Food And Drink In Dubai: The Complete Guide For Travelers

Dubai is one of the best food cities in the whole world. It is fun, safe, easy to explore, and full of amazing things to taste. When you walk around the city, you can smell spices, fresh bread, grilled meats, sweet desserts, and yummy street snacks. People come from more than 200 countries to live and work in Dubai, so the food choices are huge. You can eat food from India, Pakistan, Japan, Italy, the Philippines, America, Africa, and many more places.

Dubai is also known for fancy restaurants, beach cafes, tall rooftop dining spots, huge weekend brunches, and small places in Old Dubai where you can enjoy traditional dishes. This makes Dubai perfect for all kinds of travelers. Whether you like simple food, healthy food, big meals, or luxury dishes, you will find something perfect here. Our Dubai Food Guide helps you understand all these amazing choices in one easy place. You do not need to search on hundreds of websites. You can find everything here.

If you need personal help choosing restaurants for your family, your honeymoon, your tour group, or for a special event, our team at BestDubaiPlaces.com is happy to help.

👉 For personal help, Contact Us.

Why Dubai Is A Dream Food Destination

Dubai is not only about tall buildings and shopping malls. It is also one of the top food capitals in the world. Here are simple reasons why visitors love eating here.

Many Flavors From Around The World

Dubai has more food choices than most cities. Whether you want spicy Indian curry, fresh sushi, Italian pasta, French pastries, or Filipino fried chicken, you will find it in the city. This makes it great for families and groups because everyone can find something they like.

Best Places For All Budgets

Dubai is famous for luxury, but it is also amazing for budget food. You can eat for just AED 5 in some areas. You can also enjoy fancy meals that cost AED 1500 or more. Dubai gives choices for everyone, which is why so many travelers love it.

Amazing Views While Eating

In Dubai, you can enjoy your meal while looking at beautiful sights like:

• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Marina
• Palm Jumeirah
• The Arabian Sea
• Downtown Dubai skyline

This makes dining in Dubai extra fun and perfect for photos.

Super Family Friendly

Most restaurants are clean and safe. Families with kids love Dubai because the staff is kind, the menu is simple to read, and the places are friendly.

So Easy For Tourists

Menus are in English. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. People understand all accents. You never feel lost.

Fun Food Events

Dubai has brunches, evening markets, special food festivals, cooking workshops, and themed dinners. You never get bored.

How BestDubaiPlaces.com Helps You Choose What To Eat in Dubai

Planning what to eat in Dubai can feel confusing. Dubai has thousands of restaurants, cafes, food courts, and street stalls. If you search online, you may see too many choices, old information, or long lists that do not match your budget or taste. This is why many travelers feel lost.

But with BestDubaiPlaces.com, food planning becomes super simple. We organize everything you need in one easy place, so you can enjoy your trip instead of worrying about where to eat.

Here is how we help you:

Clear Food Guides

At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we create clear and easy food guides that help every traveler understand Dubai’s food scene. We know that many visitors feel confused when they see too many restaurant choices online. That is why our guides are written in simple language, without any confusing words. Each guide explains only what you need to know, in a friendly and easy way.

We cover many important food topics, such as:

Breakfast

The best places to enjoy pancakes, eggs, avocado toast, fresh juices, and beachside breakfasts.
Great for starting your day with happy energy.

Lunch

Simple cafes, tasty local restaurants, and quick meals you can enjoy during sightseeing.
Perfect for travelers who want something fast and yummy.

Brunch

Dubai is famous for its weekend brunches. Our guides show you the best buffet brunches, family brunches, beach brunches, and luxury hotel brunches.
A must try experience for many visitors.

Dinner

From casual dinners to fancy fine dining, we help you choose evening meals that fit your style and budget.
Great for couples, families, and groups.

Local Emirati Dishes

We explain traditional Emirati meals like machboos, luqaimat, harees, and salona.
This helps visitors understand the culture and try real local flavors.

Beach Restaurants

Fun places to eat by the water with sand, sea views, and fresh air.
Perfect for relaxing meals and sunset moments.

Rooftop Dining

Restaurants high above the city with beautiful skyline views.
Great for special occasions and Instagram photos.

Restaurants With Views

We guide you to places with amazing views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Sea.
These spots create memorable dining experiences.

Michelin Level Dining

For travelers who love luxury food, we show the top Michelin starred and Michelin selected restaurants in Dubai.
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.

