Dining in Dubai

Experience world-class international cuisine, authentic Emirati dishes, and the Middle East's most diverse culinary scene

Dubai's Culinary Landscape

Dubai is a global culinary destination representing over 200 nationalities and featuring numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. The city's food scene reflects its multicultural population, offering everything from traditional Emirati cuisine and authentic Middle Eastern mezze to celebrity chef restaurants, innovative fusion concepts, and street food from around the world.

🍽️ Emirati Cuisine Tradition

Traditional Emirati cuisine features aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, and dates. Influenced by Bedouin culture and trade routes, it incorporates flavors from Persia, India, and East Africa. Signature dishes include Al Harees (wheat and meat porridge), Machboos (spiced rice with meat), and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Hospitality is central - guests are served Arabic coffee and dates as a welcome gesture.

Dubai Food Scene

🍖 Must-Try Emirati & Arabic Dishes

Traditional Emirati Dishes

  • Al Harees: Slow-cooked wheat and meat (Ramadan favorite)
  • Machboos: Spiced rice with lamb, chicken, or fish (UAE's national dish)
  • Al Madrouba: Creamy fish or chicken with rice
  • Ghuzi: Whole roast lamb on rice with nuts
  • Luqaimat: Sweet fried dumplings with date syrup
  • Khameer: Traditional Emirati bread

Arabic Mezze & Appetizers

  • Hummus: Chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, garlic
  • Baba Ganoush: Smoky roasted eggplant dip
  • Tabbouleh: Parsley salad with bulgur, tomato, lemon
  • Fattoush: Mixed salad with crispy pita chips
  • Moutabel: Creamy eggplant with tahini
  • Labneh: Strained yogurt with olive oil

Popular Street Food & Snacks

  • Shawarma: Grilled meat wrap (chicken, lamb, beef) - Dubai staple
  • Falafel: Fried chickpea balls in pita
  • Manakish: Flatbread with zaatar, cheese, or meat
  • Fatayer: Stuffed pastries (spinach, cheese, meat)
  • Dates: Fresh Medjool dates, stuffed with nuts
  • Kunafa: Sweet cheese pastry with syrup

Arabic Grilled Meats

  • Mixed Grill: Lamb kebabs, kofta, chicken tikka
  • Kofta: Spiced minced meat skewers
  • Lamb Ouzi: Slow-roasted lamb with rice
  • Shish Tawook: Marinated grilled chicken
  • Samak Mashwi: Grilled fish with Arabic spices

🍽️ Dining Experiences by Type

🌟 Fine Dining & Celebrity Chefs

  • At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa): World's highest restaurant (Level 122, 442m)
  • Nobu Dubai (Atlantis): Japanese-Peruvian fusion by Nobu Matsuhisa
  • Pierchic: Seafood on pier with Burj Al Arab views
  • Zuma Dubai (DIFC): Contemporary Japanese izakaya
  • Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara: Underwater dining at Burj Al Arab
  • Armani/Ristorante: Italian fine dining in Burj Khalifa
  • Cost: AED 350-1,500+ per person

🥘 Traditional Emirati Restaurants

  • Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: Authentic Emirati in heritage setting
  • Arabian Tea House: Traditional dishes in Al Fahidi
  • Logma: Modern Emirati comfort food
  • Seven Sands: Contemporary Emirati cuisine
  • Aseelah: Emirati fine dining at Radisson Blu
  • Cost: AED 80-250 per person

🍢 Arabic & Middle Eastern

  • Al Mallah: Best shawarma in town (24/7, budget-friendly)
  • Operation Falafel: Gourmet falafel and mezze
  • Ravi Restaurant: Pakistani cuisine institution (since 1978)
  • Al Nafoorah: Lebanese fine dining at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
  • Zaroob: Levantine street food in trendy setting
  • Cost: AED 40-300 per person

🌍 International Cuisine

  • Indian: Gazebo, Rang Mahal, Indego by Vineet
  • Japanese: Zuma, Nobu, Tomo, Armani/Hashi
  • Italian: Roberto's, Il Ristorante Niko Romito
  • French: La Petite Maison, Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire
  • Steakhouses: CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Nusr-Et (Salt Bae)
  • Asian Fusion: Hakkasan, Buddha-Bar

