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Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Famous Dubai restaurants: A first-timer's guide to dining in Dubai
New to Dubai? Welcome to a city where the restaurants are shinier than your passport stamp and brunch is basically a competitive sport. Whether you're here for a few days or settling in for good, there are some places you just have to try – even if they're a little touristy. Now don't get us wrong… we're all about the cool underrated non-tourist trap spots in the city, but sometimes when you go to Dubai, you want to go to Dubai. We're talking truffle-topped pizzas in a place with Burj Khalifa views, shawarma served at 3am on Sheikh Zayed Road post-clubbing and, of course, brunch. No elaboration needed. So get hungry, charge your phone (you're going to want photos) and let us guide you through the must-hit restaurants every Dubai first-timer needs to tick off. Arabian Tea House Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Arabian Teahouse Of course, we had to start with Arabian Tea House – the ultimate Dubai rite of passage. Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi district, this charming courtyard café is all white rattan chairs, swaying curtains and laid-back vibes. Come for the tea (there are loads), stay for the delicious Emirati breakfasts, tanoor bread and Arabic coffee with serious kick. Since 1997, it's been a peaceful escape for celebs, locals and first-timers alike. Whether you're refuelling after a culture walk or just want somewhere to sip in style – this is heritage with heart (and very good hummus). Read more about Arabian Tea House: 27 years later, this Al Fahidi café is still one of the best in Dubai Unlicensed. Bastakiya opposite the Musalla Post Office, Al Fahidi Street, (04 353 5071). at Burj Khalifa Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Atmosphere You're in the Burj Khalifa – need we say more? Whether you're there for breakfast in the clouds or golden hour bubbly with skyline views, is pure Dubai drama. Sure, it's a bit touristy, but there's something iconic about sipping a cappuccino while hovering 122 floors above the city. Dress up, book ahead, and soak it all in. It's the kind of place where every table has a camera out – and honestly, who can blame them? Read more about Atmosphere: You can have a three-course meal at the Burj Khalifa for Dhs165 Licensed. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, (04 888 3828). Barasti Famous Dubai restaurants (and bars) you have to try. 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. Here's a history lesson: 13 old photos of Barasti from 1995 until today that will blow your mind Licensed. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road (04 318 1313). Bubbalicious Brunch Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Bubbalicious One of the biggest and best buffet brunches in Dubai, Bubbalicious is an absolutely massive Saturday afternoon food-filled extravaganza. Sprawling out across three restaurants and a large outdoor terrace, this is one for the Dubai bucket list. Famed for its huge spread of food, it's excellent quality, especially given the scale of it. Whether you want freshly shucked oysters and a slap-up roast dinner, stir-fries made in front of you, fragrant curries or fish and chips, you're in the right place. Or if you just want to go all out at the cheese station, well, we wouldn't persuade you otherwise. There are plenty of drinks stations, live music, entertainment for the kids and more. All bases are covered at Bubbalicious. More brunch? Best buffet brunches to try in Dubai Licensed. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh. Bu Qtair Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. 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. Unlicensed. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130). Orfali Bros. Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Orfali Bros Bistro Consistently excellent, Orfali Bros Bistro is renowned as one of the best and most well-known Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Helmed by celebrity chef Mohamad Orfali and his siblings Wassim and Omar, the menu here is fresh, fusion and with plenty to talk about, with the Orfali bayildi, umami éclair and OB croquettes being just three of the incredible creations that are in store. Having been named the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the city multiple times by Time Out Dubai, it's an eatery that needs to be visited by anyone visiting or moving to this city. Read our review of Orfali Bros here Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, (04 259 2477). Ravi Restaurant Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Ravis