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Eat Dubai

Good food is part of the plan

Markets & food halls

Time Out Market Dubai

Local restaurant counters under one roof in Souk Al Bahar, with fountain views from the terrace.

Check it is open

Waterfront Market

Deira’s modern fish market: choose your catch, then have it cleaned and cooked nearby. Go in the morning.

Global Village food

Street food from dozens of countries, from Turkish ice cream to Yemeni honey. Arrive hungry, after sunset.

A weekend market in Police Academy Park with farm produce, food stalls and children’s activities, 9am–9pm.

Emirati & traditional

Al Seef · Festival City

Al Fanar Restaurant & Café

Classic Emirati dishes in a set styled like 1960s Dubai; try machboos and luqaimat.

Several branches

Modern Khaleeji comfort food and breakfasts; the luqaimat and karak are the reason to go.

Arabian Tea House

Emirati breakfasts and tea in a shaded courtyard in the historic district.

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

Part restaurant, part museum: bread baked in front of you and lamb machboos to share. Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2026.

Bakeries & cafés

Several branches

Al Reef Lebanese Bakery

A long-running favourite for hot manakish, za’atar and cheese pies straight from the oven.

Ravi Restaurant

A cheap, cheerful Pakistani institution for curries, daal and fresh naan; a Satwa classic since 1978.

A no-frills fish shack by the Umm Suqeim fishing harbour; spiced fried fish, rice and curry.

Check current location

Several branches

A local karak chain; sweet, spiced tea with zafrani cardamom, often drunk in the car.

Highly recommended

Al Ustad Special Kabab

A family Iranian kebab house running since the 1970s; the walls are covered in photos.

Orfali Bros Bistro

Three Syrian brothers’ inventive bistro on Wasl 51; book well ahead for dinner.

Asian-inspired small plates by the boats at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour; casual and much loved.

Levantine home cooking in a homely room; warm, generous and family-friendly.

A Satwa shawarma and fresh-juice stop with pavement tables; best late in the evening.

Eat more

Shawarma on Al Dhiyafah

Karak & chapati

Kunafa

Iranian bread

Kerala thali in Karama

Fresh dates

Camel-milk chocolate

The December plate

Luqaimat

Crisp, saffron-scented dumplings drizzled with date syrup, served at every winter gathering and National Day stall.

Harees & machboos

Slow-cooked wheat and meat, and spiced rice with lamb or chicken; Emirati festive staples.

Dates & qahwa

Fresh dates with cardamom Arabic coffee are the city’s welcome; try them at the SMCCU or a heritage café.

Muslim traveller note: food is halal by default. Hotel restaurants may cook with alcohol in sauces or desserts; ask if you are unsure.

04 Mosques & Muslim traveller notes

06 Culture, design & architecture

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