Eating in Dubai - What are the prices in restaurants?

What are the prices in restaurants in Dubai?

Prices in restaurants in Dubai can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the establishment and its location. In exclusive restaurants, such as those awarded Michelin stars or located in prestigious hotels, dinner for one person can cost between 350 and even 1,200 dirhams. These types of places guarantee not only the highest quality of food, but also a unique experience, often in an elegant atmosphere.

If you dream of a meal overlooking turquoise waters and golden beaches, beachfront restaurants in Dubai are an excellent choice. However, it is worth remembering that you often have to pay extra for these picturesque landscapes - such establishments usually come with higher prices.

Wondering how much a more affordable lunch option costs? In mid-range restaurants, you will pay between 70 and 180 dirhams per person for a meal. In smaller, less formal establishments specializing in traditional cuisine, prices start at 25 dirhams. This is a great opportunity to try local food in Dubai, such as aromatic kibbeh, creamy hummus, or crispy manakish, without breaking the bank.

Food prices in Dubai hotels

Hotel dining in Dubai is characterized by higher prices compared to independent restaurants. Hotel breakfast buffets, especially in exclusive establishments, cost between 120 and 350 dirhams. An evening meal in elegant hotel restaurants, especially those offering spectacular views of the city's icons - Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab - costs between 300 and 600 dirhams.

After lunch in the Burj Al Arab area, we encourage you to relax on the beach and have fun on jet skis from Two Continents.

Hotels in Dubai are famous for their culinary diversity, offering restaurants specializing in Asian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cuisine. A special event is the Dubai brunch, which has become not only an opportunity to taste a wide range of dishes in an “all you can eat” formula, but also an important part of the city's social life. Brunch prices range from 280 to 650 dirhams.

It is worth noting that many hotels offer special packages for their guests, combining accommodation with access to restaurants. Themed culinary evenings are also often organized, during which chefs present their original menus. In addition, some hotel restaurants offer seasonal promotions and special tasting menus, which, despite their high price, provide a unique culinary experience combining taste with a luxurious atmosphere.

Cheap restaurants in Dubai

Dubai offers many affordable dining options, especially for those who know the right places. Traditional neighborhoods such as Deira and Al Karama are famous for their local eateries serving authentic Middle Eastern dishes. There you can try classic dishes such as shawarma, falafel, or aromatic biryani at prices ranging from 15 to 35 dirhams.

Another popular place for inexpensive meals are the food courts in Dubai's shopping malls. They offer a wide selection of dishes from around the world at affordable prices ranging from 30 to 60 AED. Particularly noteworthy are well-known local restaurants such as Al Ustad Special Kabab and Ravi Restaurant, which have won recognition among both locals and tourists by offering high-quality food at reasonable prices.

An interesting alternative are food trucks, which can be found on beaches and in city parks. Their menus offer a variety of options, from burgers and tacos to freshly grilled meats, with prices ranging from AED 30 to AED 50.

It is also worth mentioning the local bakeries and pastry shops, where you can try traditional Arabic sweets and pastries at attractive prices. In addition, in residential areas, you can find small restaurants specializing in the cuisines of various communities living in Dubai, from Indian to Pakistani to Filipino. These places often offer authentic flavors at very affordable prices, and their atmosphere allows you to get to know the real face of the city better.

Photo: Restaurants in Dubai/Jay Wennington, Unsplash

Drink prices in Dubai

Drink prices in Dubai vary depending on the location. In restaurants and hotels, non-alcoholic beverages cost between 15 and 30 dirhams, while coffee or tea costs between 18 and 35 dirhams.

Due to strict legal regulations, alcoholic beverages in Dubai are relatively expensive. The price of beer in a bar ranges from 45 to 80 AED, while a glass of wine costs between 60 and 120 AED dirhams. It is a good idea to take advantage of happy hour promotions, when prices can be reduced by up to 50%.

To learn more about the alcohol laws in Dubai, we encourage you to read the article on this topic: Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

Cocktails are also available in hotel bars and exclusive restaurants, with prices starting at 60 dirhams. It is also worth trying traditional local drinks, including laban, a refreshing yogurt drink available at an affordable price of 10-15 dirhams.

Cost of living in Dubai

Although Dubai is known for its high cost of living, actual expenses can vary significantly depending on individual choices and preferences. Food prices in the United Arab Emirates are generally higher than in many other countries, especially in upscale restaurants. However, the city also offers affordable options, especially in local eateries and less touristy neighborhoods.

Dubai's dining scene is extremely diverse, offering flavors from culinary cultures around the world. In the city, you can enjoy sophisticated Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, and Italian cuisine, as well as discover the richness of local Emirati cuisine. Traditional specialties such as creamy harees, aromatic mandi, and sweet kunafa are the essence of the region's culinary heritage.

Dubai offers options to suit every budget, from exquisite dinners in expensive restaurants to affordable and authentic local delicacies in districts such as Deira and Bur Dubai.

Also worth noting are seasonal food festivals such as the Dubai Food Festival, during which restaurants offer special tasting menus at attractive prices. In addition, many establishments organize themed evenings and brunches that allow you to sample a wide variety of dishes in a buffet format. Local food markets and bazaars are a great place to discover authentic Emirati flavors at affordable prices.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How much does lunch cost at a restaurant in Dubai?

Lunch prices in Dubai vary depending on the type of restaurant and location. You can eat at local eateries for as little as 25 dirhams, while in mid-range establishments a meal costs 70-180 dirhams, and in exclusive restaurants the price can reach 350 dirhams and more. For example, a hearty dinner for four at a Taiwanese restaurant costs around 450 dirhams, and drinks such as iced tea cost 15-20 dirhams. Even in cafes, drinks are affordable - black coffee costs 15-18 dirhams.

2. What are the prices of food in traditional restaurants in Dubai?

The cost of food in traditional restaurants in Dubai is affordable. In restaurants offering Arabic or South Asian dishes, you can enjoy a hearty meal for 30-60 dirhams. In more famous places, such as Al Ustad Special Kabab or Ravi Restaurant, the prices of main courses usually range from 50 to 90 dirhams.

3. Which restaurants in Dubai offer cheap meals?

There are many restaurants in Dubai that serve inexpensive meals, especially in districts such as Deira and Bur Dubai, where you can find local eateries offering dishes for around 20-40 dirhams. Places serving Indian, Arabic, or Pakistani cuisine are also popular, where prices are affordable and the food is tasty and filling.

4. Are food prices in Dubai high compared to other cities?

Food prices in Dubai may be higher than in many other cities, especially in upscale restaurants and hotels, where dinner costs 100 dirhams and up. However, compared to Western metropolises such as London or New York, prices in Dubai may be more attractive, especially in local restaurants.