The best food in Dubai – TOP 10

The best restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is a place that will satisfy every foodie's expectations – from small eateries serving authentic dishes to elegant restaurants run by renowned chefs. Below you will find the TOP 10 best restaurants in Dubai.

1. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

This restaurant takes guests back to the 1960s, serving traditional Emirati cuisine. Dishes such as machboos and harees are worth trying.
The restaurant operates in several locations, including Dubai Festival City and Al Seef, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2. Zaroob

The epitome of Middle Eastern street food – manakish, shawarma and a lively atmosphere with an open kitchen.
The restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road and other branches are open daily, usually from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

3. Arabian Tea House

Located in the historic Al Fahidi district, this tea house offers classic dishes in an atmospheric setting.
According to official sources, it is open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and closed on Saturdays.

4. Nobu

This renowned restaurant combines Japanese precision with regional inspirations. Recommended dish: black cod in miso.
At Atlantis The Palm, the restaurant is open daily from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (weekends until midnight).

5. Ossiano

A luxurious underwater venue with a view of the aquarium and a seafood-based menu. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

6. Reem Al Bawadi

A popular spot for Middle Eastern cuisine – mezze, kofta, and other classics in a homely atmosphere.
The restaurant in Jumeirah and other locations is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

7. Al Mallah

A cult Lebanese eatery in Satwa, famous for its shawarma and falafel.
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (Thurs. until 3:00 a.m., Fri. from 9:00 a.m.).

8. Sikka Cafe

A place combining the flavors of the Emirates with Indian influences – try the biryani and khanfaroosh.
The City Walk and La Mer locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

9. Pai Thai

A romantic restaurant with a Thai menu, located on the canals of Madinat Jumeirah.
Open daily from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (weekends until midnight).

10. Operation Falafel

The perfect place for a quick and tasty meal – hummus and falafel are the local favorites.
The restaurants in JBR and Dubai Marina are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Which restaurants in Dubai offer the best food? If you are looking for authentic flavors, choose Al Fanar, Arabian Tea House or Sikka Cafe. For luxury, we recommend Nobu, Ossiano or Pai Thai.

Do you love good and cheap food? Then be sure to check out our next article 10 best cheap restaurants in Dubai.

What to eat in Dubai - the best dishes

Dubai is a real mosaic of flavors, where local Arabic cuisine blends harmoniously with Indian, Lebanese, Iranian and international influences. What is worth eating during your stay in Dubai? Here is a list of the most interesting dishes that you must try:

• Shawarma - tender, thinly sliced grilled meat wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce. A popular dish available almost everywhere - from Al Mallah to Zaroob.
   
• Hummus - a velvety paste made from chickpeas, tahini and lemon juice - perfect as an appetizer, especially in places such as Reem Al Bawadi or Arabian Tea House.
   
• Machboos - a traditional Emirati dish - rice with meat and aromatic spices, including saffron and cardamom. Served at Al Fanar, among other places.
   
• Luqaimat - sweet, crispy dough balls topped with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds – the perfect dessert, for example at Sikka Cafe.
   
• Umm Ali - a warming bread pudding with nuts and a hint of rose water – try it at Arabian Tea House.

Where to eat in Dubai?

Where is the best place to eat in Dubai to really experience the local flavors? Check out these places:

• Deira and Bur Dubai - These are the oldest parts of the city, where you will find plenty of atmospheric, authentic restaurants. For excellent shawarma, head to Al Mallah in Deira, and in Bur Dubai you will discover a wealth of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. 
   
• Dubai Marina and JBR - Modern, vibrant neighborhoods that combine elegance and casualness. Here you will find both exclusive restaurants, such as Pai Thai, and casual places like Operation Falafel.
   
• Food courts in shopping malls - At the Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, you can try dishes from around the world, from manakish to biryani, for as little as AED 20-30. This is a great option for a quick, inexpensive meal.
   
• Al Fahidi - A picturesque, historic district, perfect for a quiet meal break. Visit the Arabian Tea House to eat in a traditional atmosphere and feel the spirit of old Dubai.

Book accommodation in Dubai at the best prices – check out our verified offers!

Questions and answers

1. What dishes must you try in Dubai?

When in Dubai, you can't miss specialties such as shawarma – juicy meat wrapped in pita bread with tahini sauce, hummus – a velvety chickpea paste, and luqaimat – crispy doughnuts topped with date syrup. These are the essence of the local cuisine, which combines Arab traditions with wide availability in both street stalls and fine restaurants. Wondering what to eat in Dubai? Try these classic dishes to fully experience the authentic flavors of the Emirates.

2. What is worth eating in Dubai?

In Dubai, be sure to try machboos, a fragrant rice dish with meat, falafel, golden chickpea patties, and umm ali, a bread-based dessert with a hint of rose water. These dishes, served at Al Fanar and Zaroob, among others, perfectly reflect the diversity and depth of Arabic cuisine. Wondering where to start your culinary adventure in Dubai? These three suggestions are a great place to start.

3. What are the best Arabic dishes?

The most characteristic Arabic dishes worth trying in Dubai are:

• Tabbouleh – a refreshing salad made with bulgur, fresh parsley, and mint.
• Baba Ghanoush – a creamy paste made from roasted eggplant with tahini.
• Fareeth – an aromatic meat stew served with bread soaked in sauce.
• Knafeh – a sweet dessert made of pastry, stuffed with cheese and topped with rose syrup.
• Harees – a dish made of cooked wheat and meat, especially popular during Ramadan.