24 Must-Try Restaurants in Dubai

In Dubai, the term 'cafeteria' typically describes a small, unpretentious Mytoury, and Dream City Cafeteria certainly embodies this idea. Situated along Sheikh Zayed Road, a major highway linking the UAE's coastal cities, this spot offers some of the finest street food in Dubai, featuring shawarma, paratha, and desi burgers—American-style hamburgers topped with South Asian specialties like homemade green chile tamarind sauce. Much of the food is quite spicy and pairs perfectly with refreshing fruit juices, essential for beating the heat during sweltering summer days. Many of the chefs hail from India and Bangladesh, as do many customers who flock here during lunch and after work from nearby offices. [$]

Established by the self-proclaimed first Arab pitmaster, Hattem Mattar, the Mattar Farm specializes in smoking some of the finest meats in Dubai. After growing up in the city, Mattar worked in the oil and gas industry in Texas, where he discovered brisket and trained under local pitmasters. He has since crafted beloved recipes for smoked brisket, beef ribs, turkey, chicken, lamb legs, duck, and sausages featuring flavors like lamb and za’atar—all made with locally sourced ingredients, many from his own farm. The meats can be found at pop-ups, the Local Fire stand in Time Out Market, and restaurants such as BB Social Dining, as well as available for delivery by the kilogram. [$$$]

This vibrant, colorful roadside Mytoury, Allo Beirut, delights diners with its lively Levantine fare, including mouthwatering shawarma that's hard to find elsewhere in Dubai. Patrons flock here for the crispy manakish—topped with basil, rosemary, akkawi or kashkaval cheese, honey, labneh, soujok, or a mix of these—as well as a variety of baked goods like stuffed saj, kaak, pizza, and sandwiches made with bread seasoned with sumac and za’atar. For those with bigger appetites, the stuffed lamb, steak, and rotisserie chicken served with toum and cheese sauce are must-tries. [$]

Project Chaiwala reimagines the classic streetside cup of chai. Founded by two chai enthusiasts, the cafe has since grown throughout the UAE. The tea is sustainably sourced from Indian estates, brewed with a blend of spices, milk, and saffron, and served in traditional mud cups, which the owners assert enhances the aroma and imparts a distinctive earthy flavor to the chai. [$]

Part of a restaurant group founded in the 1980s to introduce Asian cuisines to Dubai—comprising establishments like Chinese Palace Restaurant, Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant, and Koryo Korean Restaurant—Umami offers Japanese dishes that stand apart from the excessive omakases found at nearby resorts. The menu features simple yet delicious interpretations of ramen, sushi, donburi, curry, and omurice. [$$ - $$$]

Dubai, like many cities, is embracing a trend toward plant-based eating, evident at Wild and the Moon, one of the city’s pioneering vegan restaurants. All ingredients are locally sourced, organic, seasonal, and ethically obtained. The menu focuses on healthy options, featuring a diverse range of salads, soups, bowls, cold-pressed juices, nut milks, and smoothies. Desserts and snacks free from refined sugars, processed enzymes, gluten, and dairy are also offered. [$$$]

Nestled in Dubai’s vibrant Alserkal Avenue, Nightjar Coffee Roasters is a local café and restaurant that specializes in single-origin coffee sourced from “micro and nano-lots.” Founded by Leon Surynt in 2017 to address Dubai’s shortage of locally produced coffee, this award-winning spot has become a favorite for unique drinks (like shakeratos and jaffa shakes) and inventive dishes (such as gochujang popcorn cauliflower, pulled chicken frankies, and ox cheek benedicts). The restaurant has successfully adapted to delivery during the pandemic, maintaining its high-quality coffee. [$$]

As the name implies, Raju Omlet is all about eggs with a Bollywood flair. The restaurant is adorned with a blend of vintage photos, playful egg-themed decor, and Bollywood-inspired artwork, while the extensive menu showcases a variety of Indian street snacks, all featuring one key ingredient: eggs. Enjoy parathas filled with different omelets, eggs Kejriwal, fried eggs served over egg noodles, and other delightful dishes where eggs play a surprising role. [$$]

Munira Hijazi, a talented Turkish homemaker, operates one of the top food delivery services in Dubai. Launched during the pandemic in 2021, this home-based venture began with a limited selection of beloved Turkish snacks and desserts like simit, baklava, and knafeh. It has since expanded to feature a diverse array of sweet and savory Turkish dishes that change throughout the day. For breakfast, indulge in hearty su borek (dough sheets filled with cheese and parsley); for lunch, enjoy gozleme (flatbreads) stuffed with lamb and beef; and for late-night cravings, savor islak (wet) burgers drenched in tomato sauce, just like in Istanbul’s Taksim Square. [$$]

Nour Ashraf, a self-taught baker, brings her freshly baked creations to homes throughout Dubai. Her innovative venture, Nour in the Kitchen, gained fame when her Nutella lava cupcakes went viral on a local food blog. The menu features everything from nutritious breakfast oatmeal cookies to vegan cakes and gluten-free desserts for any occasion, with her sweet yet healthy keto doughnuts being particularly popular. [$$ - $$$]

Vietnamese Foodies introduces the flavors of Ho Chi Minh City to Dubai’s culinary landscape. The highlight of the menu is its pho, which is meticulously simmered for 14 hours. Other crowd-pleasers include bun bo hue (beef and lemongrass soup), hoanh thanh chien gion (crispy prawn dumplings), and goi cuon (spring rolls), featuring a vegan option with sweet potato, eggplant, and zucchini. The menu is bursting with vibrant flavors from Thai basil, scallion, annatto, and more from Southeast Asia. [$$$]

