Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Dubai's dining scene is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, reflecting the emirate's diverse population of over 200 nationalities. From three-Michelin-star progressive Indian cuisine to 50-year-old Iranian kebab shops, the city offers extraordinary breadth at every price point. Emirati cuisine itself is rarely featured publicly but worth seeking out — fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked lamb, and pearl-diver heritage food tell the story of pre-oil Dubai. The restaurant scene is concentrated in Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Palm Jumeirah, with the more authentic and affordable options found in Deira and Bur Dubai.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Dubai.
Machboos
Slow-cooked spiced rice with lamb or chicken, the national dish of the UAE
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City
Price: $15-25
Shawarma
Marinated meat carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce
Where to try: Street stalls across Deira and Bur Dubai
Price: $3-6
Luqaimat
Crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame, a traditional Emirati sweet
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant, street vendors at Global Village
Price: $5-8
Harees
A comforting porridge of wheat and slow-cooked meat, especially popular during Ramadan
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant
Price: $12-18
Camel Burger
A uniquely Dubai experience — camel meat burger served in several casual restaurants and hotel lobbies
Where to try: Various hotel restaurants
Price: $15-25
Mezze Platter
Lebanese and Levantine selection of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and kibbeh
Where to try: Al Hallab, Al Safadi, BeBabel
Price: $15-30
Koshari
Egyptian street food of lentils, rice, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce, very popular in Deira
Where to try: Egyptian restaurants in Deira
Price: $5-8
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Trèsind Studio
Dubai's only three-Michelin-star restaurant delivers a theatrical 20-course tasting menu that deconstructs and reimagines Indian flavours using avant-garde techniques. Located in the St. Regis Garden on The Palm, this is one of the hardest reservations in the city.
Known for: World's first three-Michelin-star Indian restaurant
St. Regis Gardens, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Hakkasan Dubai
A Michelin-starred contemporary Chinese restaurant inside Atlantis The Palm offering stunning sea views alongside exquisite dim sum, Peking duck, and wok-fired specialities. The dramatic interior design matches the quality of the food.
Known for: Michelin-starred contemporary Chinese
Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The Dubai outpost of Heston Blumenthal's celebrated concept at Atlantis The Royal offers historically inspired British cuisine cooked with extraordinary precision. Winner of the Time Out Dubai Award 2024 for best restaurant.
Known for: Historically inspired British fine dining
Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Nobu Dubai
The iconic Nobu brand has a stunning home at Atlantis The Palm with theatrical interiors and the beloved fusion cuisine that made Nobu a global institution. The black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeno are non-negotiable orders.
Known for: Globally iconic Japanese-Peruvian fusion
Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Cipriani Dubai
The legendary Venice institution has a spectacular outpost in DIFC serving authentic Venetian cuisine in a glamorous setting. The risotto, handmade pasta, and carpaccio are prepared to the same exacting standards as the original Harry's Bar.
Known for: Venetian fine dining heritage brand
Gate Village Building 6, DIFC, Dubai
Jara
Opened in 2024 at The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Jara brings Spanish Basque haute cuisine to Business Bay with an elegant terrace overlooking the Creek. The chef's tasting menu showcases premium Spanish ingredients with refined technique.
Known for: Spanish-Basque haute cuisine
The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Business Bay, Dubai
Alici
A dreamy Amalfi-inspired restaurant at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah known for picture-worthy sea urchin spaghetti, fresh seafood pasta, and spectacular Gulf views. A popular spot for romantic dinners and weekend lunches.
Known for: Amalfi-style seafood with Arabian Gulf views
Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
BeBabel
Contemporary Lebanese dining at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah offering mezze, grills, and creative cocktails in a stylish waterfront setting. One of Dubai's most popular Lebanese restaurants for both taste and atmosphere.
Known for: Contemporary Lebanese with waterfront views
Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
International
Birds by Caesars Palace
Located on the 63rd floor of the Address Sky View tower, Birds offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain alongside an international menu. One of Dubai's highest dining experiences at an accessible price point.
Known for: 63rd-floor views of the Burj Khalifa
Address Sky View, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
Baker & Spice
A beloved brunch institution in Jumeirah with a farmers market aesthetic, specialising in homemade breads, pastries, salads, and seasonal dishes made from organic ingredients. One of Dubai's best weekend brunch spots.
Known for: Organic farm-to-table brunch
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
The Sum of Us
A stylish all-day café in Downtown Dubai serving wood-fired pizzas, excellent breakfast bowls, and single-origin coffee. One of Downtown's best places for working remotely or a leisurely brunch.
Known for: All-day dining with excellent coffee
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Comptoir 102
A lifestyle concept café in Jumeirah combining a boutique, gallery, and organic café serving one of Dubai's finest healthy breakfasts. The avocado toast, grain bowls, and homemade granola are outstanding.
Known for: Organic café meets lifestyle boutique
Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
Italian
Oppidan
Set in a charming villa on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah, Oppidan is celebrated for its artisanal fresh pasta made daily on-site. The intimate setting with a terrace garden makes it one of Dubai's most romantic Italian dining experiences.
