving you a front-row view of the desert.

Bystro Mleiha Contemporary Menu

While Bystro specializes in contemporary European flavors, its menu also features some regionally-loved Middle Eastern dishes such as the falafel benedict, mezze platter, or its famous beetroot hummus with za’atar crisps. And if you have younger humans accompanying you, they can enjoy kid-friendly classics like fish goujons, pancakes, and sausage and mash. Since they have a family-friendly ethos, the Bystro’s babyccino is always on the house!

Just an Hour Away…

If you wake up one bright morning and feel the need for a smooth hour-long drive with the desert on both sides, then Bystro is the place for you. Not only will you learn more about our hosts (Emiratis) on this side of the Sahara, you will also get to sample some yummy treats. The eatery is open from 9AM to 7PM on weekdays and 9AM to 9PM on weekends. Get your favorite soundtrack plugged in, grab a friend, and hit the road on any given weekend to Bystro Mleiha.