10 oldest restaurants in Dubai from Barasti to Fibber Magee's
While this city and its restaurants are known as some of the most modern in the world, the oldest restaurants in Dubai are not to be overlooked.
If you've been here since the 80s and 90s you've seen this city evolve like no one else. And while new restaurants swing their doors open regularly each month, it's sometimes hard to keep up. That's why visiting (or revisiting) one of the city's absolute mainstays is always reassuring. Who doesn't love a little dose of nostalgia?
From iconic eateries that have preserved their flavours to legendary bars that have witnessed Dubai's transformation. Here are the 10 oldest restaurants and bars in Dubai.
Oldest restaurants and bars in Dubai
Al Ustad Special Kabab
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Al Ustad Special Kabab. Credit: Twitter.com/SultanAlQassemi
Al Ustad Special Kebab, a renowned Iranian kebab house on Mankhool Street in Bur Dubai, has been a local favourite since its opening in 1978. Celebrated for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, it is one of Dubai's oldest restaurants and continues to impress with its flavourful skewers.
The family-run eatery, led by three brothers, is also known for its very funky interiors, featuring over 8,000 photos and memorabilia of celebrities and Dubai royalty. A highlight is the 'Special Kebab', marinated for hours and served with Iranian-style rice. Al Ustad offers authentic Iranian kebabs at affordable prices, making it a must-visit 46 years on.
Open Sat-Thu 11am-1pm, Fri 6pm-1am. Al Mussallah Road, Deira alustadspecialkabab.has.restaurant (04 397 1933)
Barasti
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Barasti.
Opening in its original form in 1995, Barasti is the city's original beach club, bar and pub, all in one. And it's still one of the most popular. Though when it opened Barasti was far from the sprawling venue it is today; back in the 90s, it was a swimming pool beside the beach with a hut where live musicians would play acoustic sets by the sunset.
Today, the beach bar is open every day and attracts people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a laid-back bar to wear your flip-flops (or heels), Barasti is your go-to.
Open daily from 9am-2am. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road (04 318 1313).
Bu Qtair
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bu Qtair.
Bu Qtair, to the uninitiated, may not look like a must-visit dining destination in Dubai but looks can be deceiving. Glitz and glamour are certainly off the menu at this fairly basic eatery, but turn up for a bite to eat and you will join a lengthy queue full of hungry hordes who know all about Bu Qtair's reputation for seafood excellence. The price depends on the type of fish and how much your order is, but satisfaction is pretty much guaranteed to follow, regardless of what you get.
The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked.
Open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130).
Boardwalk
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Boardwalk.
One spot that's been around for decades is Boardwalk. At 30 years old, it has certainly aged well since opening its doors in 1994. With epic views over Dubai Creek and a food menu that still draws in crowds, if you haven't been yet, you need to add this to your list.
The Mediterranean-themed menu is vast, including everything from fresh pizzas to an extensive fresh fish and seafood selection set out to reflect markets of the Med, which you can pick and have made to your preference. With an extensive grape menu and vantage point for some of the best sunsets in Dubai, this is one of the city's most famous restaurants for good reason.
Open daily from 12pm-12am. Dubai Creek Resort, Deira (04 205 4647).
Fibber Magee's
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Fibber Magee's.
Throwing open its doors back in 1996, this Irish pub has always prided itself on its authenticity. Though the bar touts itself as 'Dubai's best-kept secret' we don't know many people who haven't stepped through the doors here for the last 28 years at least once.
With a simple, no-fuss menu (including hearty pies and stews), plus a variety of hops on draft, this is your go-to for a friendly night out – or great breakfast.
Open daily from 8am-3am. Saeed Tower I, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400).
Golden Dragon
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Golden Dragon.
Another blast from the very long-ago past. Founded in 1976, Golden Dragon in Oud Metha was the UAE's first-ever Chinese restaurant. Known for its Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, the restaurant's extensive menu also embraces a range of Asian influences from Malaysia to Thailand. Golden Dragon is especially celebrated for its dim sum and wok-tossed dishes.
And 48 years later, it is a hot spot for Chinese food-lovers in the old-school neighbourhood.
Open Mon-Sat from noon-midnight, Sun noon-11pm. Oud Metha Building, Umm Hurrair (04 357 7022).
Miyako
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Miyako.
Opening its doors in 1987, Miyako is seen as one of Dubai's first Japanese restaurants. Sticking to its strict code of serving only Japanese cuisine, not diluting its menu with other Asian dishes and employing Japanese staff, Miyako is the place to check out if you want something super authentic.
Although relatively small, this ambient, serene eatery feels open and expansive, yet intimate and warm at the same time. And while there's beauty aplenty in the decor, it's the food that underlines Miyako's brilliance 37 years later.
Open daily from 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira (04 209 6912)
Ravi
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Ravi Restaurant.
This Pakistani restaurant is definitely a Dubai institution. The unassuming eatery, which has been open for 46 years now, may lack the glamour of newer dining destinations in this city, but here you will find excellent food that will transport your taste buds from the middle of Satwa to the dusty streets of Lahore.
Thanks to its rich and flavour-packed affordable curries, dhals, biryanis and much more, Ravi has been right at the top of the Dubai food chain since 1978. Long may it reign.
Open daily from 5am-2am. Satwa, Dubai (055 334 5481).
Sind Punjab
Founded in 1977, Sind Punjab is a well-known (and well-loved) Indian Mughlai restaurant in Dubai. It is one of the best spots in Deira for butter chicken, chicken tikka and amazing street-side snacks like paani puri and sev puri.
Sind Punjab initially opened 47 years ago in Bur Dubai and now has branches in Karama and Dubai Internet City. Definitely worth checking out for a little bit of nostalgia and positive energy.
Open daily from 8am-1.30am. Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (04 352 5058)
The Irish Village
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: The Irish Village
Nestled under the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium, this sprawling pub was opened in 1996 to feed and water sports fans. 28 years later, this venue is still serving up good vibes year-round and not just to those watching the tennis.
Known for its large garden, this is a crowd-pleasing venue that has a loyal (if not cult) following, so much so that it has its own gift shop.
Open daily from 11am-2am. Garhoud (04 282 4750).
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