Dubai Food Scene: Restaurants & Dining Guide
Dubai's food scene is one of its best features. Every cuisine, every budget, constantly evolving. Here's how to navigate it.
With 200+ nationalities calling Dubai home, you can find authentic food from almost anywhere in the world — from AED 15 shawarma to AED 500 fine dining experiences.
What Dining Costs
| Type | Cost Per Person | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street food/cafeteria | AED 15-30 | Shawarma, biryani, falafel |
| Fast casual | AED 40-70 | Chains, food courts, casual spots |
| Mid-range restaurant | AED 80-150 | Independent restaurants, cafes |
| Nice restaurant | AED 150-300 | Popular venues, date nights |
| Fine dining | AED 300-500+ | Celebrity chefs, hotel venues |
Alcohol is expensive: A beer costs AED 40-60, wine by the glass AED 50-80, cocktails AED 60-90. A bottle of wine at a restaurant: AED 150-400. If you drink, budget for it.
Cuisines to Explore
Lebanese/Arabic
Mezze, grills, shawarma. Al Nafoorah, Abd El Wahab, countless cafeterias. Some of the best in the world outside the Levant.
Indian
From street food to fine dining. Tresind, Indego, and hundreds of authentic spots. Every regional cuisine represented.
Japanese
Nobu, Zuma, Tomo, plus countless ramen and sushi spots. Growing omakase scene. Excellent quality available.
Italian
Every mall has Italian options. LPM, Scalini, Il Borro for upscale. Good pasta and pizza widely available.
Asian
Chinese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino. Hakkasan, Pai Thai, Nusr-Et. Street food in Deira. Growing scene.
American/International
Burgers, steaks, comfort food. All major chains plus excellent independent spots. Quality steakhouses everywhere.
Friday Brunch Culture
The Dubai Institution
Friday brunch is Dubai's signature social activity. All-you-can-eat-and-drink, typically running from 12pm-4pm. It's where celebrations happen and friends gather weekly.
Popular spots
- • Bubbalicious (Westin)
- • Saffron (Atlantis)
- • Seafire (Atlantis)
- • Weslodge
- • Coya
Price ranges
- • Budget: AED 150-250
- • Mid-range: AED 300-400
- • Premium: AED 500-700
- • Soft drinks -100 vs alcohol
Best Cheap Eats
Dubai has excellent affordable food if you know where to look. These spots are where residents actually eat day-to-day.
Cafeterias
Indian, Filipino, Arabic food. AED 15-30. Found everywhere.
Al Mallah
Legendary shawarma spot. Cash only. Worth the queue.
Ravi Restaurant
Pakistani institution since 1978. Incredibly cheap.
Laffah
Yemeni food, massive portions. Late-night favorite.
Food courts
Mall food courts offer variety and value.
Deira/Bur Dubai
Old Dubai has the best authentic cheap eats.
Dining Neighborhoods
DIFC
Upscale restaurants, after-work drinks, business lunches. Zuma, La Petite Maison, Coya.
Dubai Marina
Casual to upscale mix. Pier 7, Marina Walk restaurants. Good for waterfront dining.
Downtown/BLVD
Tourist-friendly and resident favorites. New openings constantly. Views of Burj Khalifa.
Al Quoz/Alserkal
Hip cafes, galleries, creative spaces. Coffee scene hub. Brunch spots and casual dining.
JBR/Bluewaters
Beach dining, The Walk, family-friendly options. Tourist-oriented but some gems.
Old Dubai (Deira/Bur Dubai)
Authentic cheap eats, spice souk area, Creek-side dining. Best value in the city.
Food Delivery
Dubai has excellent food delivery. Most restaurants deliver, and apps make it easy.
Main apps
- • Deliveroo (most popular)
- • Talabat (wide coverage)
- • Careem NOW
- • Noon Food
- • Direct restaurant apps
Delivery costs
- • Usually AED 5-15
- • Free over certain amounts
- • Subscriptions reduce fees
- • Peak times cost more
Pro tip: Get Entertainer app for 2-for-1 deals at hundreds of restaurants. Pays for itself quickly if you dine out regularly.
Common Questions
It ranges widely. Cheap eats (cafeterias, shawarma) cost AED 15-30. Mid-range restaurants AED 80-150 per person. Fine dining AED 300-500+. Alcohol adds significantly to bills (AED 40-60 per drink). You can eat well on any budget if you know where to go.
Everything. Indian, Arabic, Lebanese, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Mexican, American, Ethiopian, Filipino — you name it. Dubai's diverse population means authentic versions of almost any cuisine you can think of.
Yes. Pork is sold in designated sections of supermarkets (marked 'For Non-Muslims') and served in many restaurants, particularly in hotels and licensed establishments. It's more expensive than in Western countries but readily available.
Yes. Alcohol is served in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. You can buy alcohol from licensed retailers (African+Eastern, MMI) for home consumption. Recent changes have relaxed licensing requirements. However, drinking in public or being drunk in public is prohibited.
A Dubai institution. All-you-can-eat-and-drink at hotels and restaurants, typically Friday 12-4pm. Prices range from AED 200-600. It's a social event as much as a meal — friends gather, celebrations happen, and it often extends into the evening.
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