1. News
  2. Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai – good food at reasonable prices
Guide

Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai – good food at reasonable prices

Copy link

Bib Gourmand Award.

Dubai is famous for its rich culinary scene, increasingly attracting not only lovers of exclusive flavours, but also those looking for good food at reasonable prices. The Bib Gourmand distinction awarded by the Michelin guide goes to places that offer high-quality dishes at affordable prices. Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai are an excellent choice for those who want to experience local flavours and culinary trends without spending a fortune. In this article, you will learn how Bib Gourmand restaurants differ from Michelin Star restaurants in Dubai and what types of cuisine can be found in Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai.

What does the Bib Gourmand title mean and which restaurants in Dubai have it?

The Bib Gourmand title is an award given by Michelin inspectors to restaurants that offer exceptional dishes at reasonable prices. Unlike the prestigious Michelin stars, this award focuses on value for money, making it an ideal reference point for tourists looking for authentic flavours. The Michelin Bib Gourmand list in Dubai includes establishments representing both Arabic cuisine and Dubai fusion cuisine, as well as restaurants with Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean influences. Each of them guarantees a unique culinary experience, diversity and harmony of flavours.

Among the distinguished places worth visiting are the restaurants Al Khayma Heritage, Ibn AlBahr and Bait Maryam, which have gained recognition for their authentic dishes and hospitality. The full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai can be found on the official Michelin Guide website.

If you are interested in the prices in Dubai restaurants, read our guide: eating in Dubai - what are the prices in restaurants? In our guide, we provide detailed information about prices and suggest where you can eat well without spending a fortune.

The best cheap restaurants in Dubai without a Michelin star, but with a Bib Gourmand award

Wondering where to eat well and at a reasonable price in Dubai? Michelin-starred restaurants are the perfect choice for those who want to explore the culinary side of the city without overpaying. Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurants have been recognised for good food at a reasonable price, high-quality ingredients and consistent service. You can find a list of them below.

Top 10 Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai: a list of affordable restaurants

Here is our personalised ranking of places to eat in Dubai, which includes many new venues that combine authentic regional flavours with a modern approach to cooking, which for many is a sign of luxury:

  • Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant – offers traditional Emirati dishes in the historic Al Fahidi district.
  • Ibn AlBahr – a popular seaside restaurant in Palm Jumeirah, specialising in fresh seafood prepared in the Lebanese style.
  • Bait Maryam – a cosy place run by a chef from Jordan, known for its home-style Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • Kinoya – a place loved by ramen enthusiasts; Japanese cuisine with a modern, minimalist twist.
  • REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – a fusion restaurant combining the flavours of Japan, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, appreciated for its creative approach to street food. Extensive menu selection.
  • 3 Fils – located on the waterfront at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, it offers an original menu based on Asian flavours and fresh ingredients.
  • Hoe Lee Kow Indya - the head chef is Reif Othman, who creates a modern and creative version of Korean BBQ, grilled wagyu, marinated salmon with gochujang, fusion side dishes, fermented banchan and unusual flavour combinations.
  • Trèsind Studio is a Dubai restaurant run by chef Himanshu Saini, serving modern Indian cuisine. Since 2025, Trèsind Studio has been the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars for ‘excellence, worth a special journey’.
  • DUO Gastrobar - modern cuisine with Asian influences, tasty food, seasonal ingredients, creative flavours, two locations in Dubai, honoured by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand.
  • Smoked Room - This is a ‘Fire Omakase’ concept created by Spanish chef Dani García. The restaurant has only 14 seats, which makes the experience very intimate and exclusive. It has been awarded one Michelin star.

The above-mentioned restaurants have gained recognition among guests whose palates have been treated to exceptional flavours. From local dishes to global interpretations. The common denominator is quality, passion and affordability. For tourists looking for authentic culinary experiences and tasty food, Bib Gourmand restaurants are the perfect place to discover the true taste of Dubai - diverse, modern and full of flavours from around the world.

Local and fusion cuisine in Bib Gourmand restaurants

Local cuisine in Dubai Bib Gourmand is a combination of Emirati traditions with international inspirations and the aromas of Arabic spices. In many restaurants, you can try dishes prepared according to family recipes, such as biryani, machbous and fresh seafood. Dubai's fusion cuisine is also growing in popularity, combining classic Arabic dishes with modern culinary techniques.

These restaurants are ideal for those who want to broaden their culinary horizons and discover the attractions of Dubai from a taste perspective. For guests planning a longer stay, it is also worth checking out accommodation in Dubai, available in various districts – from seaside resorts to hotels in the city centre.

Is it possible to eat well and cheaply in Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai?

The question of where to eat well and inexpensively in Dubai often arises among travellers planning a stay in this city. This is precisely what the idea of Bib Gourmand restaurants is all about, i.e. places recognised by the Michelin Guide for offering good food at a reasonable price. There are more and more establishments with this title in Dubai, and their menus include Arabic cuisine as well as fusion cuisine and street food with a modern twist.

Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai are a compromise between high quality and affordable prices. For around AED 150-300 per person, you can enjoy a three-course meal prepared by experienced chefs. Many of these places are located in areas popular with tourists, such as Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, making it easy to combine a visit with exploring the city and its attractions.

However, it is worth remembering that in Dubai, ‘inexpensive’ does not always mean cheap in the European sense. The Bib Gourmand distinction guarantees excellent quality ingredients and authentic flavours, so the cost of a meal may be higher than in local bars, but definitely lower than in Michelin-starred restaurants. 
 

A Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant.
Photo: pexels

Are Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai good places for tourists?

Definitely yes. Michelin-recommended restaurants offer very good quality food and service, making them friendly to both locals and visitors. They are distinguished by their high standard of service and varied menus, and reservations are usually not necessary – although in popular establishments it is worth considering. However, it should be noted that although they are described as ‘good food at a reasonable price’, the prices are sometimes higher than in typical local eateries, especially in restaurants in popular districts and attractive locations. For example, a three-course meal at a Bib Gourmand restaurant can cost an average of AED 150-300 per person.

Looking for cheaper options for a good meal? Here are the 10 best cheap restaurants in Dubai where you definitely won't overpay!

Two Continents – Your guide to the flavours of Dubai

If you are planning a trip and want to discover the best Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai, use our guide. Whether you are looking for traditional dishes or modern interpretations of Middle Eastern flavours, Dubai offers a culinary journey that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Do you have any other questions about Dubai, your stay or attractions? You will find all the necessary information on the Two Continents.

Questions and answers - FAQ

  • Which Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai are worth visiting in 2025?

In 2025, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Bait Maryam, 3 Fils, Kinoya and Ibn AlBahr are particularly recommended – all offer authentic flavours at a reasonable price.

  • Do Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai require reservations?

Not always, but at popular places, especially in the evenings and on weekends, reservations are recommended to avoid long waits.

  • Where can I find the full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubai?

The current Michelin Bib Gourmand list in Dubai can be found in the official Michelin guide and on the Michelin Guide Dubai website.