Best Restaurants in Old Dubai
Old Dubai is one of the most exciting and historic parts of the city. It is the place where Dubai first began, long before the tall towers and bright lights filled the skyline. Walking through Old Dubai feels like traveling back in time. The narrow streets, old buildings, traditional markets, wooden boats, and friendly local shops create a warm and lively atmosphere. This area is full of history, culture, traditions, and incredible food. Travelers from around the world visit Old Dubai because they want to experience the real heart of the city.
The best restaurants in Old Dubai are not just places to eat. They are places full of stories, memories, smells, spices, and flavors from many cultures. Old Dubai is home to Emirati restaurants, Indian cafés, Pakistani kitchens, Iranian grills, Arabic bakeries, and small family-owned places that have existed for many years. Eating here feels like discovering a new world because every dish is prepared with love, authenticity, and tradition.
Old Dubai includes areas such as Deira, Al Fahidi, Al Seef, Bur Dubai, and the Dubai Creek. These places are filled with souks, museums, mosques, boats, and old-style markets. Visitors often explore attractions like Al Fahidi District, Al Shindagha Museum, Coffee Museum, the Gold Souk, and the Spice Souk, all located in the same area. All of these places are surrounded by restaurants serving food inspired by many cultures that once passed through Dubai’s trading ports.
We’ll help you explore the best places to eat in Old Dubai, from small kitchens to family restaurants, cultural dining spots, and modern cafĂ©s with traditional touches.
Why Old Dubai Is a Special Food Destination
Eating in Old Dubai feels different from anywhere else in the city. Instead of tall towers and luxury malls, you see traditional markets, wooden boats, and homes built with old-style materials. The air is filled with smells of spices, grilled meat, sweet tea, freshly baked bread, and strong Arabic coffee. Every restaurant has a story to tell.
A Mix of Cultures in Every Street
People from India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, East Africa, and the Middle East have lived and worked in Old Dubai for decades. This cultural mix shaped the food here. You will find curries, biryanis, kebabs, fish grills, Arabic bread, chai, and street snacks from many countries, all in one area.
Affordable and Delicious Food
Most restaurants in Old Dubai are simple and affordable. Even families or budget travelers can enjoy full meals without spending much. Small cafés serve generous portions, and street eateries offer hot, fresh dishes that taste amazing.
Friendly, Homely Atmosphere
Many restaurants in Old Dubai are run by small families or long-time workers. They talk to customers with warmth and make the dining experience feel personal and welcoming.
Historic Surroundings
Restaurants are located beside souks, museums, old walkways, creekside views, and traditional homes. This gives visitors a chance to enjoy food while exploring Dubai’s cultural side.
Types of Restaurants in Old Dubai
| Restaurant Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Emirati Restaurants | Offer local UAE dishes such as rice meals, seafood, grilled meats, and desserts made with dates, saffron, and traditional spices, giving visitors a true cultural experience. |
| Indian and Pakistani Restaurants | Small cafés and kitchens serving biryani, karahi, curries, parathas, chai, and sweets. These restaurants are flavorful, affordable, and very popular among travelers. |
| Arabic and Middle Eastern Restaurants | Feature Lebanese, Syrian, and Yemeni dishes prepared with fresh herbs, warm spices, grilled meats, and traditional mezze plates. |
| Iranian and Afghani Grills | Serve juicy kebabs, saffron rice, grilled lamb, and fresh bread cooked in clay ovens, offering deep traditional flavors. |
| Street Food and Local Eateries | Simple shops offering quick snacks like samosas, shawarma, falafel, chai, fresh bread, and local desserts. Great for budget travelers. |
| Modern Cultural Cafés | Contemporary cafés that mix traditional Arabian designs with modern food, coffee, desserts, and peaceful creekside seating. |
Best Traditional Emirati Restaurants in Old Dubai
These restaurants offer the original flavors of the UAE, giving travelers a chance to taste authentic Emirati food.
Al Bait Al Qadeem : One of the oldest cultural restaurants in the area. The building is designed in old Arabic style with courtyards, wooden doors, and soft lighting. They serve dishes like lamb machboos, chicken salona, Arabic bread, and sweet luqaimat.
Arabian Tea House : Located in the Al Fahidi Historical District, this restaurant is famous for its white chairs, blue flowers, relaxing courtyard, and Emirati breakfasts. Travelers enjoy balaleet, chebab pancakes, Arabic coffee, and fresh salads.
Al Fanar Restaurant : A family-friendly restaurant designed to look like an old Emirati home. They serve classic dishes like harees, grilled fish, and rice meals.