Cheap Eats

We list affordable places where you can enjoy tasty food without spending much money.
Very helpful for budget travelers and families.

Family Friendly Meals

We highlight restaurants that have kids menus, high chairs, comfy seating, and safe spaces for children.
Ideal for families visiting Dubai.

All of these guides are made to help you quickly understand where to eat and what to try, even if it is your first time in Dubai. With our clear guides, you do not need to search all over the internet. You get everything in one easy and friendly place.

Best Restaurants By Area

Dubai is a big city, so choosing restaurants based on your area is the smartest way. We make this very easy. We help you choose where to eat depending on where you stay. We focus on the most popular neighborhoods:

• Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Marina
• Palm Jumeirah
• Old Dubai

Each neighborhood guide shows:

• the best restaurants to try
• average food prices
• what the neighborhood is known for
• must try dishes
• kid friendly options
• romantic restaurants
• casual and easy meals
• fancy meal options

This helps you save time and choose food close to your hotel.

Budget, Mid Range, And Luxury Choices

Every traveler has a different budget. Some people want simple meals, some want mid range restaurants, and some want luxury dining. That is why we divide our recommendations into clear groups:

• Budget
• Mid range
• Luxury

You can choose what matches your wallet. This makes planning simple and stress free.

Cultural Food Tips

Dubai is an international city, but it also has its own food culture. Many visitors want to understand local dishes, local habits, and what to expect at Emirati restaurants. We explain:

• how local meals are served
• which traditional dishes to try first
• how spicy the food is
• how to eat like a local
• good manners to follow at restaurants

This makes your dining experience more fun and respectful.

Food For Families, Couples, And Groups

Everyone travels differently. Some come with kids, some come as couples, and others travel with friends or tour groups. We help you find the right places for your travel style.

• Families: clean, safe, kid friendly places
• Couples: romantic dinners with views
• Groups: big restaurants with plenty of space
• Solo travelers: easy and friendly places

No matter who you are, we help you find the perfect spots.

Easy Booking Advice

Some restaurants in Dubai fill up fast. Others are walk in friendly. To make things easy, we tell you:

• the best time to book
• how busy the restaurant gets
• if you need a reservation
• what type of clothing is suitable
• how to avoid long waiting times

This saves you time and helps you enjoy your meal without stress.

Your Dubai Food Journey Becomes Simple

With BestDubaiPlaces.com, your entire Dubai food journey becomes:

• easy
• organized
• fun
• clear
• stress free

You get all the important information in one place, written in simple language that anyone can understand. Whether you want local food, luxury dining, or cheap street snacks, we guide you step by step.

If you ever feel unsure, you can always ask our team for help. We love helping travelers enjoy the best food in Dubai.

Dubai Food Price Guide

Below is a simple table to understand common food costs.

Average Food Prices In Dubai

Type of Meal	Cost AED	Cost USD
Street Food	5 to 15	1.5 to 4
Local Emirati Meal	25 to 45	7 to 12
Cafe Meal	40 to 80	11 to 22
Mall Restaurant	50 to 120	14 to 33
Premium Restaurant	150 to 350	40 to 95
Michelin Star Restaurant	450 to 1500	120 to 410

Full Guide To Dubai Food Categories

Dubai has so many types of food that it can feel like a huge buffet waiting for you. To make things easy, we divide the food scene into simple categories. Each category has its own guide that helps you understand what to eat, where to go, how much it costs, and what to expect.

These categories help every traveler, whether you want local food, luxury meals, beachside snacks, or famous brunches.

1. Emirati Food

Emirati food is the traditional food of the United Arab Emirates. It is warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Many dishes use rice, meat, fish, and special spices that smell amazing.

Popular Emirati dishes include:

• Machboos a spiced rice dish with chicken, lamb, or fish
• Luqaimat sweet fried dough balls with date syrup
• Salona a tasty stew made with vegetables and meat
• Harees a soft wheat and meat dish cooked for many hours
• Balaleet sweet noodles served with an egg omelette

These dishes are great for travelers who want to try real local food and learn about the culture of Dubai.

Read the full guide here: Emirati Food Guide

Travel tip: Even if you are new to Middle Eastern food, these dishes are mild and easy to enjoy.

