15 underrated Dubai restaurants that aren't tourist traps
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 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).
Calicut Paragon
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Calicut Paragon
If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant deep in the busy Karama neighbourhood, Paragon specialises in Southern Indian cuisine. This has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years, and one of the top Indian restaurants in town, too.
With dishes that sing with spice, dig into chicken Malabari, fish tikka, moilee, masala mushrooms and more, all served with piping hot naan. Dubai-based Keralites really love this spot.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Karama, @calicutparagon (04 335 8700).
Harummanis
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Harummanis
Well-loved Dubai chef Akmal Anuar opened 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, but not always frequently visited by tourists. 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 amazing. Crispy squares of nori sheets, wrapped around rice and delicious high-quality filling. Every bite hits you with everything it's got.
And in Dubai, there's nowhere that does it better than at 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 crowd in Dubai.
Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight or until sushi is sold out. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @kokoro.dxb.
Kooya Filipino Eatery
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kooya Filipino Eatery
Kooya Filipino Eatery is refreshingly fun, warm and welcoming, designed to reconnect Dubai's enormous Pinoy population with the motherland.
Flavours like salt, vinegar, tamarind, coconut, ginger and soy lead the way, while portions are generous and ridiculously well-priced.
Main courses include moreish chicken inasal, beef belly caldereta and crispy pancit canton, while the Kooya fried chicken wings in ginger and tamarind gravy are a fail-safe introduction for newcomers to the cuisine.
Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun 11am-midnight. Jannah Place Hotel, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, kooyafilipinoeatery.com (050 427 6891).
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, you'll be so glad you did. 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, avocado 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).
Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop
Hungry for a smashed burger? This is the place for you. Maxzi was originally an online grocery store, before setting up shop in the hip Al Quoz in 2018. And since then, its awesome burgers have drawn in a loyal following.
Burgers are made with wagyu beef and smooshed into squidgy potato buns, smothered with onion, pickles and house sauce. Hungry? Go for the double cheeseburger. Extra-hungry? Go large with the triple patty. Pair it with tater tots and you're onto a good thing.
Now officially the best burger in Dubai for 2025, this is one patty you'll be dreaming of for days.
Open daily 8.30am-1.30am. Al Shafar Investment Building, Al Quoz, maxzi.ae (04 395 3988).
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, 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 croque 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 Dubai, 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 the vibe is immaculate. What more could you need?
Open daily from 11am-2am. Thuraya Telecom Tower, Barsha Heights, tacosita.ae
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Time Out Dubai
an hour ago
- Time Out Dubai
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Highly commended Calicut Paragon Credit: Calicut Paragon If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant specialising in Southern Indian cuisine, this has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years, and one of the top Indian restaurants in town, too. With dishes that sing with spice, dig into chicken Malabari, fish tikka, moilee, masala mushrooms and more, all served with piping hot naan. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'While there are plenty of meat and vegetarian dishes, it's seafood that reigns supreme at Calicut Paragon. And, for us, the crab tushar takes the crown for the best.' Check out our full Calicut Paragon review here Open daily, 7am-midnight. Unlicensed. Karama, @calicutparagon (04 335 8700). 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Check out our full Dukkan El Baba review here Open daily, 9am-1am. Unlicensed. Barsha Heights, @dukka_el_baba (04 344 0140). Hanoi Naturally Credit: Hanoi Naturally This healthy Asian restaurant is a go-to spot for Vietnamese cuisine in Dubai. And the best news is it's also one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai. Found in JLT, where you'll discover many of the best authentic, pocket-friendly eateries in town, Hanoi Naturally is a popular place for those who want to tuck into healthy dishes, for less. Enjoy salads, phos and more, all using delicious, fresh ingredients at prices that will make you return time and again. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'Absolutely unmissable is a bowl of pho – whether chicken, beef or vegetable. Slurping up this fragrant, brothy noodle soup is one of the best comfort food experiences in town. Other classics include bun noodle dishes and crunchy salads packed with julienned papaya, carrots and punchy fish sauce.' 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Daily Mirror
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Picture-perfect village where fewer than 400 people live is my favourite family day out
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Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
This gorgeous Central Asian country just extended visa-free travel to 56 countries
Good news for spontaneous adventurers, curious globetrotters, and business travellers: Kazakhstan has expanded its visa-free policy to include a whopping 56 countries, effective immediately. So, if you hold a passport from Thailand, Vietnam, the US, the UK, and beyond, you can now enter Central Asia's largest nation for up to 30 days while skipping all the fuss with paperwork. With this move, Kazakhstan hopes to attract business travellers, digital innovators, and, of course, travellers. Its tourism profile is undoubtedly rising – the country welcomed over 7.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 – and expanded visa-free access will only boost visitor numbers further. Whether you're eyeing a trip to the futuristic capital of Astana, the historic sights in Turkistan, or the otherworldly landscapes near Almaty, Kazakhstan just got a lot more welcoming. So, here's what you need to know about the country's new visa regime. Who can enter Kazakhstan visa-free? Europe (34 countries): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City Asia (9 countries): Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam Middle East (6 countries): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates Americas (5 countries): Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand Need to know before you go Effective immediately, passport holders from eligible countries can enter, stay, and exit Kazakhstan without a visa. Just note that stays are limited to 30 calendar days per visit, with a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. There are some special cases: Indian and Iranian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 14 days per visit, with a total of 42 days within 180 days. Turkish citizens get to stay for a whopping 90 days visa-free, thanks to close bilateral ties between the two countries. What does this mean for travellers from Asia? Time to pack your bags for Kazakhstan is what it means. Several Asian countries already offer direct flights there, including Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, and South Korea – and the number is growing every day. Now that access is visa-free, a trip to Kazakhstan could be as simple as a hop over to your favourite weekend destination. But let's be real, you'll want to spend a lot more time in Kazakhstan. Why Kazakhstan should be on your 2025/26 hit list Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, and the largest landlocked one. In other words, it's massive, with plenty to explore. The country is home to some seriously unspoiled nature, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts and canyons to mountains and jewelled lakes. These can be explored with guided tours (which we recommend booking far in advance) or, for the daring, by yourself in a rented car. Some top nature attractions include Altyn-Emel National Park, Kolsai Lakes National Park, and Charyn Canyon. Kazakhstan is also a dream for culture and history buffs. There's the ancient Silk Road town called Otrar, majestic mausoleums like the Mausoleum of Khamaja Ahmed Yasawi, and in stark contrast, fabulously futuristic cities such as Astana, with striking landmarks like the Baiterek Tower.