Best Indian Restaurants in Old Dubai
Indian food is extremely popular in Old Dubai, especially because many Indian families have lived here for generations.
Sind Punjab : A famous Indian-Pakistani restaurant known for butter chicken, biryani, naan, and kebabs.
Rangoli : A vegetarian Indian restaurant offering thalis, dosas, curries, and fresh sweets.
Aryaas : A South Indian restaurant offering idli, dosa, vada, and delicious sambar.
Best Pakistani Restaurants in Old Dubai
Pakistani restaurants in Old Dubai serve rich, flavorful dishes that are perfect for families and groups.
Ravi Restaurant : One of Dubai’s most famous Pakistani restaurants. They serve karahi, biryani, grilled chicken, and fresh naan.
Student Biryani : Known for its spicy biryani, chicken gravy, and delicious desserts.
Karachi Darbar : A long-standing restaurant offering Pakistani curries, grills, and traditional street dishes.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Old Dubai
These restaurants offer Arabic flavors full of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients.
Al Ustad Special Kabab : A legendary spot famous for kebabs marinated in yogurt and spices. Many travelers visit just to try these special kebabs.
Al Safadi : A well-known Lebanese restaurant offering mezze, shawarma, grilled meats, and salads.
Al Yemen Mandi : A Yemeni restaurant serving mandi chicken, meat dishes, and traditional rice plates.
Best Iranian and Afghani Restaurants
Al Kabul Darbar : Famous for Afghani kebabs, rice dishes, and fresh naan cooked in clay ovens.
Pars Iranian Kitchen : An Iranian restaurant offering tender meat kebabs, saffron rice, and grilled fish.
Best Street Food in Old Dubai
Old Dubai is full of street eaters and hidden food shops that offer simple, delicious snacks.
Karachi Bakery : A small shop offering hot samosas, kulfi, biscuits, and Indian sweets.
Local Shawarma Stalls : Visitors love grabbing shawarma rolls from small stalls in Deira and Bur Dubai.
Chai Shops : Many tiny cafés serve hot, sweet karak chai, a local favorite.
Best Cafés and Modern Cultural Spots
XVA Café : Located inside an art hotel, this café offers vegetarian dishes, salads, and coffee in a peaceful courtyard.
Al Seef Restaurants : A modern creekside area with restaurants offering a mix of Arabic, Indian, and international dishes. Perfect for families and evening walks.
DOH Doughnuts : A fun café offering fresh doughnuts and coffee with a modern twist.
Best Restaurants With Creek Views
These restaurants offer beautiful water views of the Dubai Creek, wooden boats, and evening lights.
Al Seef Waterfront Dining : Restaurants here offer calm seating areas next to the water. Visitors can enjoy music, gentle wind, and beautiful reflections on the creek.
Bait Al Khetyar : A casual restaurant serving Arabic grills with outdoor seating facing the water.
Suggested Food Itinerary for Old Dubai
Morning
Begin your day at Arabian Tea House with Emirati breakfast, then explore the Al Fahidi Historical District and the Coffee Museum.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Al Ustad Special Kabab or Rangoli.
Evening
Walk around Al Seef, take an abra ride across the creek, and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Price Guide
| Restaurant Type | AED Range | USD Range |
|---|---|---|
| Emirati Cuisine | 40-120 AED | 11-33 USD |
| Indian/Pakistani | 20-60 AED | 5-16 USD |
| Arabic/Grills | 25-80 AED | 7-22 USD |
| Cafés | 15-40 AED | 4-11 USD |
Tips for Choosing the Best Restaurant in Old Dubai
Explore Side Streets
Some of the best restaurants are hidden in small lanes behind the souks.
Try New Cuisines
Old Dubai is the best place to taste Emirati, Indian, Pakistani, and Iranian dishes.
Visit During Evenings
The area feels lively at night with lights, markets, boats, and music.
Walk to Discover
Many great restaurants are small and easy to miss unless you walk around.
FAQs About Best Restaurants in Old Dubai
What is the best restaurant in Old Dubai?
Al Ustad Special Kabab and Arabian Tea House are two top choices.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, places like Rangoli and Aryaas offer full vegetarian menus.
Is Old Dubai expensive?
No, it is one of the most affordable places to eat in Dubai.
What is the best time to visit?
Evening is the best time for food and walking.
Is Old Dubai family-friendly?
Yes, many restaurants are comfortable and safe for families.
If you want help choosing the best restaurants in Old Dubai or planning your food trip, feel free to Contact Us. The team at BestDubaiPlaces.com is always ready to help.
