Dubai Food: The Rundown

Ravi Restaurant

Pakistani food that is cheap and plentiful. Those who don’t like spicy food need not inquire.

Wafi Gourmet

Purveyor of excellent Lebanese food. In the cooler months (January and February), its outdoor seating is a treat.

Da Gama

Seafood with a Portuguese twist. Order the jumbo prawns and expect to be amazed. 

Yakitori House

Great mid-priced Japanese food. The most popular Dubai food amongst Japanese visitors and expats, which is as good an indication of quality as any.

Shabestan

If you can overlook the bland décor and obnoxious ‘80s-era soundtrack, you’ll enjoy well-executed, classic Persian food. Order anything with lamb in it.

Beach Bar

Some might call it cliché, but dining on the beach takes Beach Bar’s excellent Dubai food to the next level. Try the local fish, or the wagyu beef.

Automatic

Another great choose for Lebanese food. One of the more common chains amongst the Dubai food scene, it is famous for its lamb chops.

Yum!

If you’re craving noodles, head to Yum! in the InterContinental Dubai and try some of the best in the city.

Rock Bottom Café

60’s-style décor with a modern, hip clientele. Frequently hosts bands, although rocking out while you eat a steak can feel a little strange.

Khazana

Luxury Indian dining. Expect to pay high prices for excellent food, and to receive arguably the best service of any restaurant in Dubai.

Reem Al-Bawadi

Best place for classic Dubai food, if such a thing still exists. Traditional Gulf-sourced dishes, fresh squeezed juices, and hookahs with over two dozen shisha flavors.

Benjarong

Royal Thai food with prix-fixe menus. Make sure to try the hot prawn soup (Tom Yam Gung). Dress to impress, or risk feeling out of place.

Legends Steakhouse

Steakhouse that is popular amongst residents, but underrated by visitors. More reasonable prices than other steakhouses in Dubai. Great waterfront view.

Café Chic

New world French cuisine by celebrity-chef Michael Rostang. Fantastic food, but expect to pay for quality – some of the most expensive Dubai food you’ll find.

Golden Dragon

Oldest Chinese restaurant in Dubai. Come for dim sum and the buffet lunch on Fridays for one of the better value meals around.

Verre

One of Dubai’s most famous restaurants – the culinary child of famous chef Gordon Ramsey. Food is adventurous, expensive, and pretentious. Prepare to pay top dollar and mingle amongst the upper echelon of Dubai’s elite.

Jabal al Noor

Chain of restaurants offering Middle Eastern fast food. Cheap place for Dubai food, and you’ll get a kick out of the drink menu’s strange names.

Pak Liyari

Order the biryani. It’s the best in Dubai.

Jedoudna Restaurant

Family-run restaurant serving Lebanese food late into the night. Also serves breakfast, and its outdoor seating is popular in cooler weather.

Pancho’s Villa

It’s glory days were in the mid-‘90s, but Pancho’s Villa still serves Dubai’s best Tex-Mex. Order the chicken fajitas.