I've been asked recently for "what is the typical price of a meal in Oman ?". Well, here is for example what I eat every noon :
I wanted to let you know that there is a British council in Muscat, located in Madinat Qaboos along the highway. This establishment is in charge of providing English lessons, advise on education opportunities (in uk) and promote arts & culture (even if I didn't hear about any events organised by the British council yet). 
This is equivalent to the french CFO but for the English.
There is a very nice website where you will be able to find more information : http://www.britishcouncil.org/oman.htm
Café Barbera is a relaxing place where you can get a drink or eat something. The interior is very elaborate (you have big sofas like in the "Friends" TV program), the menu is international (food is very good i have to say), and the staff is very devoted.
But there is no rose without a thorn : you have to spend at least 2,5 Rials for a meal, and 1,5 Rials for a juice.
This Café is located just next to the Shati plaza.
Here is some information on how to gat a liquor permit. As you can see it is not a easy process :
Required documents
Copy of passport
Copy of labour card
2 passport size photographs
No objection letter from the company
Labour card application in original - copy returned after issuing labour card. This is to confirm basic salary as registered with the Ministry of Manpower
Employment contract attested by the Ministry of Manpower to confirm employment and eligibility to apply to a permit
Completed permit application obtained at the license office
Permit value
Permit value is determined by the basic salary. Usually the permit value is 10% of basic salary
Where ? ROP Liquor Licensing Office
Ruwi police station