A rite of passage wrapped in foil and dripping with flavour. Ravi's is a Satwa legend – the kind of place where the tables are plastic, the biryani is always steaming, and everyone from taxi drivers to celebrities queues up for a taste. It's loud, a little chaotic, and completely unmissable. Don't overthink it – just order the chicken tikka, daal fry and a stack of hot roti, and tuck in under the neon glow. This is real-deal Dubai, one bite at a time. Unlicensed. Satwa (04 331 5353). Saffron 2.0 Brunch Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Saffron It's iconic. It's rowdy. It's one of the most famous (infamous?) party brunches in Dubai. Saffron Brunch 2.0, as DJs spin chart-topping hits alongside dancers, singers and magicians, with each week playing home to a different theme. Sip on one of Saffron's legendary drinks or take your pick of cuisines from across the globe with more than 220 dishes and 20 live cooking stations to choose from. Licensed. Over 21s. Sat 1pm-4pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2626). Salt Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Salt This is what a Dubai beach day tastes like. Salt started as a burger truck on Kite Beach and exploded into a full-blown phenomenon. Today, it's a retro-cool spot with sliders, loaded fries, soft-serve ice cream (lotus flavour, obviously), and that unbeatable ocean view. Locals line up, tourists tag it, and honestly? It lives up to the hype. The food's quick, tasty and hits the spot – especially after a swim or a long beach stroll. Unlicensed. Kite Beach, Um Suqqeim Time Out Market Dubai Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Time Out Market It's not just a food hall – it's the food hall. Time Out Market brings together 17 of Dubai's best homegrown chefs, under one very delicious roof. Whether you're craving ramen, risotto, or a ridiculously good burger, there's something for every palate (and every plus-one). Perched at the end of Souk Al Bahar, it also has front-row seats to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain (when it reopens in October) – a perfect way to explore the best of Dubai without having to drive around. Licensed. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai URLA Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: URLA There are few places where you'll get a better view of the Burj Khalifa than from Urla at Address Downtown Dubai. With a huge terrace to take a seat on, you'll have a front-row view once the Fountain show starts off the evening, and with the Burj Khalifa front and centre in all its glittering glory, you may well be lost for words. There's also an Aegean menu, crafted mixed drinks and a mellow vibe. An amazing place to impress your visitors, this is one of the best bars with a view in Dubai, without a doubt. Licensed. Address Downtown Dubai, (052 554 5997). Zaroob Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Zaroob Wouldn't be a rite of passage list without Shawarma now, would it? While there are plenty of places to grab this world-famous streetside snack, Zaroob is a Dubai institution, the kind of place where taxi drivers, party people and insomniacs all end up eventually. The shawarma? Wrapped, plated, chicken or beef – it's all on point. Open 24/7, it's earned its stripes as the city's unofficial post-midnight dining room. Falafel, manakeesh, fresh juices – you name it. But really, you're here for that no-fuss, perfectly spiced shawarma hit. You might want to know about… the 24 best shawarma sandwiches in Dubai to devour today Various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina, Zuma Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Zuma There's Zuma and then there's Zuma Dubai. Yes, it's a massive hit around the world. But Zuma Dubai is at a whole other level. Long been one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, it is one of the pioneers in DIFC's dining scene. Zuma draws in the crowds every day of the week – be it for brunch, business lunch or a fabulous dinner. The black cod is one of the most famous dishes globally, buttery soft, sweet and wonderfully moreish. The service is spot-on, the vibe is buzzing and the plates here are consistently brilliant – be it gyoza, sushi or robata. Want to make a reservation in the meantime? Read Time Out Dubai's best Japanese restaurants 2025 list here Licensed. Gate Village, DIFC, (04 425 5660). Want to make a reservation in the meantime? Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer Dubai's best restaurants: 86 incredible places to dine in We know where you should book into this week The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the islandYou'll want to check it out… right now.