In 2021, locals eagerly anticipated the arrival of Al-Baik, a beloved fast-food chain from the Arabian Gulf. After five decades in business, this Saudi Arabian favorite made its first international move with two outlets in Dubai, including one at the Dubai Mall. Known for its roasted and fried chicken, marinated with secret spices known only to its founders, the menu is straightforward — and that's all you need. [$$]

Since the 1970s, Ravi has been delighting patrons with Dhaba-style Pakistani cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. The restaurant gained fame when Anthony Bourdain featured it in a 2010 episode of No Reservations, making it a proud claim to be the only street food spot showcased. Dining here can feel lively and chaotic, but the flavorful dishes make it worthwhile. Enjoy the piping hot naan from the clay oven, paired with Peshawari mutton curry and some of the best lamb chops in Dubai. Don't miss the kheer for dessert; it's a delightful way to finish your meal. [$]

2nd December Street, formerly known as Al Diyafah Street, was not initially intended to be a food market. However, as the sun sets each evening, outdoor tables emerge and a vibrant night market comes to life. This historic part of the Al Satwa neighborhood has welcomed immigrants from various countries since the 1990s, leading to the rise of local Mytouries. While many restaurants serve Indian, Irani, and Turkish fare, the street’s evening offerings showcase a rich array of Arabic, East Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. [$]

With over 50 locations worldwide, Saravana Bhavan proudly claims to be the premier vegetarian Indian restaurant. Specializing in South Indian dishes, it offers a menu filled with dosas, idli, medu vada, and sweets like payasam, all skillfully crafted by chefs from Kerala and Madras, India. Currently, Dubai hosts four branches, with more on the way. For vegetarians seeking delicious, budget-friendly meals, this is the top choice in the city. [$ - $$]

Owned by the Persian al-Ansari family, who settled in Dubai 43 years ago, Al Ustad specializes in traditional Irani cuisine in the historic Bur Dubai area. The menu features mutton, chicken, and tenderloin kebabs, with some marinated in yogurt before grilling, and others slow-cooked with a blend of mild spices and herbs such as dill, mint, basil, chives, fenugreek, and tarragon. Meals are served with khubz (flatbread) or saffron rice adorned with roasted dried fruits. Vegetarians should visit during lunch for selections like okra and eggplant. [$]

Nestled in a bustling corner of Bur Dubai, Billo is a beloved ice cream spot among local South Asian residents. Proudly claiming to serve the best falooda in the world, Billo uses traditional Pakistani techniques to craft this frozen treat. They utilize clay pots to freeze milk and yeast, infusing it with various fruit flavors before blending it into a delightful mix of milk, vermicelli, and nuts. The shop also offers a selection of savory Pakistani street foods. [$]

Eskinita is your go-to spot for authentic Filipino cuisine, featuring the beloved national dish, adobong manok (chicken adobo), which is meticulously slow-cooked before being pan-fried with soy sauce. What began as a humble street food stall has evolved into a spacious restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The diverse menu showcases a wide array of seafood and meat dishes from the Philippines, including various forms of bangus (milkfish), lumpia, tokneneng, and kwek kwek (tempura-fried eggs). [$]

Located within one of Dubai’s bustling malls, Indoors is a lively food court adorned with colorful graffiti. With 15 food stalls to explore and a spacious seating area featuring communal tables, an arcade, and a live music stage, it’s a vibrant hangout spot with bean bag chairs for lounging. Don’t miss out on Smart Brat for delicious hot dogs, Taiwanese Chicken and Pancake for a hearty meal, and Saj 2 Go for their impressive 18-inch Lebanese flatbreads. [$$]

Pars Iranian Restaurant holds the title of the oldest and most beloved Irani establishment in the city, beautifully blending traditional Persian cuisine with Arabic influences. The menu revolves around three key ingredients—bread, rice, and meat—masterfully prepared by Irani chefs who expertly combine mild herbs like thyme, parsley, and dried mint with vibrant Arabic spices, pepper, and red chile paste. While meat lovers can indulge in hearty stews and succulent seafood skewers, there are also delightful vegetarian offerings such as ash reshteh (herb-filled noodle soup) and kashk bademjan (eggplant and whey dip), along with falafel, hummus, and various Arabic snacks. Pars truly embodies the spirit of Dubai’s multicultural landscape. [$$$]

Karak chai, traditionally sold from tea carts in precolonial India, has also become a beloved beverage in the Middle East. At Real Karak Cafe, this masala chai is crafted using locally sourced tea leaves, simmered slowly with cardamom and saffron—key ingredients in Arabic desserts—and sweetened with condensed milk. The cafe proudly claims to serve more teacups daily than any other cafe in the city; just look at the endless lines of cars outside at all hours to see proof of this claim. [$]

For home-style comfort food, South Asian residents of Dubai turn to the Daily. With four branches located in key residential neighborhoods, this restaurant is renowned for its Indian and Pakistani brunch, lunch, and dinner buffets, featuring favorites like biryani, kebabs, nihari, and dal. []

Established in 1993, Firas is among the oldest dessert shops in Dubai, delighting customers with sweet delicacies from the Middle East. Its knafeh, hailed as the “queen of Arabian desserts,” is generously filled with cheese and topped with a crunchy layer of sugar and vermicelli, making it a best-seller across the bakery’s branches. Other popular offerings include baklava and mamul, crafted with walnuts and drenched in thick sugar syrup. []

Last Exit is a local mini-chain of food truck parks inspired by Route 66, with one location resembling a Mad Max post-apocalyptic setting, perfect for travelers coming in and out of the city. The Al Khawaneej site draws from American rancher culture, featuring a dozen quirky food trucks that offer drive-thru service. There’s also a farm-themed outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy live music and games. The menu is diverse, including cinnamon buns from Doh, on-the-go sushi from Sushi Station, and hearty steaks from Steakanji. [$$]