🥞 Dubai's Famous Brunches

  • Friday Brunch Culture: All-you-can-eat with unlimited drinks
  • Saffron (Atlantis): Massive international buffet
  • Toro Toro (Grosvenor House): Latin American brunch
  • La Cantine du Faubourg: French-Mediterranean brunch
  • Duration: 12 PM - 4 PM (Fridays)
  • Cost: AED 250-800 per person (with/without alcohol)

🏜️ Unique Desert Dining

  • Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams): Desert resort Bedouin dining
  • Sonara Camp: Luxury desert dinner under stars
  • Platinum Heritage: Authentic Bedouin feast with entertainment
  • Desert Safari BBQ: Traditional BBQ at desert camps
  • Includes: Camel rides, belly dancing, traditional shows
  • Cost: AED 250-800 per person (full experience)

🍴 Best Dining Districts

Downtown Dubai

Type: Fine dining, international cuisine, celebrity chefs
Highlights: Burj Khalifa restaurants (At.mosphere), Souk Al Bahar
Cuisine: Every type imaginable, rooftop dining
Price: AED 150-1,500+ per person
Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station

Dubai Marina & JBR

Type: Waterfront dining, casual to upscale
Highlights: Marina Walk, The Beach at JBR, Pier 7
Cuisine: International, seafood, beachfront cafes
Price: AED 100-500 per person
Atmosphere: Relaxed, scenic, evening dining popular

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

Type: Upscale dining, business lunch spot
Highlights: Gate Avenue, celebrity chef restaurants
Cuisine: Zuma, La Petite Maison, Coya (Peruvian)
Price: AED 200-800 per person
Best for: Fine dining, wine selection, sophisticated atmosphere

Deira & Bur Dubai (Old Dubai)

Type: Budget-friendly, authentic local food
Highlights: Al Rigga Street, Meena Bazaar, Al Dhiyafah Road
Cuisine: Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino
Price: AED 20-100 per person
Best for: Authentic street food, shawarma, budget dining

Jumeirah Beach Road

Type: Beachfront dining, resort restaurants
Highlights: Burj Al Arab restaurants, beach clubs
Cuisine: International, seafood, Mediterranean
Price: AED 150-1,000+ per person
Experience: Ocean views, sunset dining, luxury settings

City Walk & Al Wasl

Type: Trendy cafes, lifestyle dining
Highlights: Outdoor terraces, Instagram-worthy venues
Cuisine: International, healthy options, brunch spots
Price: AED 80-300 per person
Atmosphere: Modern, pedestrian-friendly, evening crowds

💰 Dining by Budget

Budget Dining (AED 20-60 per person)

  • Shawarma Stands: Al Mallah, Aroos Damascus (AED 10-25)
  • Food Courts: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates (AED 30-60)
  • Ravi Restaurant: Pakistani food institution (AED 25-50)
  • Bu Qtair: Legendary no-frills seafood shack (AED 40-80)
  • Cafeteria Restaurants: Indian, Pakistani, Filipino (AED 15-40)
  • Supermarket Meals: Carrefour, Lulu prepared foods (AED 20-40)

Mid-Range Dining (AED 80-200 per person)

  • Logma: Modern Emirati comfort food
  • Operation Falafel: Elevated Arabic street food
  • The Cheesecake Factory: American chain with huge portions
  • Eataly: Italian marketplace and restaurant
  • Jones the Grocer: Australian cafe and deli
  • Zaroob: Levantine street food in trendy setting

Upscale Dining (AED 250-500 per person)

  • Zuma Dubai: Contemporary Japanese izakaya
  • La Petite Maison: French-Mediterranean
  • Coya Dubai: Peruvian cuisine
  • Tresind Studio: Modern Indian tasting menus
  • Ossiano (Atlantis): Underwater dining

Fine Dining & Michelin-Level (AED 500-2,000+)

