Food & Dining in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world's great food cities — over 200 nationalities live here, and the dining scene reflects that diversity. From AED 10 shawarmas to Michelin-starred tasting menus, here's everything you need to eat well in Dubai.
Alcohol in Dubai
Alcohol is legal in Dubai but only served in licensed restaurants (typically those attached to hotels), bars, and clubs. You cannot buy alcohol in supermarkets except at the government-licensed MMI and African + Eastern stores. During Ramadan, alcohol service is restricted to after sunset.
Cuisine Highlights
Emirati / Arabian
Authentic Emirati cuisine is harder to find than you might expect — most restaurants are expat-run. Look for al harees (wheat and meat porridge), machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings), and camel milk gelato. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts cultural dinners.
South Asian
Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi cuisines dominate Dubai's food scene — making up the majority of restaurants. From the biryani joints of Karama to upscale Indian restaurants in DIFC, the range is extraordinary. Butter chicken, dosa, biryani, haleem, and karahi are staples.
East Asian
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants are excellent in Dubai. DIFC and Downtown host high-end Japanese omakase bars. The Dragon Mart area has authentic Chinese eateries. Noodle House is a mid-range Southeast Asian institution.
Lebanese / Middle Eastern
Lebanese cuisine is ubiquitous and beloved across Dubai. From hole-in-the-wall shawarma shops to the Levantine restaurant chains like Zaatar w Zeit, Al Hallab, and Leila. Mezze, fattoush, hummus, and grilled meats are everywhere.
European & International
Dubai's fine dining scene is world-class — several restaurants hold Michelin recognition. Gordon Ramsay, Nobu, Zuma, Coya, and Hakkasan all have Dubai outposts. The steakhouse scene (Nusr-Et, Rare, Cut) is also exceptional.
Brunch Culture
Friday brunch is Dubai's most iconic dining tradition. Bottomless food and drink (soft or alcoholic) for a set price, typically 1–4 hours. Hotels and restaurants compete for the best spread. From casual brunches at Barasti Beach Bar to extravagant affairs at Atlantis The Palm.
Best Dining Areas in Dubai
| Area | Vibe | Known For | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) | Fine dining, power lunches, business entertaining | High-end international restaurants, rooftop bars, celebrity chef outposts | AED 200–600/person |
| JBR & The Walk | Casual beachfront dining, family-friendly, social | International chains, cafes, shisha spots, beach clubs | AED 60–200/person |
| Karama & Bur Dubai | Budget-friendly, authentic, no-frills | Indian biryani, Pakistani karahi, Filipino eateries, Sri Lankan curry houses | AED 15–60/person |
| Downtown Dubai & Business Bay | Trendy, upscale, scenic | Rooftop restaurants with Burj Khalifa views, brunch venues, celebrity chefs | AED 150–500/person |
| Al Quoz & Alserkal Avenue | Hipster, creative, artsy | Specialty coffee, plant-based restaurants, international concepts, weekend pop-ups | AED 50–150/person |
| Deira (Rigga Street & Creekside) | Old-school Dubai, multicultural, affordable | Levantine restaurants, Iranian bakeries, South Asian canteens, Creek-view dining | AED 20–80/person |
Friday Brunch — Dubai's Favourite Tradition
Friday brunch is a cultural institution in Dubai. The weekend starts on Friday in the UAE, and brunch is how the city celebrates. Typically 12:30pm–4pm, brunches feature unlimited food stations and (optional) free-flowing drinks. It's a multi-hour social event, not just a meal.
Atlantis The Palm — Saffron
AED 450–700
One of Dubai's most legendary spreads — over 220 dishes
Barasti Beach Bar
AED 250–350
Beachfront, casual, great for socialising
SHK — Sofitel Dubai
AED 350–500
Rooftop views, excellent cuisine variety
Weslodge at JW Marriott Marquis
AED 400–550
North American steakhouse theme, popular with younger crowd
Al Qasr — Madinat Jumeirah
AED 500–650
Stunning resort setting with waterways and Burj Al Arab view
Shakespeare and Co.
AED 200–280
Soft-drink brunch, family-friendly, whimsical décor
Brunch Booking Tips
- Always book at least 1 week in advance — popular spots fill up fast.
- Use Zomato, The Fork, or the Entertainer app for discounts and reservations.
- Dress code varies — check before you go (no beachwear at hotel brunches).