Time Out Dubai
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai weekend: What to do in Dubai in 48 hours
You've landed in Dubai. The clock is ticking and you have 48 hours to discover how incredible this city is. Spoiler alert: you can't do everything (that's why you need to plan a return trip), however, you can pack a hefty amount into 48 hours. Don't know where to start? Don't worry, we're here to help – we've mapped out your dream Dubai weekend (or couple of weekdays), giving you a flavour of everything the city has to offer. It's going to be jam-packed, filled with the best things to do in Dubai. Let's go. Day 1: Morning Experience UAE culture Credit:Canva First stop – breakfast. Getting straight into the culture, head for a traditional Emirati breakfast at the Arabian Tea House in Bur Dubai and enjoy one of their breakfast trays, filled with dates, molasses, Balaleet, watermelon jam and baked beans. Then it's time to walk off that breakfast around Old Dubai. Take in the sights on either side of Dubai Creek before it gets too hot and you can even use an abra – a traditional boat – to ferry you over for just Dhs1. Enjoy a stroll through the Gold Souk to hunt out a bargain (haggling is expected!), or the traditional boutiques around Al Seef to get a feel of Dubai in years gone by. Arabian Tea House, open daily 7am-11pm, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, (04 353 5071). Day 1: Afternoon Explore Dubai Mall (Credit: CanvaPro) You'll be getting your steps in today that's for sure, as next on the itinerary is an adventure around the world's biggest shopping mall. With over 1,500 shops and restaurants, there is everything at Dubai Mall that you could ever need. If you like this: Your ultimate guide to Dubai Mall It's not just about shopping though – you'll also find Dubai Ice Rink, an enormous Reel Cinema, an immersive hype experience, a quirky soft play and an e-karting track. Open daily 10am-11pm. Downtown Dubai, Day 1: Evening Enjoy Downtown Dubai Credit: CÉ LA VI For your evening activities, make sure to catch the sunset at Burj Khalifa. At The Top you'll find a viewing deck on floor 125. Want to go even higher? There are other packages available that will whistle you all the way up to level 148, just be sure to book ahead. When you get hungry, head to Time Out Market and grab something from the huge selection of food vendors – keep an eye out for Pitfire Pizza, Pickl and Mattar. Your last destination of the day is Cé La Vi for a few drinks overlooking Downtown Dubai. You'll be served some incredible views of glittering Burj Khalifa, which looks even more impressive from this 54th-floor restaurant. If the weather isn't too hot, head out to the terrace to make the most of those stellar panoramas. Prices vary. At The Top, open daily 5am-midnight, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, (04 888 8124). Time Out Market, open Mon-Thu noon-midnight; Fri noon-1am; Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (054 375 2421). Open Sun-Fri noon-3am, Sat 12.30pm-3am. Level 54, Tower 2, Address Sky View Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, (04 582 6111). Day 2, Morning Yoga and breakfast at Aura Skypool Is there a better way to start the day than cooling off at one of the hottest spots in town? Aura Skypool is the world's highest infinity pool, with 360-degree vistas and incredible views over Atlantis The Palm. Spend the morning tucking into breakfast – with dishes like an Asian brunch bowl or miso eggs benedict – and taking a dip. The pool is an ideal spot to pose for pics or, if you're the active type, you can do a yoga class three mornings a week for the ultimate flex (literally). Prices vary. Opening times Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, (04 566 2121). Day 2: Afternoon Take on Atlantis Aquaventure While the summer temperatures are in full force, a trip to the waterpark is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Keeping you cool as you splash between slides or float along the lazy river, there's plenty to do in the world's largest waterpark (try Poseidon's Revenge if you dare…). Plus, once you're all dried off, you can take a wander through the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel or even take a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you'll meet over 65,000 marine animals. Atlantis Aquaventure: From Dhs235. Open daily 10am-6.30pm. Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 0000). The Lost Chambers Aquarium: From Dhs125 (adult), Dhs100 (child). Open daily 10am-9pm. Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 0000). Day 2: Evening Dine, sip and party KIRA (Credit: Supplied) It wouldn't be a trip to Dubai without witnessing Burj Al Arab in all its gilded glory. If you want a spectacular view of the 'seven-star' hotel, book a terrace table at KIRA inside the new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel. Complete with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and gorgeous views, this is a perfect choice for your final dinner. As the evening continues, head to SUSHISAMBA for a show-stopping after-dark drink. With sprawling views over Palm Jumeirah, coupled with an iconic menu of 'Samba Serves' mixed drinks, it's definitely worth sipping one last digestif here. If you want to keep the party going, end your trip on a high at FIVE Palm Jumeirah hotel. Packed with entertainment, the venue never sleeps. Don't miss out on sipping something refreshing on the Maiden Shanghai terrace, or a dance at Bling nightclub – where you can drive your supercar onto the dancefloor – for one last 48-hour fling. KIRA Dubai: Open Sun-Wed noon-1am,Thu-Sun noon-2am. