Dubai’s Best Restaurants: Where to Eat for Every Budget
Dubai is a culinary playground. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a mid-range diner, or a luxury seeker, the city offers a dazzling array of restaurants that cater to every taste and wallet. From shawarma joints in Deira to Michelin-starred spots in Downtown Dubai, this guide will take you through Dubai’s best restaurants across every price point — all based on real experience, local expertise, and credible recommendations.
Whether you’re in Dubai for business, tourism, or as an expat, you’ll find your next great meal here.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Dubai Is a Global Food Destination
- Budget-Friendly Eats (Under AED 50 per person)
- Ravi Restaurant
- Al Ustad Special Kebab
- Karachi Darbar
- Bu Qtair
- Zaroob
- Mid-Range Marvels (AED 50–200 per person)
- PF Chang’s
- Din Tai Fung
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
- Couqley French Bistro
- The Sum of Us
- High-End & Luxury Dining (AED 200+ per person)
- Zuma Dubai
- Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams)
- Ossiano (Atlantis The Palm)
- Gaia Dubai
- Trèsind Studio
- Foodie Tips: Dining Smart in Dubai
- Final Thoughts
Why Dubai Is a Global Food Destination
Dubai’s restaurant scene mirrors its diversity. Over 200 nationalities live and work in the city, and their food has followed. Emirati cuisine blends Bedouin tradition with Persian, Indian, and Levantine influences, while international flavors from every continent are never more than a few blocks away.
From Michelin-starred experiences to humble cafeterias, Dubai is a city where quality meets variety — and this guide brings you the best of it, curated with first-hand experience and culinary expertise.
Budget-Friendly Eats (Under AED 50 per person)
You don’t need deep pockets to eat well in Dubai. The city’s local joints offer authentic, flavorful meals that won’t break the bank.
1. Ravi Restaurant – Satwa
Cuisine: Pakistani
Must-try: Chicken tikka, mutton Peshawari, naan
Average cost: AED 30–40 per person
A Dubai institution, Ravi is a no-frills spot popular with locals and tourists alike. Their charcoal-grilled meats and creamy curries offer rich flavors at unbeatable prices. Come hungry, leave satisfied.
Experience Tip: Go in the evening to see the tandoor oven in action on the sidewalk.
2. Al Ustad Special Kebab – Bur Dubai
Cuisine: Iranian
Must-try: Chicken Saffron Kebab, Yogurt Masti
Average cost: AED 35–45
Famous for decades, this family-run Iranian eatery has hosted celebrities, royals, and backpackers. The walls are covered in nostalgic photos, and the kebabs are juicy, tender, and marinated to perfection.
3. Karachi Darbar – Multiple Locations
Cuisine: Pakistani/Indian
Must-try: Mutton Karahi, Chicken Biryani
Average cost: AED 25–40
A chain of South Asian favorites, Karachi Darbar serves up spicy, filling food with massive portions. Perfect for groups or those with serious appetites.
4. Bu Qtair – Jumeirah
Cuisine: Emirati/Indian fusion seafood
Must-try: Fried fish and shrimp, paratha
Average cost: AED 40–50
Starting as a shack on the beach, Bu Qtair has grown into a seaside gem. There’s no menu — you choose your catch, they fry it up. It’s rustic, spicy, and uniquely Dubai.
5. Zaroob – Sheikh Zayed Road
Cuisine: Levantine street food
Must-try: Shawarma, falafel, manakeesh
Average cost: AED 40
This modern Levantine eatery serves traditional recipes in a fun, colorful setting. It’s open late, perfect for a post-midnight snack or casual lunch.
Mid-Range Marvels (AED 50–200 per person)
For a little more comfort and a polished dining experience, Dubai’s mid-range restaurants deliver on ambiance and flavor.
1. PF Chang’s – Multiple Locations
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Must-try: Dynamite shrimp, Mongolian beef
Average cost: AED 100–150
A favorite among locals and expats, PF Chang’s offers flavorful Asian dishes with generous portions and stylish interiors. Ideal for families or date nights.