Known for: Fresh handmade pasta in a villa setting
Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
Fi'lia
Selected by the 2024 Michelin Guide, Fi'lia at SLS Dubai offers soul food Italian cooking with Mediterranean flair in a warmly decorated dining room. The wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta are standout dishes.
Known for: Michelin Guide selected Italian
SLS Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai
Eataly Dubai
The Italian food hall and marketplace in Dubai Mall features multiple restaurant counters serving fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizza, burgers, and desserts alongside an imported Italian grocery section. A must-visit for Italian food lovers.
Known for: Authentic Italian food hall experience
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Larte
A chic Italian all-day dining café in DIFC serving authentic espresso, pastries, and light Italian fare in a gallery-like setting. Popular with the financial district crowd for weekday lunches and breakfasts.
Known for: Authentic Italian café in DIFC
Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai
Japanese
Kinoya
A buzzing Japanese izakaya in The Greens neighbourhood serving creative yakitori skewers, ramen, and small plates in an energetic, dimly lit space. One of Dubai's best spots for a casual but excellent Japanese meal.
Known for: Authentic Japanese izakaya atmosphere
Onyx Tower, The Greens, Dubai
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
A lively Japanese kushiyaki restaurant in Dar Wasl Mall serving skewers cooked over charcoal alongside creative sushi, sashimi, and Japanese small plates. Very popular with the Dubai food community.
Known for: Charcoal kushiyaki skewers
Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
3Fills
A Japanese-influenced international restaurant at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour offering creative small plates, sushi, and grills in a relaxed harbourside setting. Popular for weekend brunches and group dinners.
Known for: Harbourside Japanese-inspired small plates
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai
Lebanese
Al Hallab
A Dubai institution serving authentic Lebanese cuisine with branches across the city including in Dubai Mall. Famous for its mezze spreads, freshly baked bread, and traditional sweets like kunafa. Loved by residents and tourists alike.
Known for: Traditional Lebanese mezze and sweets
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Al Safadi
A beloved Lebanese chain with multiple Dubai branches serving generous portions of mezze, grills, and fresh juices at very reasonable prices. A reliable choice for authentic Lebanese food in a relaxed setting.
Known for: Hearty Lebanese grills and mezze
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Awtar Lebanese Restaurant
A lively Lebanese restaurant famous in Dubai for its nightly dabke dance performances and huge mezze platters. One of the best places in the city to combine authentic Lebanese food with traditional entertainment.
Known for: Lebanese food with traditional dance performances
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai
Middle Eastern
Ninive
A beautifully designed Middle Eastern restaurant in DIFC featuring Berber tents, exotic lanterns, and stunning interiors alongside refined takes on mezze and Arabian grill dishes. A licensed venue in the financial district.
Known for: Dramatic Middle Eastern interiors and cuisine
Gate Village 4, DIFC, Dubai
Operation: Falafel
A beloved falafel-focused fast-casual chain with outlets across Dubai serving outstanding fresh falafel wraps, bowls, and mezze. The crispy falafel and tahini-loaded wraps are some of the best in the city.
Known for: Best falafel in Dubai
DIFC and multiple locations, Dubai
Shawarma Guys
A popular local chain specialising in hand-rolled shawarma wraps using high-quality ingredients and homemade garlic sauce. A dependable and affordable option for late-night eating across Dubai.
Known for: Classic Dubai street shawarma
Multiple locations, Dubai
Indian
Bombay Chowpatty
The go-to destination for authentic Mumbai street food in Dubai, Bombay Chowpatty is celebrated for the best biryani in the city as well as chaats, pav bhaji, and freshly made Indian sweets.
Known for: Best biryani in Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Bikanervala
A vegetarian-friendly Indian restaurant and sweet shop offering a huge menu of north Indian street food, thalis, dosas, and freshly made mithai (Indian sweets). Extremely popular with Dubai's large Indian community.
Known for: North Indian street food and sweets
Karama, Dubai
Plant
Seva Table
Dubai's most acclaimed plant-based restaurant in Jumeirah uses organic and locally sourced ingredients to create inventive, flavour-forward dishes. The colourful bowls and creative raw desserts have garnered a devoted following.
Known for: Creative plant-based and raw dining
Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Wild & The Moon
A chic plant-based café from Paris with multiple Dubai locations serving cold-pressed juices, vegan bowls, gluten-free pastries, and adaptogenic lattes. Popular with health-conscious residents and visitors.
Known for: Vegan and gluten-free healthy café
DIFC, Dubai
Arab Street Food
Zaroob
A colourful, graffiti-decorated restaurant dedicated to Levantine street food with multiple Dubai branches. Known for its manakish (Lebanese flatbread), falafel, and freshly squeezed juices at excellent prices.
Known for: Levantine street food in vibrant setting
Sheikh Zayed Road and multiple locations, Dubai
Australian
Tom&Serg
A pioneering specialty coffee shop and all-day brunch spot in Al Quoz that helped launch Dubai's third-wave coffee scene. Excellent eggs, granola bowls, and smashed avocado toast served alongside exceptional espresso.
