Sakalan Restaurant at Al Baleed Resort by Anantara

We visited Salalah for the first time and initially struggled to find restaurants that suited our diverse dietary needs. One evening, while driving past Anantara Al Baleed, we decided to drop in and have a look, trusting the reputation of the Anantara brand. We first stopped by Mekong where the staff were lovely, but the kids preferred a buffet with more variety. We were delighted to discover that Sakalan was hosting an Omani-themed night — a perfect chance to try local dishes. From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly greeted by Arafaith and Yash, who gave us a full tour of the buffet and thoughtfully explained the vegetarian and kids' options. They even offered us the flexibility to order from any other restaurant in the resort and have it delivered to Sakalan if anyone preferred something else. We never felt any pressure to stay, but their hospitality made it impossible to walk away. The food was excellent, with plenty of variety, and the service was truly exceptional. Chef Sufian personally came over to offer vegetarian dishes for my husband and pasta for our picky eater. Chef Ali at the barbecue counter explained the meat options in detail and cooked everything to perfection — always with a warm smile. Asad was remarkable in his attentiveness; I don’t think our table was ever left uncleared for more than a moment. Cutlery was refreshed regularly, the table was spotless throughout, and our water glasses never ran dry. Yuli brought such joy to the experience — singing and dancing with our daughter, creating a truly memorable evening. Marichel and Laxman also checked in frequently to ensure everything was perfect. We were so impressed that we returned the very next evening for the seafood-themed night — and once again, the service, food, and atmosphere were just as incredible. What really stood out was the genuine happiness and dedication of the staff. It was clear they truly enjoyed what they do — and that reflects well on the resort's management. If we return to Salalah, we will seriously consider staying at the Anantara Al Baleed. But regardless, Sakalan is a must-visit — not just for the food, but for the truly five-star service. Thank you for making our meals such a highlight of our trip.