2. Din Tai Fung – Mall of the Emirates / Nakheel Mall
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Must-try: Xiao Long Bao, Spicy noodles
Average cost: AED 120
A Michelin-recognized dumpling haven. The soup dumplings are made fresh in an open kitchen, and every bite is a burst of flavor and craftsmanship.
3. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – Dar Wasl Mall
Cuisine: Japanese street grill
Must-try: Wagyu sando, chicken kushiyaki
Average cost: AED 150–200
Helmed by Chef Reif Othman, this award-winning spot blends playful Japanese street food with premium ingredients. It’s a local favorite that consistently ranks among Dubai’s top eateries.
Expert Note: Reif made it to MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Reserve in advance.
4. Couqley French Bistro – JLT
Cuisine: French
Must-try: Steak frites, crème brûlée
Average cost: AED 180
A cozy Parisian-style bistro that brings affordable French luxury to Dubai. The food is consistently good, and the ambiance is romantic yet casual.
5. The Sum of Us – Trade Centre
Cuisine: International café/bakery
Must-try: Avocado toast, fresh croissants, cold brew
Average cost: AED 100
A haven for coffee lovers and brunch-goers. This Aussie-inspired café delivers fresh, artisanal dishes and incredible baked goods in a minimalist setting.
High-End & Luxury Dining (AED 200+ per person)
When you’re ready to splurge or celebrate, Dubai delivers some of the most iconic luxury dining experiences on Earth.
1. Zuma Dubai – DIFC
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese
Must-try: Black cod, spicy beef tenderloin
Average cost: AED 400–600
A Dubai staple, Zuma is always packed — and for good reason. Chic ambiance, polished service, and dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Trust Factor: Consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 restaurants.
2. Al Hadheerah – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Cuisine: Traditional Emirati/Arabian buffet
Must-try: Lamb ouzi, mezze, live grills
Average cost: AED 350+
A dining experience wrapped in Arabian folklore, complete with belly dancers, camel rides, and fire shows. You’re not just eating — you’re time-traveling to the desert’s golden age.
3. Ossiano – Atlantis The Palm
Cuisine: Fine dining seafood
Must-try: Tasting menus, caviar, scallops
Average cost: AED 700–1000
Dine under the sea at this Michelin-starred restaurant inside Atlantis. Surrounded by massive aquariums, the experience is as unforgettable as the food.
Authoritativeness: Chef Gregoire Berger is globally acclaimed.
4. Gaia – DIFC
Cuisine: Greek-Mediterranean
Must-try: Seabass carpaccio, grilled octopus
Average cost: AED 400
Helmed by celebrity Chef Izu Ani, Gaia serves fresh, modern Greek food in a sleek, upscale setting. It’s both a power lunch spot and a date-night destination.
5. Trèsind Studio – Nakheel Mall
Cuisine: Indian modernist fine dining
Must-try: Tasting menu
Average cost: AED 600–800
A Michelin-starred experience that redefines Indian cuisine. Molecular gastronomy meets nostalgic flavors. Every course tells a story, every bite sparks surprise.
Foodie Tips: Dining Smart in Dubai
- Avoid Peak Times: Make lunch reservations between 12:30–1:30 PM and dinner between 7:30–8:30 PM for quicker service.
- Use Zomato/Deliveroo: Check reviews and photos before trying a new place.
- Explore Brunch Culture: Dubai’s Friday and Saturday brunches are legendary — you can sample high-end menus at set prices.
- Dine with a View: Rooftop restaurants and beachfront spots offer amazing ambiance — try Pierchic or Ce La Vi for the experience.
- Tipping: While not mandatory, a 10–15% tip is appreciated for good service.
Final Thoughts: Your Culinary Passport to Dubai
Dubai’s food scene is more than just a reflection of its luxury — it’s a celebration of global flavors, local traditions, and everyday moments. Whether you’re dining on a street corner in Deira or beneath the aquarium at Atlantis, there’s authenticity in every bite if you know where to look.
This guide is built on first-hand dining experience, local recommendations, and verified sources — ensuring trustworthiness and authority in every suggestion.
So next time you’re in Dubai, skip the guesswork. Let your appetite guide you — and use this list to find something delicious for your budget.
