Eating in Dubai - What are the prices in restaurants?

Table of contents:
 

• What are the prices in restaurants in Dubai?
• Food prices at hotels in Dubai
• Cheap restaurants in Dubai
• Prices of drinks in Dubai
• Cost of living in Dubai
• Questions and answers (FAQ)

What are the prices in restaurants in Dubai?
 

Prices at restaurants in Dubai can vary widely, depending on the nature of the establishment and its location. In exclusive restaurants, such as those awarded Michelin stars or located in prestigious hotels, you have to pay from 300 to even 1000 AED (about 82-272 USD) for dinner for one person. Such places guarantee not only the highest quality of food served, but also a unique experience, often in an elegant atmosphere.
 

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

Wondering how much it costs to dine at a more affordable option? At mid-range restaurants, you'll pay between AED 50 and 150 (about 14-41 USD) per personfor a meal. On the other hand, in smaller, less formal establishments specializing in traditional cuisine, prices start as low as AED 20 (about 5 USD). This is a great opportunity to try local food in Dubai, such as aromatic kibbeh, creamy hummus or crispy manakish, without straining your budget.
 

Food prices at hotels in Dubai
 

Hotel catering in Dubai is characterized by higher prices compared to stand-alone dining establishments. Hotel breakfast buffets, especially in upscale establishments, cost between AED 100 and 300 (about 27-82 USD). An evening meal at posh hotel restaurants, especially those offering spectacular views of the city's icons - Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab, involves an expense of between AED 250 and 500 (about 68-136 USD).
 

After lunch near the Burj Al Arab, we encourage you to relax on the beach and go wild on jet skis from Two Continents.
 

Dubai hotels 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 sample 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 250 to 600 AED (about 68-163 USD).
 

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

Cheap restaurants in Dubai
 

Dubai offers many affordable culinary options, especially for those familiar with the right places. The city's 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 between AED 10 and 30 (about 3-8 USD).
 

Food courts in Dubai's shopping malls are also popular places for inexpensive meals . They offer a wide selection of dishes from all corners of the world at affordable prices ranging from 20 to 50 AED (about 5-14 USD). Particularly noteworthy are well-known local restaurants like Al Ustad Special Kabab and Ravi Restaurant, which have won acclaim among locals and tourists alike for offering high-quality dishes at reasonable prices.
 

An interesting alternative is food trucks, which can be found near beaches and in city parks. Their menus include a variety of options from burgers to tacos to freshly grilled meats, with prices ranging from 20 to 40 AED (about 5-11 USD).
 

Also worth mentioning are the local bakeries and pastry shops, where you can try traditional Arab sweets and baked goods at attractive prices. In addition, in residential areas you can find small restaurants specializing in the cuisines of Dubai's various communities - from Indian to Pakistani to Filipino. These places often offer authentic flavors at very affordable prices, and their atmosphere allows you to get a better idea of the real face of the city.

Photo: Restaurants in Dubai/Jay Wennington, Unsplash
 

Drink prices in Dubai
 

Drink prices in Dubai vary from place to place. In restaurants and hotel establishments, you'll have to pay between AED 10 and 25 (about 3-7 USD) for soft drinks, while you'll need to budget between AED 15 and 30 (about 4-8 USD) for coffee or tea.
 

Due to strict regulations, alcoholic beverages in Dubai are relatively expensive. The price of beer at a bar ranges from 40 to 70 AED (about 11-19 USD), while a glass of wine is an expense of 50-100 AED (about 14-27 USD). It is advantageous to take advantage of happy hours promotions, when prices can be reduced by up to 50%.

To get a better idea of Dubai's alcohol laws, we encourage you to read our article on the subject: Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
 

Cocktails are also available in hotel establishments and upscale restaurants, with prices starting at 60 AED (about 16 USD). You should also try traditional local drinks, among which is laban - a refreshing yogurt drink available at an affordable price of 10-15 AED (about 3-4 USD).

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 UAE 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 from around the world. You can enjoy sophisticated Indian, Lebanese, Japanese or Italian cuisine in the city, as well as explore 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 fine dining in expensive restaurants to affordable and authentic local delicacies in neighborhoods such as Deira and Bur Dubai.
 

Also look out for seasonal food festivals, such as the Dubai Food Festival, during which restaurants present special tasting menus at attractive prices. In addition, many venues hold themed evenings and brunches that allow you to sample a wide range of buffet-style dishes. Local food markets and bazaars are a great place to experience authentic Emirati flavors at affordable prices.
 

Questions and answers (FAQ)
 

1. How much does it cost to dine at a restaurant in Dubai?

Dining prices in Dubai vary depending on the type of restaurant and location. In local eateries you can eat for as little as AED 20 (about 5 USD), while in mid-range establishments a meal costs AED 100-150 (about 27-41 USD), and in exclusive restaurants the price can reach AED 300 and more (more than 82 USD). For example, in a Taiwanese restaurant, a hearty dinner for four people costs approx. 450 AED (123 USD per person), and drinks, such as iced tea, are an expense of 4-5 USD. Even in cafes, drinks are affordable - black coffee costs 15-18 AED (about 4-5 USD).
 

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

The cost of food in traditional restaurants in Dubai is affordable. At establishments offering Arabic or South Asian dishes, you can have a hearty meal for 30-60 AED (about 8-16 USD). At more established places, such as Al Ustad Special Kabab or Ravi Restaurant, prices for main dishes are usually in the range of 40-80 AED (about 11-22 USD).
 

3. What restaurants in Dubai offer cheap meals? 
 

There are many restaurants serving cheap meals in Dubai, especially in neighborhoods such as Deira and Bur Dubai, where you can find local eateries offering dishes for around AED 20-40 (about 5-11 USD). Also popular are places serving Indian, Arabic or Pakistani cuisine, where prices are affordable and the food tasty and filling.
 

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

Food prices in Dubai can be higher than in many other cities, especially in upscale restaurants and hotels, where dinner costs from 27 USD upwards. However, compared to Western metropolises such as London or New York, prices in Dubai can be more attractive, especially in local restaurants, where a meal can be had for as little as AED 20-50 (about 5-14 USD).