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, (04 328 1665). SUSHISAMBA: Open Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1-3.30pm, 6pm-2am. The St. Regis Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, (04 278 4888). Maiden Shanghai: Open Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-1am; Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-2am; Sat 1pm-7pm, 8pm-2am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah, (04 455 9989). Bling: Open Tue10pm-4am,Thu-Fri 10pm-4am, Sat 11pm-4am, Sun 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah, (058 869 8996). Staying in Dubai? Check out what's happening It's official: The 86 best restaurants in Dubai Tried and tested by us 9 gorgeous reformer Pilates studios to try in Dubai this week Come for the workout, stay for the interiors 6 incredible UAE resorts that feel like you're abroad How to holiday in Greece, Ibiza and the Maldives without leaving the UAE
Hi Dubai
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hi Dubai
Camel Milk, Vegan Kebabs, and the Future of Food in Dubai
Dubai's food scene has always been a feast of cultures and flavours, but in recent years, it has evolved into something even more exciting — a playground of reinvention. This is a city that doesn't just follow global food trends; it reshapes its own traditions to meet the tastes of a new generation. Take camel milk, once a humble staple of Bedouin life, now turned into creamy ice creams, speciality lattes, and even luxury desserts. Or kebabs, a Middle Eastern favourite, are now finding their way into vegan menus, reimagined with plant-based meats for a broader and more conscious audience. It's not just about keeping up with the times, it's about showing how local flavours can adapt, transform, and shine on the global stage. What makes Dubai stand out is its fearless mix of old and new, its ability to honour tradition while experimenting boldly. In the sections ahead, we'll explore how camel milk, vegan kebabs, and multicultural mash-ups are redefining the city's dining scene and where you can experience this delicious evolution for yourself. Camel Milk Goes Mainstream For centuries, camel milk was a quiet symbol of life in the desert, valued for its nutrition, resilience, and deep ties to Emirati culture. But today, it's stepping into the global spotlight as one of Dubai's most talked-about local trends. No longer just served in a glass or stirred into tea, camel milk now stars in ice creams, artisan chocolates, speciality lattes, and even skincare products. Brands like Nouq Ice Cream have taken this traditional ingredient and transformed it into flavours like pistachio and saffron camel milk gelato, winning over locals and tourists alike. One can sip camel milk at Arabian Tea House with their breakfast, while Camelicious Café at Global Village offers a playful spin on this age-old drink. What's driving this surge? Part of it is health — camel milk is rich in nutrients and lower in fat than cow's milk. But even more, it's about novelty and pride. Dubai's chefs, entrepreneurs, and consumers are embracing camel milk not as a relic of the past, but as a symbol of how local tradition can become a cool, contemporary experience. By turning what's abundant and authentic into a trend, Dubai shows how it can make heritage not just relevant, but irresistible. Veganizing Tradition Middle Eastern cuisine is famous for its rich, hearty flavours — think kebabs, shawarma, koftas, and grills that have been a mainstay across the region for generations. But in Dubai, even these timeless dishes are getting a modern twist, as the city embraces the global rise of vegan and plant-based dining. What's remarkable isn't just that vegan options exist, it's how well they've been woven into local favourites. Restaurants like Just Vegan and Soul Santé Café offer plant-based kebabs that pack all the flavour of the originals, without the meat. Over at Bounty Beets and Wild & The Moon, diners can try vegan shawarma wraps, mushroom koftas, and dairy-free mezze platters that bring traditional tastes to a new, health-conscious audience. @feedkiani ‼️Guess what I just ate vegan 🌱😱 Hi guys, I found this amazing new place in business bay and you won't believe it it's actually vegan and I enjoyed it a lot! YES, today for the first time in your life you will see me eating vegan because the Chef's here really know how to bring amazing flavor to vegan dishes! I had kebab skewers,fried chicken, I had different Shawarmas, and trust me when I say, a lot of these dishes, if you would have not told me before it's vegan, I would have believed it's meat. Specially, the burger! The burger was really good, I had both, Buffalo Chicken and the Beef Burger, I really liked it! Of course it is different than eating a real beef burger, but the taste