2. Best Brunches

Brunch is one of the most famous food experiences in Dubai. It usually happens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A brunch in Dubai is not just breakfast and lunch together. It is a big event where you can enjoy:

• huge buffets
• live cooking stations
• unlimited desserts
• themed decorations
• fun music
• family activities

There are beach brunches, luxury hotel brunches, party brunches, and calm family brunches. This makes Dubai a top brunch city in the world.

Explore all top options: Best Brunches in Dubai

Travel tip: Book in advance because the popular brunches fill up fast.

3. Restaurants With Views

Dubai is known for beautiful views, and many restaurants are made to show these views in the best way. You can enjoy a meal while looking at:

• the sea
• the beach
• Dubai Marina
• Burj Khalifa
• the Palm Jumeirah skyline
• the city lights at night

Some restaurants have outdoor terraces, rooftop seating, or tables right by the water. These restaurants are perfect for photos, romantic dates, birthdays, and celebrations.

See the full list here: Restaurants With a View

Travel tip: Sunset is the best time to visit because the city looks magical.

4. Breakfast Spots

Dubai loves breakfast. You can find cute cafes, beachside breakfast places, hotel breakfast buffets, and modern brunch style restaurants. Breakfast menus include:

• avocado toast
• pancakes
• shakshuka
• eggs benedict
• croissants
• smoothies
• fresh fruit bowls

Many spots also have nice outdoor seating where you can enjoy the morning sun.

See the full guide here: Best Breakfast in Dubai

Travel tip: Weekends can be busy, so go early if you want a quiet meal.

5. Michelin Star Restaurants

Dubai has many Michelin starred restaurants and Michelin selected restaurants. These places are run by top chefs and offer high quality food with beautiful presentation. These restaurants are great for:

• birthdays
• anniversaries
• romantic dinners
• luxury experiences
• special celebrations

You can enjoy modern European food, Japanese fine dining, Indian tasting menus, and more.

Explore the guide here: Michelin Restaurants in Dubai

Travel tip: Prices can be high, but the experience feels like dining in a world class restaurant.

6. Best Restaurants By Neighborhood

The easiest way to choose where to eat is by looking at the neighborhood you are staying in. Dubai is large, so picking restaurants close to your hotel saves time and helps you enjoy your trip more.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Dubai

Great for luxury dining, modern restaurants, and places with Burj Khalifa views.

Best Restaurants in Dubai Marina

Perfect for water views, evening walks, and romantic dinners by the water.

Best Restaurants in Palm Jumeirah

Home to beach clubs, resort dining, and beautiful sunset meals.

Best Restaurants in Old Dubai

Great for cheap local food, street snacks, and traditional flavors.

Travel tip:
If you want fancy dining, choose Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah.
If you want cheap authentic meals, choose Old Dubai.
If you want pretty views, choose Dubai Marina.

Where To Eat In Dubai By Area

Dubai has many different neighborhoods, and each one has its own food style. Some places are great for luxury meals, some areas are perfect for beachside snacks, and some are best for cheap and tasty local dishes. Choosing the right area helps you save time, enjoy better views, and find food that matches your mood.

Below is a simple guide to help you understand where to eat in Dubai. You can click on each guide to see full lists of restaurants, prices, and tips.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is one of the most famous areas in the city. It is home to tall towers, busy streets, and beautiful lights at night. This area is best for travelers who want luxury dining and modern food from around the world. Many restaurants here have Burj Khalifa views and stylish interiors. You can find fancy steak houses, Italian restaurants, Japanese sushi places, rooftop lounges, and family friendly cafes. If you are celebrating something special, Downtown Dubai is a great choice.

Full guide: Best Restaurants in Downtown Dubai

Nearby attractions you can explore before or after your meal:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Mall

Travel tip: Dinner time in Downtown Dubai gets very busy, so it is better to book your table early.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is perfect if you love water views and pretty lights at night. This area has a long walkway along the water called the Marina Promenade. You can sit outside, eat tasty food, and enjoy boats passing by. At night, the place looks beautiful with colorful lights from the tall buildings.

Dubai Marina has many types of restaurants, such as seafood places, Arabic food, Indian food, Italian food, and American diners. There are also cafes, dessert shops, and breakfast spots. It is great for couples, families, and friends.

