Where to eat in Dubai: from street shawarma to an Emirati breakfast
· 5 min read
You can eat well in Dubai on any budget. Here are the places and neighbourhoods locals actually recommend.
Emirati food
Try machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup) and a traditional breakfast with chebab pancakes. Arabian Tea House in the historic Al Fahidi quarter is lovely for breakfast, and Al Fanar serves home-style Emirati dishes.
Street food and karak tea
Dubai's real flavour is in its small cafeterias — shawarma, falafel and spiced milky karak tea. Try Al Ustad Special Kebab, running since 1978, and the Pakistani favourite Ravi Restaurant in Satwa.
By the sea: JBR and La Mer
For dinner, head to The Walk at JBR or La Mer beach — open-air restaurants, play areas for kids and sunset views over the Gulf.
Good to know
Alcohol is served only in licensed venues, mostly hotels. During Ramadan many restaurants change their daytime hours. Tipping isn't required, but 10% is appreciated.