The restaurant scene in Dubai is diverse and caters mainly to a large number of expats and jet-setters. But those looking for authentic local dishes with Emirati, Lebanese, Persian and Arabic flavors will find plenty of restaurants in Dubai to satisfy their cravings.
Dubai has an exciting range of locally-inspired restaurants, from those serving aromatic stews or hearty breakfast platters in traditional settings, to unpretentious cafes where you can indulge in delicious breads, pastries and dates , while tasting traditional Arabic Qahwa can enforce coffee. Here is a small selection of restaurants in Dubai that offer delicious local food and a fun dining experience.
1
Siraj RestaurantContemporary Emirati cuisine at Souk Al Bahar
With its sparkling design and location in Dubai's famous Souk Al Bahar, Siraj restaurant immerses guests in the atmosphere of the Arabian Nights. Those in need of a meal after exploring the souk and its colorful carpets, crafts and jewellery, can relax and rejuvenate at Siraj while admiring the view of the Dubai Fountain over Burj Khalifa Lake.
Siraj's menu focuses on authentic Emirati cuisine with a modern twist, including delicacies such as lamb arayes (minced lamb in Arabic bread), lobster kibbeh (stuffed dumplings), and mouhalabiya (Lebanese milk pudding) with honey and camel meat.
Location: Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening hours: 12:00pm to 1:00am daily
Tel: +971 4 513 6207
2
Al Ustad Special KababFamily owned go-to spot for tasty kebabs
Al Ustad Special Kabab has been a favorite restaurant in Dubai for over 40 years. This kebab joint in Bur Dubai, near the historic Al Fahidi district, has won fans for its generous kebabs—chicken or lamb skewers marinated in yoghurt served with rice.
The restaurant is run by 3 brothers from Iran who have filled the restaurant with vintage memorabilia and the walls are covered with pictures of all the famous and famous people who have dined here over the years.
Location: Near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Al Mussallah Rd, Al Hamriya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday 12:00 to 16:00 and 18:30 to 01:00, Friday 18:30 to 01:00
Tel: +971 4 397 1933
3
Arabian Tea HouseEmirati cuisine in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district
The Arabian Tea House features a dining area with a skylight, filled with plants, flowers and cheerful turquoise and white furniture, which will take you away from the busy city life. Breakfast trays are a popular choice here, including hearty Egyptian platters, Emirati platters and children's trays.
This is the place to linger for a cup of gahwa (Arabic-style coffee) or for a convivial family meal or group gathering with benches and large tables. The original Arabian Tea House was located in the historic Al Fahidi district and has since opened more locations in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.
Venue: Bastakiya opposite Al Mussala Post Office, Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Thursday-Friday 9am-11pm, Sunday-Wednesday 9am-10pm (closed Saturday)
Tel: +971 4 353 5071
4
Al Fanar Restaurant and CaféEmirati culture and cuisine in a nostalgic setting
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe is a great place to sample traditional Emirati dishes in a setting that takes you back to a time when Dubai was a small desert village full of tents and fishermen's huts. In fact, Al Fanar is named after the kerosene lamps used to light traditional mud houses.
Although located in the modern Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Fanar's architecture and ambiance are reminiscent of 1960s Dubai, with its soft desert tones and warm lighting. The menu includes dishes ranging from Arabic and Emirati breakfast plates such as raqaq, khameer and chebab bread to main courses such as saloona lahan badaweya (mutton pot).
Location: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Canal Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday 9am to 10pm, Thursday and Friday 9am to 11pm
Tel: +971 4 232 9966