Known for: Pioneer of Dubai specialty coffee scene
Street 10, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Chinese
Long Teng Seafood Restaurant
One of Dubai's finest dim sum and Cantonese seafood restaurants, Long Teng serves excellent live seafood and a vast range of traditional dim sum baskets in a spacious, traditional Chinese dining room.
Known for: Authentic Cantonese dim sum
Deira, Dubai
Emirati
Al Fanar Restaurant
Set in a lighthouse-shaped replica in Dubai Festival City, Al Fanar offers one of the few authentic Emirati dining experiences in the city. Traditional dishes like harees, machboos, and luqaimat are served in a heritage-themed setting.
Known for: Rare authentic Emirati cuisine experience
Festival Waterfront, Dubai Festival City, Dubai
European
Folly by Nick & Scott
A buzzing restaurant-bar hybrid at Souk Madinat Jumeirah with an eclectic European menu, natural wines, and stunning views towards the Burj Al Arab. A popular spot for after-work drinks and relaxed dinners.
Known for: Burj Al Arab views with European bistro menu
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Greek
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Dubai's best Greek restaurant in The Greens neighbourhood offering traditional mezze, fresh seafood, and grilled meats in a taverna atmosphere. Excellent value for money compared to other Dubai restaurants at this quality level.
Known for: Authentic Greek taverna in Dubai
The Greens, Dubai
Iranian
Al Ustad Special Kabab
A Dubai institution since the 1970s, this no-frills Iranian restaurant in Bur Dubai is famous for its expertly grilled lamb and chicken kebabs served with fluffy Persian bread. Beloved by generations of Dubai residents.
Known for: Legendary Iranian kebabs since the 1970s
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Pakistani
Ravi Restaurant
A Dubai legend since 1978, Ravi in Satwa is one of the most famous budget restaurants in the city, beloved by taxi drivers, labourers, and foodies alike for its outstanding Pakistani curries, nihari, and tikkas at rock-bottom prices.
Known for: Dubai's most famous budget curry house
Al Satwa Road, Satwa, Dubai
Pan
Hu'u
A vibrant pan-Asian dining concept at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach offering Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and Indonesian dishes in one menu. The Sunday brunch is a local favourite.
Known for: Pan-Asian brunch favourite
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Seafood
Dampa Seafood Grill
Reopened in Deira in 2024, Dampa is a beloved Filipino seafood restaurant where fresh crabs, prawns, and fish are weighed and cooked to order in your choice of sauce. A uniquely interactive and affordable dining experience.
Known for: Filipino seafood sold by weight
Deira, Dubai
Food tours & tastings in Dubai
Eat your way through Dubai with a guide.
Browse food experiences in DubaiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Chicken or meat rotating spit wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles
Find it at: Street stalls throughout Deira, Bur Dubai, and Satwa
Samboosa
Deep-fried pastry triangles filled with meat, cheese, or spinach — Middle Eastern samosa
Find it at: Bakeries and market stalls across old Dubai
Falafel Wrap
Crispy chickpea fritters with tahini, pickles, and salad in fresh flatbread
Find it at: Operation: Falafel and street stalls in Deira
Manakish
Lebanese flatbread baked with za'atar and olive oil or cheese, eaten for breakfast
Find it at: Zaroob and Lebanese bakeries across Dubai
Corn on the Cob
Charcoal-grilled corn with butter and spices sold by street vendors along JBR
Find it at: JBR Beach Walk and Deira waterfront
Fruit Juice
Freshly pressed juice from pomegranate, mango, and seasonal fruits
Find it at: Juice stalls throughout Deira and souks
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Waterfront Market Deira
The largest seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetable market in Dubai where chefs and residents shop daily
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Spice Souk
Traditional open-air market selling frankincense, saffron, dried herbs, and exotic spices
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ripe Food & Craft Market
A weekend farmers market with organic produce, homemade food stalls, and artisan products
Hours: Fridays 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (seasonal)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Alcohol is only served in licensed hotel restaurants and clubs — budget restaurants are generally alcohol-free
Dubai Friday brunch (noon-4 PM) is a local institution — most hotels offer all-inclusive food and drinks packages from $80
Lunch specials at top restaurants can be 40-50% cheaper than dinner menus
Tipping 10-15% is customary at sit-down restaurants, though service charge is sometimes included
Ramadan significantly changes dining hours — restaurants outside hotels are closed during the day
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in Indian restaurants. More plant-based cafés opening each year.
- Halal
- The overwhelming majority of restaurants in Dubai serve halal meat. Non-halal pork products are only available in certain supermarkets and hotel restaurants.
- Gluten free
- Growing number of gluten-free cafés and menu options, especially in Jumeirah and Downtown. Ask staff about allergens.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-10 per meal | Street shawarma, falafel wraps, and South Asian restaurants in Bur Dubai and Deira |
| Mid-range | $20-40 per meal | Sit-down Lebanese, Italian, and Asian restaurants across the city |
| Upscale | $80+ per meal | Michelin-selected restaurants, hotel fine dining, and international celebrity-chef venues |