- Soft drink packages are much cheaper — ask when booking.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Al Harees | Slow-cooked wheat and meat — a Ramadan and celebration staple | AED 25–45 |
| Shawarma | Chicken or lamb wrapped with garlic sauce — Dubai's favourite street food | AED 8–20 |
| Luqaimat | Crispy honey-drizzled dumplings served at heritage restaurants | AED 18–30 |
| Machboos | Spiced rice with chicken or lamb — the national dish | AED 45–85 |
| Biryani (Hyderabadi) | Fragrant rice dish — best versions in Karama and Bur Dubai | AED 20–45 |
| Camel Burger | Available at selected restaurants — lean, slightly gamey, distinctive | AED 60–90 |
| Balaleet | Sweet vermicelli with cardamom and rose water — traditional Emirati breakfast | AED 25–40 |
| Regag Bread | Paper-thin flatbread made on an open fire — often eaten with eggs or date syrup | AED 10–20 |
Food Delivery Apps
Talabat
The dominant delivery app in the UAE. Largest restaurant selection, Talabat Mart for groceries in 15 minutes.
Talabat Pro subscription for free delivery (AED 49/month)
Deliveroo
Popular for higher-end restaurants and curated selections. Strong in Downtown and Marina areas.
Deliveroo Plus (free delivery) for AED 49/month
Noon Food
Growing fast with competitive pricing. Integrates with Noon's e-commerce platform for bundle deals.
Noon+ members get free delivery and exclusive discounts
Careem Food
Part of Careem's super-app. Convenient if you're already using Careem for rides. Growing selection.
Careem+ monthly bundle includes rides, food, and bike sharing
Budget Eating Guide
Budget (AED 10–30/meal)
- Shawarma from a street shop
- South Asian canteen set meals (dal, rice, sabji)
- Cafeteria-style restaurants in Karama / Bur Dubai
- Supermarket deli counters (Carrefour, LuLu)
- Food trucks at Kite Beach or Expo City
Mid-Range (AED 50–120/meal)
- Lebanese restaurants (mezze + grills)
- Thai or Vietnamese casual dining
- Zaatar w Zeit, Kcal, Operation: Falafel
- Mall food court upscale options
- Casual rooftop cafes in JLT or JBR
Splurge (AED 200+/meal)
- Hotel restaurants in Downtown / Palm
- DIFC fine dining (Zuma, Nusr-Et, Coya)
- Rooftop bars with Burj Khalifa views
- Friday brunch (unlimited food + drinks)
- Omakase sushi or Japanese tasting menus
Ramadan Dining
During Ramadan (dates vary each year), eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is restricted — this includes non-Muslims. Restaurants are open but screened off during the day. After sunset (Iftar), the city comes alive with spectacular buffets and tent dining. Ramadan Nights are some of the best dining experiences Dubai offers. Prices at Iftar buffets range from AED 120 to AED 400.
Alcohol Pricing at Restaurants
Alcohol is only served at licensed venues (typically hotel-attached restaurants, bars, and clubs). Prices reflect the licensing costs — expect a significant premium over home-country prices.
| Drink | Typical Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Beer (pint) | AED 40–80 |
| Wine (glass) | AED 50–100 |
| Wine (bottle) | AED 150–500+ |
| Cocktails | AED 45–90 |
| Spirits (single) | AED 40–70 |
Happy Hours & Home Delivery
- Happy hours typically run 4–8pm and offer 30–50% off drinks.
- Home alcohol delivery is available via MMI and African + Eastern (A&E) — the personal licence requirement was removed and is now free to obtain.
Grocery Delivery Comparison
| Service | Delivery Time | Range | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrefour App | Same-day | Widest range | AED 0–15 |
| Talabat Mart | 15–30 min | Limited range | AED 0–5 |
| Noon Minutes | ~15 min | Essentials only | AED 0–3 |
| InstaShop | 1–2 hours | Multi-store | AED 5–15 |
| Amazon.ae Fresh | Same-day (Prime) | Good range | AED 0 on AED 100+ |
Late-Night Dining
Dubai's food scene doesn't shut down at midnight. Several restaurants operate 24 hours, and certain neighbourhoods stay lively well past midnight.
24-Hour Restaurants
- Shakespeare & Co — multiple locations, all-day menu around the clock
- Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) — legendary Pakistani institution, always open
- Al Mallah (Dhiyafa Street) — Lebanese street food, shawarma, 24/7
- Bu Qtair (Jumeirah) — famous for fresh fish fry; seasonal late hours
After-Midnight Areas
- JBR (The Walk) — beach promenade with cafes and casual dining late into the night
- DIFC — upscale bars and restaurants, especially on weekends
- Downtown Dubai — around the Dubai Mall and The Boulevard, active late