12 underrated Dubai restaurants that aren't tourist traps
Dubai is mainstream, that's for sure.
It's definitely not your average undiscovered city that no one's heard about.
It's world-renowned alright… for its instagrammable skyscrapers, luxury shopping spots and (most importantly) a highly impressive restaurant scene that draws millions of tourists each year.
Here, you will have no shortage of celeb chefs and glitzy glam dining rooms. But what if you want to discover Dubai the way residents and locals do?
Away from the famous restaurants that top the best list here, and the star lists there? The real deal stuff that locals flock to?
Here are some wonderfully low-key, underrated gems across the city that are worth your time.
Birch Bakery
Super underrated and tucked away in the depths of Al Quoz, Birch Bakery is the kind of spot that once you've discovered, you're never going to forget. So get ready for a trip that ends with you sampling croissants, bread and the like.
This very un-touristy spot has just under a handful of tables, but more often than not you'll leave with armfuls of baked goods ready to scoff on the sofa (or in your car on the side of the road, we're not judging). Don't miss the Emirati honey and sea salt croissant, while top picks for bread include a nut and seed loaf or sea salt focaccia.
Sweet tooth? The chocolate babka and apple tart have your name on them. One of the best bakeries in Dubai (for those in the know).
Open daily from 7am-3pm. Al Quoz, birchbread.com (04 222 6665).
Café Isan
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Café Isan
Located on the first floor of a random JLT hotel, Café Isan really is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy top Thai food in Dubai. Featuring mismatched plastic furniture, a Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices, this higgledy-piggledy spot serves up utterly delicious food for less.
Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy, you've been warned) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more.
Take a seat out on the large terrace during the winter – but be sure to call and book ahead, the city's Thai food fans (who are in the know) love it as much as we do.
Open Sun-Fri noon-midnight, Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).
Harummanis
New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Harummanis
Well-loved Dubai chef Akmal Anuar launched a Singaporean-Malay restaurant in the heart of Jumeirah 1. Harummanis, which pays homage to the Harumanis mango, is a nod to Anuar's roots. This little spot offers up traditional dishes with a modern twist while remaining true to their origins.
Diners can look forward to super unique dishes like beef cheeks rendang and a reimagined ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce instead of the traditional peanut dressing.
We love a menu that's inspired by a chef's upbringing.
Tue-Sun noon-11pm, Mon 6pm-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah @harummanis.51 (056 536 1674).
Kokoro Handroll Bar
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kokoro Dubai
Alserkal Avenue is one of those areas in Dubai that's just so undeniably cool. Very well-loved by residents, if you walk around Alserkal you'll find some cool underrated eateries that you definitely don't want to miss. Kokoro Handroll Bar is one of them.
Dubai's first dedicated hand roll bar offers sushi-lovers something truly amazing. Crispy squares of nori sheets, wrapped around your rice and delicious high-quality filling to ensure every bite hits you with everything it's got.
And in Dubai, there's nowhere that does it better at a reasonable price than Kokoro, with its laid-back, quirky charm and rows of costumed rubber ducks dotted all over the venue.
An underrated spot that's known and well-loved among the foodie crowds in Dubai.
Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight or until sushi is sold out. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @kokoro.dxb
Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
This cute taqueria in Umm Suqueim on Jumeirah Beach Road is a low-key, unlicensed restaurant that makes for a very cool yet underrated spot for casual dining. Wedged between a car accessories shop and a little shawarma cafeteria, Lila serves an eclectic and sociable menu, this Mexican joint is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with friends.
Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, loads of spices and melted cheese.
Open Tue-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Umm Suqeim, lilataqueria.com (04 282 0005).
Long Teng Seafood Restaurant
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Long Teng.
Hidden deep in Business Bay, Long Teng is located at the base of the U Bora tower and is set over several floors (it's literally huge). This authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood-leaning Chinese dishes. If the weather permits, make your way right to the rooftop seating area and enjoy views of the city.
There's a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. And delicious noodles and stir-fries. Literally, everything you could want in one very large almost book-like menu. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. But it's this out-of-the-way spot that's one of our favourite tourist-free destinations in Dubai.
Open daily from noon-midnight. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @longtengseafood (04 241 1666).
LOWE
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lowe.
This unreal spot in Al Barari is quite the drive if you live near or around Sheikh Zayed Road, but it's one of the most unique foodie experiences in the city. At the home-grown eatery, you can look forward to friendly service and tasty plates, plus plenty of coffee to pair with a delicious cake.
An open kitchen preps interesting dishes with a combination of Middle Eastern and Japanese flavours, while the fully loaded burger is always a popular choice. It's licensed, too, so you can order a beverage to go with your meal.
Wed-Thurs, 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun, 8am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. KOA Canvas, Al Barari, lowe-dubai.com (04 320 1890).
Maisan15
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Maisan15
This hip spot located in a residential area in Al Barsha South takes a little bit of effort to find, but once you do, it's part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. With a cute terrace out the front (pictured above), an eclectic array of furnishings, it's a quirky spot for a chilled-out bite to eat. Breakfasts are popular here with a menu serving up everything from eggs to pancakes, avo toast to açaí, while burgers, salads and pizzas populate the main course menu.
There's a Middle Eastern touch throughout (think shawarma pizza et al) while the artwork inside rotates frequently meaning there's always something interesting to catch your eye.
Open daily 8am-11pm. Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291).
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Located in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of.
Hands down one of our favourite Greek restaurants in Dubai, Mythos is a go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price. Super underrated and very well-priced. To get there you have to walk through the parking garage of a four-star hotel (more like three if we're being honest).
From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it.
There is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts.
Open daily from 12.30pm-3.45pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, mythosdubai.com (04 399 8166).
NETTE
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: NETTE
Another one in the heart of Al Quoz, the absolutely beautiful green goddess coffee shop NETTE is almost like a little oasis in a sea of construction sites. Specialising in French-Japanese fusion food there's plenty to love about this spot, which is tucked away inside the Matcha Club, making it ideal for a post-padel breakfast or catch-up coffee or a matcha latte.
Dig into overnight oats, egg sando or a Japanese breakfast skillet in the morning and later in the day turn your attention to a miso croquet madam or yuzu ponzu crispy salmon.
A hip place that's perfect for a chilled-out coffee and one of the best cafés in Dubai.
Open daily, 8am-10pm. Match Club, Al Quoz, @nettedxb (04 548 8369).
San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Hidden away in an unassuming corner of JLT's Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles' is really well-loved among local foodies.
Service is friendly and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles – which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen.
The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location.
Open daily, noon-10.30pm. Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @sanwan.dxb (050 759 9584).
Tacosita
Credit: Tacosita
We, at Time Out, love a hole in the wall and Tacosita is the definition of that. Nestled in a little storefront in Barsha Heights, this new spot serves up amazing Mexican street food.
Founded by chef Salam El Baba, who transitioned from a corporate career to the F&B industry, Tacosita's menu features standout dishes like slow-cooked birria tacos and shrimp tacos gobernador. The menu is packed with unique creations. The laid-back and easy atmosphere is super authentic and very stripped back.
Prices are affordable, food is delicious and vibe is immaculate. What more could you need?
Open daily from 11am-2am. Thuraya Telecom Tower, Barsha Heights, tacosita.ae
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