  • At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa Level 122): World's highest restaurant
  • Al Mahara (Burj Al Arab): Seafood with aquarium centerpiece
  • Nobu Dubai: Japanese-Peruvian by Nobu Matsuhisa
  • Il Ristorante - Niko Romito: Italian at Bulgari Hotel
  • Stay by Yannick Alléno: French Michelin-starred chef
  • Hoseki: Japanese omakase at Bulgari
  • Note: Advance reservations essential (2-4 weeks)

All-You-Can-Eat Experiences

  • Friday Brunches: AED 250-800 (unlimited food & drinks)
  • BBQ Tonight: Pakistani buffet (AED 60-80)
  • Café Belge: Belgian mussels all-you-can-eat
  • Saffron (Atlantis): International buffet (AED 200-350)
  • Iftar Buffets: During Ramadan (AED 100-300)

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Dinner in the Sky: Suspended 50m above ground (AED 650+)
  • Desert Dining: Bedouin-style under stars
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner: Dinner on traditional boat (AED 150-350)
  • Beach Clubs: All-day dining with beach access
  • Rooftop Venues: Skyline views while dining

🌏 Cuisines from Around the World

Indian & South Asian

  • Tresind: Progressive Indian fine dining
  • Bombay Bungalow: North Indian in Taj Hotel
  • Rang Mahal: Iconic Indian at JW Marriott
  • Ravi Restaurant: Budget Pakistani (institution!)
  • Saravanaa Bhavan: South Indian vegetarian
  • Large Indian/Pakistani expat community = authentic flavors

Japanese & Asian

  • Zuma: Contemporary Japanese izakaya (DIFC)
  • Nobu: Japanese-Peruvian fusion (Atlantis)
  • Tomo: Japanese at Raffles Dubai
  • Wagamama: Pan-Asian chain (multiple locations)
  • P.F. Chang's: Chinese-American chain
  • Thai cuisine: Thiptara at Palace Downtown

European Fine Dining

  • La Petite Maison: French-Mediterranean (DIFC)
  • Il Ristorante: Italian Michelin-level at Bulgari
  • Ossiano: Underwater dining at Atlantis
  • Roberto's: Italian at Palazzo Versace
  • COYA: Peruvian cuisine (Four Seasons)

American & Casual Dining

  • CUT by Wolfgang Puck: Premium steakhouse
  • The Cheesecake Factory: Huge portions, vast menu
  • Shake Shack: Gourmet burgers (multiple locations)
  • Five Guys: American burger chain
  • Texas Roadhouse: Steaks and ribs

💡 Essential Dining Tips

Dining Etiquette & Customs

  • Halal Food: Most restaurants serve halal meat (Muslim requirement)
  • Pork: Only available in licensed venues (hotels, specific restaurants)
  • Alcohol: Only served in licensed venues (hotels, clubs, some restaurants)
  • Right Hand: Use right hand for eating (left considered unclean)
  • Tipping: 10-15% or round up (service charge often included)
  • Dress Code: Smart casual for most restaurants, formal for fine dining
  • Ramadan: No eating/drinking in public during daylight hours

Reservation Tips

  • Fine Dining: Book 2-4 weeks ahead (especially weekends)
  • Popular Brunches: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead
  • Use Apps: The Entertainer, Zomato, Eat Easy for deals
  • Peak Hours: Lunch 1-3 PM, Dinner 8-10 PM
  • Walk-ins: Casual restaurants and food courts OK
  • Ramadan Iftar: Book tent reservations early

Dietary Options

  • Halal: Vast majority of restaurants (default)
  • Vegetarian: Growing options, Indian restaurants excellent
  • Vegan: Increasing availability (Soul Sante, Wild & The Moon)
  • Gluten-Free: Most upscale restaurants accommodate
  • Allergies: Inform staff - generally accommodating
  • Kosher: Very limited options available

Money-Saving Tips

  • The Entertainer App: Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals at 100+ restaurants
  • Lunch Sets: 30-50% cheaper than dinner at same restaurant
  • Food Courts: Mall food courts excellent value (AED 30-60)
  • Happy Hours: 5-8 PM at bars and some restaurants
  • Supermarkets: Prepared meals at Carrefour, Waitrose (AED 20-40)
  • Avoid Tourist Areas: Eat where locals eat (Karama, Satwa)
  • Ramadan: Iftar buffets good value during Ramadan month

