My favourite casual restaurants!

It’s no secret that Dubai is all about the bling—from luxury hotels and towering skyscrapers to high-end cars and extravagant restaurants. But if you’re new to the city, finding great food that’s not just about fine dining and hefty price tags can be a bit of a challenge.

Having lived here for three years now, I’ve built up a go-to list of tried and tested spots—places I always take visiting friends and family when they want a true taste of Dubai’s diverse food scene. If you’re looking for delicious, affordable options that don’t require dressing up for a Michelin-starred experience, here are my top picks!

🍽 For Lebanese food: Al Beiruti is the spot! I’ll be doing a deep dive on this gem in another post, but if you’re feeling adventurous, order the Kibbe Nayye—Lebanon’s beloved raw beef dish. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the foodies!

🍽 For an Arabic/Emirati mix: Arabian Teahouse is a must-visit. Their falafel is a winner, and their breakfast platters are top-tier!

🍽 For international flavors with a twist: Terra Eatery offers beautiful aesthetics, great service, and a fresh take on global cuisine.

🍽 For Greek food: Taverna Greek at Souk Madinat Jumeirah—I haven’t had a single dish here that didn’t blow me away. Absolutely yum!

🍽 For Arabic fusion: Somewhere is the place to be. Their Umm Ali is hands-down the best I’ve ever had—trust me on this one!

🍽 For great music & a vibrant atmosphere: NOLA is my go-to. Their braised short ribs with potato puree dish is legendary—super filling, but so worth it.

🍽 For a classic Turkish breakfast: Sultan Saray serves up a fantastic spread that’s perfect for a relaxed morning feast.

🍽 For your everyday Japanese cuisine fix: Kinoya should definitely be on your list. If you’re a ramen lover, no one in Dubai does it like Kinoya! Just make sure to reserve ahead of time, especially if you’re going as a group or on weekends!

So, whether you’re visiting or just looking to explore more of Dubai’s food scene, these are some of my absolute favourites! Let me know if you try any—and of course, drop your recommendations too! 😊