Dubai’s Culinary Scene: A Food Lover’s Guide to Local Eats and Fine Dining

Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene is a reflection of its multicultural population and diverse influences. From authentic street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city offers a wealth of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. In this guide, we’ll explore Dubai’s must-try dishes, the best places to indulge in local eats, and the most luxurious fine dining experiences.

Local Eats: The Flavors of Dubai The Emirati cuisine is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern, Asian, and African flavors.

Some of the must-try dishes when visiting Dubai include:

• Al Harees: A traditional Emirati dish made with wheat and meat, slow-cooked until tender and creamy.
• Shawarma: Thinly sliced, marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in a soft pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
• Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls, often served with tahini sauce and enjoyed as a snack or in a sandwich.
• Machboos: A fragrant rice dish, similar to biryani, cooked with meat, spices, and aromatic vegetables.

Fine Dining: Indulge in Luxury Dubai is renowned for its opulent dining scene, where world-class chefs create culinary masterpieces.

Some of the city’s most luxurious dining experiences include:

1. At.mosphere: Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere offers a panoramic view of Dubai and a menu of contemporary European cuisine.
2. Nobu: A world-famous Japanese restaurant, Nobu combines traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences, offering a unique dining experience.
3. Al Mahara: Located in the Burj Al Arab, this underwater-themed restaurant serves gourmet seafood dishes in a stunning, aquarium-like setting.
4. Tomo: An authentic Japanese restaurant located in the Raffles Dubai, offering amazing views of the city skyline and a wide range of sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes.
5. Zuma: A high-end Japanese izakaya-style restaurant in the Financial Centre, known for its exquisite sushi, sashimi, and robata grill dishes.
6. Eauzone: A beachfront restaurant in the One&Only Royal Mirage resort, offering an innovative fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavors with a focus on seafood.
7. Pierchic: Set on a pier overlooking the Burj Al Arab, this fine dining seafood restaurant offers a romantic setting and a menu featuring sustainably sourced fish and seafood.
8. Ostro: Located in the DusitD2 Kenz Hotel, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a mix of Middle Eastern, North African, and European dishes in a stylish setting.
9. Indego by Vineet: A Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the Grosvenor House hotel, where renowned chef Vineet Bhatia showcases his innovative take on Indian cuisine.
10. La Petite Maison: A renowned French-Mediterranean restaurant in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), offering a menu that includes dishes like Burrata, Octopus, and Grilled Lamb Cutlets.
11. COYA: A high-end Peruvian restaurant in the Four Seasons Resort, featuring a menu of ceviches, tiraditos, and other Latin American delicacies, along with an extensive Pisco Bar.
12. Tresind: Located in the Nassima Royal Hotel, this modern Indian restaurant combines traditional flavors with innovative techniques, offering a unique and sophisticated dining experience.
13. LPM Restaurant & Bar: A chic French-Mediterranean eatery in DIFC, known for its exquisite menu featuring dishes like Salade Niçoise, Ratatouille, and Grilled Lamb Cutlets, accompanied by an extensive wine list.

Some of our top picks for local eats include:

1. Al Mallah: A popular Lebanese eatery known for its delicious shawarma, manakish, and fresh juices. Located on 2nd of December Street, it’s an ideal spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
2. Logma: A modern Emirati restaurant in Boxpark, where you can savor traditional dishes like Khameer, Lugaimat, and Balaleet with a contemporary twist.
3. Arabian Tea House: Experience Emirati hospitality and taste traditional dishes like Machboos and Thareed in this charming cafe located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.
4. Al Safadi: A popular Lebanese restaurant with multiple locations across the city, offering a wide variety of mezze, grilled meats, and traditional desserts.
5. Bu Qtair: This hidden gem offers a no-frills seafood dining experience near the Umm Suqeim fishing harbor, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish and shrimp cooked in a unique blend of spices.
6. Ravi Restaurant: A popular Pakistani eatery in Satwa, known for its delicious curries, kebabs, and biryanis at budget-friendly prices.
7. Al Ustad Special Kabab: A decades-old Iranian restaurant in Bur Dubai, famous for its juicy and flavorful kebabs, served with a variety of accompaniments.
8. SALT: A trendy food truck located on Kite Beach, serving mouth-watering sliders and soft-serve ice cream in a laid-back beach setting.
9. Sikka Café: A chic Emirati café in City Walk, where you can enjoy traditional Arabic, Persian, and Indian dishes, such as Chebab, Foul, and Karak Tea, in a contemporary atmosphere.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options Dubai’s culinary scene caters to all dietary preferences, with numerous vegan and vegetarian restaurants and dishes available throughout the city.

Some popular options include:

Vegan

1. Wild & The Moon: A trendy café in Alserkal Avenue, offering a wide range of plant-based dishes, cold-pressed juices, and delicious smoothies made from organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
2. Life’n One: A wellness center and café in Jumeirah, offering a diverse menu of vegan and raw food dishes, including salads, wraps, burgers, and desserts.
3. Soul Santé: A cozy vegan eatery in Dubai Marina, serving a variety of dishes like salads, bowls, and sandwiches, as well as an array of plant-based desserts and smoothies.
4. Super Natural Kitchen: Located inside the Galleries Lafayette in the Dubai Mall, this raw vegan café offers a unique selection of dishes, including colorful salads, sushi rolls, and nutrient-packed smoothie bowls.
5. Mylk Lab: A plant-based café in Jumeirah Beach Residence, offering a variety of vegan options like acai bowls, sandwiches, and desserts, as well as specialty coffee and tea.

Vegetarian

1. Little Erth by Nabz&G: A vegetarian eatery in JLT, offering a menu of wholesome and delicious plant-based dishes, including salads, sandwiches, bowls, and an array of healthy desserts.
2. Govinda’s: A popular vegetarian Indian restaurant in Karama, offering a wide selection of traditional and innovative dishes, with an emphasis on Ayurvedic principles.
3. Bombay Bungalow: Located in The Beach, JBR, this contemporary Indian restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options, including appetizers, curries, and unique fusion dishes.
4. XVA Café: A charming vegetarian café within the XVA Art Hotel in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, offering a selection of Middle Eastern and international dishes in a peaceful courtyard setting.
5. Zaroob: A vibrant Levantine street food restaurant with multiple locations in Dubai, offering a variety of vegetarian options like falafel, hummus, and manakish.

Conclusion

Dubai’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering everything from local Emirati dishes to international cuisine and Michelin-starred dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly street food or a luxurious fine dining experience, Dubai has something to offer every food lover. Explore the city’s diverse food culture and discover the flavors that make it a true gastronomic paradise.

Looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit to Dubai?

Don’t miss our comprehensive guide on the best hotels in the city, catering to all budgets and preferences. Discover luxury, mid-range, budget, family-friendly, and boutique hotels in Dubai’s top neighborhoods.

Check out our article on ‘Where to Stay in Dubai: A Complete Guide to the Best Hotels & Neighborhoods’ to find your ideal accommodation

Travelling to Dubai with your family?

Check out our guide on “Kid-Friendly Attractions and Activities in the City” for a fun-filled experience everyone will enjoy.