Best Value Restaurants

  • Al Mallah: Best cheap shawarma (AED 10-25)
  • Ravi Restaurant: Excellent Pakistani (AED 25-60)
  • Bu Qtair: Fresh seafood shack (AED 40-80)
  • Zaroob: Levantine street food (AED 40-80)
  • Logma: Emirati comfort food (AED 60-120)
  • SALT: Gourmet burgers by beach (AED 35-60)

Special Occasions & Experiences

  • Birthday/Anniversary: At.mosphere, Pierchic, Al Mahara
  • Romantic Dinner: Rooftop venues, beach restaurants
  • Business Dining: DIFC restaurants, hotel fine dining
  • Family-Friendly: Eataly, The Cheesecake Factory, food courts
  • Cultural Experience: Al Fanar, Arabian Tea House, desert dining

☕ Beverages & Drinking Culture

Traditional Arabic Drinks

  • Arabic Coffee (Gahwa): Cardamom-spiced, served with dates
  • Karak Chai: Sweet spiced milk tea (UAE favorite!)
  • Jallab: Date syrup drink with rose water
  • Tamar Hindi: Tamarind juice
  • Laban: Salted yogurt drink
  • Fresh Juices: Pomegranate, sugar cane, lemon-mint

Coffee Culture

  • Specialty Coffee: % Arabica, Tom & Serg, The Sum of Us
  • Chains: Starbucks, Costa, Tim Hortons everywhere
  • Local Chains: Caribou Coffee, Paul Cafe
  • Arabic Coffee: Traditional in souks and homes
  • Cost: AED 15-30 for coffee

Alcohol & Bars

  • Licensed Venues Only: Hotels, some restaurants with license
  • Rooftop Bars: Mercury Lounge, Siddharta, Level 43
  • Beach Clubs: Zero Gravity, Barasti, Nikki Beach
  • Irish Pubs: McGettigan's, Fibber Magee's
  • Cost: AED 40-80 per drink (expensive!)
  • Age Limit: 21+ to purchase/consume alcohol

Soft Drinks & Refreshments

  • Fresh Juices: Juice stands everywhere (AED 10-20)
  • Smoothies: Popular at cafes and health food spots
  • Mocktails: Non-alcoholic cocktails widely available
  • Soft Drinks: AED 5-15 at restaurants
  • Water: Bottled water standard (AED 2-5)

📱 Food Delivery & Dining Apps

Dubai Dining Apps

Food Delivery Apps

  • Talabat: Most popular food delivery in UAE
  • Deliveroo: Wide restaurant selection, fast delivery
  • Zomato: Food delivery and restaurant discovery
  • Careem NOW: Careem's food delivery service
  • Noon Food: Noon.com's food delivery
  • Tips: Free delivery on minimum orders, track in real-time

Restaurant Discovery & Booking

  • Zomato: Reviews, menus, photos, reservations
  • The Entertainer: BOGO deals (buy annual subscription)
  • Eat Easy: Reservations with discounts (off-peak times)
  • OpenTable: International restaurant bookings
  • Resy: Trendy restaurant reservations

Food Tour Recommendations

  • Old Dubai Food Tour: Souks, traditional eateries (AED 250-400)
  • Desert Dinner Safari: BBQ with cultural show (AED 250-500)
  • Dubai Marina Food Walk: International restaurants (AED 300-500)
  • Emirati Cooking Class: Learn traditional dishes (AED 350-600)
  • Street Food Tour: Shawarma, falafel, juices (AED 200-350)

🌙 Dining During Ramadan

Ramadan Dining Rules

  • Daytime Fasting: Muslims fast from dawn to sunset (approx. 6 AM - 7 PM)
  • Public Eating Prohibited: No eating/drinking in public during daylight
  • Restaurant Hours: Most closed during day, open after sunset
  • Screened Areas: Some malls have screened food courts for non-Muslims
  • Hotels: Usually have restaurants open for non-Muslim guests
  • Penalties: Fines for eating/drinking in public (respect the custom)

