Culinary Highlights: The top dining and drinking spots in Dubai

Growing up in Dubai during the early 1990s, our family's food adventures revolved around shawarma and falafel takeout, dining at Indian and Pakistani eateries, or indulging in American fast food.

Now, as a travel writer based in Dubai, I am truly amazed by its vibrant dining scene, brimming with innovative restaurants, cutting-edge concepts, and daring chefs eager to showcase their creativity in a city that embraces originality and quickly adopts new ideas over outdated traditions.

With over 200 nationalities represented, Dubai's culinary landscape reflects this remarkable diversity. From authentic dosa stalls and Afghani bakeries in my old Dubai neighborhood to Balkan delicacies, local burger joints, and visually stunning dishes found throughout the city, I can confidently say that no other city in the world showcases international cuisines with such flair. Here are some of my favorite insider recommendations for the best dining and drinking experiences in Dubai.

Breakfast

Nestled within walking distance of Jumeirah Beach in the charming Meyan Mall, 21grams Urban Balkan Bistro is my favorite breakfast destination in Dubai. Established by Serbian restaurateur Stasha Toncev and chef Milan Jurkovic, this local bistro keeps me returning for its delectable breakfast and brunch offerings, warm service, and inviting ambiance.

I find myself ordering the same dish every visit, as my taste buds are irresistibly drawn to the pindjur eggs – poached eggs nestled in a rich slow-roasted tomato and pepper relish, accompanied by a velvety chili oil-drizzled yogurt and topped with fresh basil. Served with warm, freshly baked somun bread, I can't help but soak up the delicious tomato-yogurt mixture until my plate is spotless. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their freshly baked phyllo pie – my favorites include the creamy spinach and the goat cheese with honey and thyme. They serve breakfast until 5 PM, making it my ideal spot for a leisurely weekend brunch. If you visit on the weekend, be prepared for a wait of 15 to 30 minutes for a table – but it's absolutely worth it.

I also love taking visiting friends and family to Arabian Tea House, an Emirati restaurant located in the beautifully restored traditional architecture of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, just a short walk from Dubai Creek. With lively courtyards, sepia-toned photographs of old Dubai adorning the walls, and the aroma of bread baking in the traditional oven, this place evokes memories of the traditional homes from my childhood in Dubai.

I suggest trying the Special Emirati Breakfast Tray to enjoy dishes like balaleet (a subtly sweet vermicelli dish flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, topped with an omelet), dango (chickpeas), bajella (fava beans), baked beans, cheese, date molasses, and rose jam, all accompanied by breads such as khameer, chebab, and tanoor. Another excellent option is the Egyptian Breakfast Tray, featuring perfectly crispy falafel, hummus, white cheese with tomato, and a flavorful musaqaa (eggplant and pepper dish). If you're a sandwich enthusiast like me, the refreshing halloumi, cucumber, tomato, and olive-stuffed za’atar-spiced khameer is a must-try. Pair your meal with a refreshing karak iced tea.

Brix is a popular spot for breakfast and croissants, offering lovely views of the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the chocolate espresso ganache and mascarpone-filled tiramisu croissant. For savory options, the truffle croissant and the cheese-tomato-basil Italian croissant are fantastic, along with a selection of excellent specialty coffees.

Karak and coffee

While in Dubai, be sure to try karak, the go-to pick-me-up for many locals. Rooted in Indian masala chai, karak is a sweet, milky tea made from black tea brewed with cardamom and sometimes saffron or other spices, combined with fresh or condensed milk. Some cafes in Dubai serve thousands of cups of karak daily, keeping their exact recipe a closely guarded secret.

With multiple locations across Dubai, Filli Cafe at Kite Beach often sees long lines of loyal customers on weekends and rainy days, eager to enjoy their zafran karak (with saffron). Many swear by the karak from Koukh Al Shay Cafeteria in Al Hudaiba (and other branches), especially when paired with the omelette paratha filled with Chips Oman – a delightful combination of spicy chips nestled beside an omelette wrapped in paratha.

Nightjar Coffee Roasters is a great reason to visit Alserkal Avenue, where art galleries and boutiques mingle with indie theaters and performance spaces. This spot offers artisanal coffee roasted on-site and nitro-infused cold brews that I believe are the best in Dubai. A DJ spins tunes on the weekends, perfect for when your caffeine-fueled energy kicks in. If you get hungry, the spicy chicken frankie, lamb kheema toastie, and ricotta pancake stack are excellent choices.

Lunch

To experience the city’s long-standing love affair with burgers, visit the beloved local spot Salt at Kite Beach for a quick meal with sand beneath your feet. I adore the Chicken Cheetos Sliders – the crunchy Cheetos crumbs paired with the hot chicken fillet create a delightful combo. Each order comes with two perfectly-sized sliders that are easy to bite into. I always pair mine with a side of fresh, crispy truffle fries. On a hot day, their Lotus softie is an absolute treat.

Overlooking the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Bordo Mavi is my current favorite seafood restaurant in Dubai. The airy decor, lush indoor plants, and waterfront terrace create a holiday vibe reminiscent of a Mediterranean coastal village. Created by Turkish fishmonger Ersan Yılmaz, who drew inspiration from 200-year-old family recipes, the dishes are made from seafood sourced fresh each day. There’s a fish market-style display on ice where you can select from seabream, turbot, lobster, and more, but I recommend trying a few items from the menu to share.

I like to start with smoked pickled anchovies, wheat yogurt, tomato salad, and yogurt-drizzled crispy potato chips while awaiting the butter shrimp casserole, which is a buttery-garlicky delight served sizzling, along with the delicious seabass pomodoro. The seabass fish kebab served on wheat is also beautifully spiced.

Dinner

For the finest Iranian kebabs in Dubai, make your way to Al Ustad Special Kabab in Al Fahidi. Established in 1978, this is one of the city’s oldest eateries, cherished by longtime residents like me who have been coming since childhood, along with both local and international celebrities. Is it touristy? Not at all. Is it iconic? Absolutely.

They offer a range of mutton and chicken kebabs, but it’s wise to opt for the mixed plates for one, two, or more to savor a variety of flavors. Be sure to try the cholo kabab (made with minced mutton or chicken) paired with saffron rice and a drizzle of butter that enhances the dish. The creamy hummus here ranks among the best in Dubai. This straightforward family-run restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so expect to wait for a table on weekends.

Founded by Syrian brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, the renowned Orfali Bros presents innovative interpretations of global dishes infused with their cultural influences. A shining example of Dubai’s culinary creativity, this local gem opened in 2021 and swiftly became one of the city’s most sought-after independent restaurants.

Inside, a striking tower-like open kitchen takes center stage, with chefs expertly plating each dish. The menu excels in balancing flavors and textures, highlighting local ingredients wherever possible. The OB croquettes are wonderfully creamy, the burghul and shiso leaf salad offers a refreshing burst, and the miso tahini salmon surprises with its delightful flavors. Be sure to book your reservations well ahead of time.

Bar

Nestled in the Trade Centre area at The H Dubai, the cool and edgy atmosphere of Electric Pawn Shop is unmistakable as soon as you step inside. This refreshingly laid-back bar, inspired by 1970s New York Chinatown, allows me to arrive in jeans and sneakers, ready to dance the night away to the beats of talented DJs.

They craft delightful Asian-inspired cocktails such as the Gangnam Gimlet made with sesame soju and the Ipoh Express featuring pandan and coconut date foam, alongside dishes like Sichuan shrimp dumplings and Osaka-style octopus takoyaki. The warm and friendly service truly stands out.