Guide: Best Restaurants in Dubai Marina

Travel tip: Sunset time is the best time to eat here because the sky turns pink and the Marina sparkles.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is a famous island shaped like a palm tree. It has many luxury hotels, beachside restaurants, and fancy resorts. This area is perfect if you want beach vibes, ocean views, or sunset dinners. Many restaurants here have outdoor seating and international cuisines prepared by top chefs. Food on Palm Jumeirah can be more expensive, but the views and experience feel special. You can try seafood, Japanese fine dining, Mediterranean food, and beach clubs.

Guide: Best Restaurants in Palm Jumeirah

Travel tip: If you want a romantic dinner, Palm Jumeirah is one of the best places in Dubai.

Old Dubai

Old Dubai is the opposite of fancy. It is simple, friendly, colorful, and full of history. This area is best for cheap food, street snacks, and local dishes. You can find Indian food, Pakistani BBQ, Arabic grills, Emirati meals, and many tiny cafes with yummy food at very low prices. Old Dubai is perfect for travelers who want real local experiences and strong flavors. You can walk through old markets, smell spices, and taste traditional meals.

Guide: Best Restaurants in Old Dubai

Travel tip: Try visiting in the evening when the area is cooler and full of delicious smells.

Popular Emirati Dishes You Should Try

Dish	What It Tastes Like	Where To Try
Machboos	Spicy rice with meat	Emirati restaurants
Luqaimat	Sweet fried balls	Street stalls
Harees	Wheat and meat	Traditional cafes
Regag Bread	Crispy bread	Old Dubai
Balaleet	Sweet noodles	Breakfast cafes

Full Day Food Budget Example

Meal	Type	Cost AED	Cost USD
Breakfast	Cafe	45	12
Lunch	Local	30	8
Snack	Street Food	10	3
Dinner	Marina	120	33
Total	Full Day	205	56

Dining Tips For Visitors

Book Before You Go

Popular restaurants in Dubai become full very quickly, especially in the evening and on weekends. If you want a good table with a nice view or if you are planning to eat at a fancy place, it is better to book one or two days earlier. Some famous brunches even need booking one week before. Booking saves you time and keeps you stress free.

Most Restaurants Are Casual

You do not need fancy clothes for most places in Dubai. Many restaurants allow shorts, T shirts, and casual dresses. Only a few high level or hotel restaurants ask for smart casual clothing. This means simple nice clothes like a shirt, jeans, a summer dress, or clean shoes. You do not need a suit or gown unless it is a very special event.

Tipping Is Not Required

Tipping is not forced in Dubai. Many restaurants already add service charges to the bill. But if you want to thank the staff, you can leave 5 to 10 percent. People usually leave tips when they really like the service. Staff are polite, so even if you do not tip, it is okay.

Credit Cards Everywhere

Dubai is very easy for travelers because almost all restaurants take credit cards and digital payments. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Even small cafes and street stalls sometimes accept card payments. You do not need to carry a lot of cash.

Water

Most people in Dubai drink bottled water because it tastes cleaner and is easy to find. Restaurants serve bottled water and even small shops sell it for a low price. You can also ask for cold or room temperature water depending on what you like. Tap water is safe, but visitors prefer bottled because of taste.

Delivery

Food delivery is very popular in Dubai. You can order from almost any restaurant using apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, or Careem Food. These apps are easy to use and show pictures, prices, reviews, and delivery times. If you feel tired after exploring the city, you can enjoy a tasty meal in your hotel room.

Best Times To Eat Out

Lunch

12 PM to 3 PM

Dinner

6 PM to 10 PM

Brunch

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Extra Guides That Help With Food Planning

• Dubai Marina Neighborhood
• Downtown Dubai Neighborhood
• Dubai Desert Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• Dubai In 3 Days

These help you plan meals with your sightseeing schedule.

FAQs About Dubai food guide

Is food expensive in Dubai?

You can find cheap and expensive food. Street food costs AED 5. Luxury restaurants cost AED 1000 or more.

Is it easy to find vegetarian food?

Yes. Many Indian and Mediterranean restaurants have many vegetarian choices.

Do restaurants accept credit cards?

Yes. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Can tourists drink alcohol?

Yes, but only in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars.

What is the most famous local dish?

Machboos, luqaimat, shawarma, and grilled meat dishes.

What area has the best food?

Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Old Dubai all have amazing choices.

Do I need to book a table?

You may need a reservation for busy or fancy places.

Are restaurants family friendly?

Yes. Dubai is very family friendly.