Iftar - Breaking the Fast

  • Timing: Sunset (around 7 PM, varies)
  • Tradition: Start with dates and water/milk
  • Iftar Tents: Special Ramadan tents at hotels (lavish buffets)
  • Cost: AED 100-300 per person (unlimited buffet)
  • Experience: Unique cultural experience, highly recommended
  • Atmosphere: Festive, communal, generous hospitality

Ramadan Dining Tips for Tourists

  • Respect fasting - don't eat/drink in public during day
  • Book Iftar experiences early (popular with locals and tourists)
  • Try traditional Ramadan dishes (Harees, Thareed, Balaleet)
  • Mall food courts screened but limited options
  • Hotel restaurants serve food during day (discreetly)
  • Room service available at hotels 24/7
  • Evening atmosphere special - restaurants packed after Iftar
  • Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) restaurants open 2-5 AM

Best Ramadan Iftar Venues

  • Asateer (Atlantis): International buffet with live stations
  • Al Majlis (Madinat Jumeirah): Traditional Arabian setting
  • Ewaan (Palace Downtown): Luxury Iftar with Burj Khalifa views
  • Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams): Desert resort Bedouin experience
  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre: Traditional Emirati Iftar meals

Ramadan Dates (Vary Yearly)

Ramadan follows Islamic lunar calendar (moves ~11 days earlier each year):

  • Check exact dates when planning your trip
  • Month-long observance affects dining significantly
  • Eid Al-Fitr celebrations follow Ramadan (3-day holiday)

📋 Practical Dining Information

🕐 Meal Times

  • Breakfast: 7-11 AM (hotels earlier)
  • Lunch: 12:30-3:30 PM
  • Afternoon Tea: 3-6 PM
  • Dinner: 7 PM-midnight
  • Late Night: Some places open until 2-3 AM
  • 24/7 Options: Some food courts and delivery

💳 Payment & Costs

  • Credit Cards: Accepted everywhere
  • Service Charge: 10% often included in bill
  • Municipality Fee: 7-10% at restaurants
  • Alcohol: 30% tax on alcohol (expensive!)
  • Tipping: 10-15% if service charge not included
  • Budget Meal: AED 20-60
  • Mid-Range: AED 100-200
  • Fine Dining: AED 400-2,000+

🍷 Alcohol Regulations

  • Age: 21+ to purchase/consume
  • Licensed Venues: Hotels, clubs, bars with license only
  • No Public Drinking: Illegal on streets, parks, beaches
  • Bars: 30% alcohol tax (drinks AED 40-100+)
  • Duty-Free: Can buy at airport (4L limit)
  • Ramadan: Limited/no alcohol service during daylight

👨‍🍳 Celebrity Chef Restaurants

  • Gordon Ramsay: Bread Street Kitchen, Hell's Kitchen
  • Wolfgang Puck: CUT steakhouse
  • Nobu Matsuhisa: Nobu Dubai
  • Pierre Gagnaire: Reflets at InterContinental
  • Yannick Alléno: Stay at One&Only The Palm
  • Nusr-Et (Salt Bae): Turkish steakhouse

🥙 What You Must Try in Dubai

Essential Dubai Food Checklist

Street Food Essentials

  • ✅ Shawarma from Al Mallah (AED 10-15)
  • ✅ Karak Chai from roadside cafe (AED 2-5)
  • ✅ Falafel sandwich (AED 8-15)
  • ✅ Fresh dates from market
  • ✅ Manakish for breakfast (AED 10-20)

Traditional Emirati

  • ✅ Machboos at Al Fanar
  • ✅ Luqaimat dessert
  • ✅ Arabic coffee with dates
  • ✅ Camel meat (if adventurous!)
  • ✅ Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Luxury Experiences

  • ✅ Friday brunch with unlimited drinks
  • ✅ Dinner at At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa)
  • ✅ High tea at Burj Al Arab
  • ✅ Desert BBQ dinner under stars
  • ✅ Seafood at Pierchic

International Must-Tries

  • ✅ Pakistani food at Ravi Restaurant
  • ✅ Indian curries in Karama
  • ✅ Japanese at Zuma
  • ✅ Italian at Roberto's
  • ✅ Lebanese mezze platter

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