was great and I believe this is an amazing alternative to meat! So if your vegan or not, you need to check this place out the amazing owner used to own Dubai biggest vegan restaurant and now she opened her new restaurant and Business Bay for delivery and dine-in by the canal. Check it out and let me know. What do you think? Blooming Onion 32AED Mosakhan Rolls 38AED Mini Beef Sliders 38AED Crispy Salmon Taco 48AED Vegan Tuna Tartare 55AED Double Smashed Burger 55AED Korean Buffalo Chicken 55AED Meat Shawarma 38AED Chicken Shawarma 38AED Kabab Shawarma 45AED Vegan Lobster Roll 55AED Crispy Enoki 38AED Escalope Milanese 55AED Mango Kunaffa Cup 38AED Pistachio Cheesecake 45AED Stuffed Doughnuts 38AED Strawberry Mojito 25AED Passionfruit Mojito 25AED Page Replika vegan restaurant 📍Replika,- Windsor Manor, Business Bay - Dubai For Parking - ask security and they will open a parking slot for you in front of the building, then take elevators down - soon they will have valet parking Btw it's Pet-Friendly 🐶 . . . . ##veganfood #vegan #vegansim #burger #shawarma #dubairestaurants #foodtiktok #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #viral ♬ original sound - Reza Kiani This shift isn't limited to trendy cafés. Even classic spots are adding vegan menus, responding to demand from both locals and international visitors looking for plant-based versions of their favourite foods. What was once unthinkable — a kebab without meat — is now a symbol of culinary creativity and inclusiveness. Dubai's vegan movement shows the city's ability to adapt and innovate, proving that honouring tradition doesn't mean being stuck in the past — it means making space at the table for everyone. Other Food Trends Giving Dubai's Culture a Modern Twist Beyond camel milk innovations and vegan takes on tradition, Dubai's food scene is embracing other trends that add a modern layer to its cultural story. One example is gold-dusted desserts and drinks — from 24-karat cappuccinos at Armani/Lounge to gold-leaf kunafa at Sofraji. While gold has long been a symbol of luxury in the region, turning it into an edible experience has become a uniquely Dubai statement, blending cultural symbolism with culinary drama. Another striking trend is desert dining experiences, where guests can enjoy multi-course meals under the stars, surrounded by dunes. Restaurants like Sonara Camp are redefining Bedouin hospitality with gourmet desert menus, live music, and eco-friendly setups, combining ancient desert traditions with modern luxury. And then there's the rise of homegrown gourmet brands like Feras Aldiyafa Sweets and MyMochi UAE, which take classic Emirati flavours like pistachio, saffron, and rosewater and spin them into playful, Instagram-worthy treats. Even coffee culture is getting a makeover, with speciality Arabic coffee houses offering artisanal roasting, cold brews, and curated tasting menus. Together, these trends show how Dubai doesn't just preserve tradition — it transforms it, giving locals and visitors a fresh way to experience the city's rich cultural roots. Why It Matters Dubai's evolving food scene is more than just a collection of trends — it's a reflection of the city itself. A place that has always been shaped by movement, migration, and ambition, Dubai shows through its food how tradition and innovation can thrive side by side. The rise of camel milk lattes, vegan kebabs, and other food trends keeps menus fresh. Its identity. It shows how Dubai honours its roots while boldly stepping into the future. It's a city that doesn't shy away from change but instead welcomes it, reimagining old favourites to fit new values, tastes, and lifestyles. For locals, this adaptability strengthens cultural pride by making traditional foods part of modern life. For visitors, it creates a dining experience that's surprising, inclusive, and uniquely Dubai, where you can taste the past and the future on the same plate. In the end, Dubai's food scene reminds us that the most exciting flavours often come from places willing to evolve, experiment, and embrace the best of all worlds. Dubai's food scene is a celebration of reinvention, where tradition isn't left behind but reshaped for a new era. The city proves that innovation and heritage can share the same table. Dubai will keep surprising us, one delicious bite at a time. Also Read: Growing Popularity of Flexible Diets: A Look at the Flexitarian Trend From innovative restaurant menus to mindful eating practices, the flexitarian trend is making its mark, offering a delicious and flexible way to improve both personal well-being and sustainability. Take a closer look at this rising phenomenon and its impact on our eating habits. From the UK to Dubai: Tamasha, the Celebrity-Favorite Fusion Spot, Arrives Near Zabeel Park Experience Tamasha Dubai, the UK's award-winning Asian fusion restaurant, serving bold Japan-India flavors near Zabeel Park. The Best Foodie Experiences in Dubai Enjoy gourmet encounters across the city, from indulging in specially-curated tasting menus to celebrity chef experiences. Read more on Best desserts and sweets to try in Dubai Experience the best desserts and sweets in Dubai. From traditional baklavas to delicious gelatos, find out what to try now!
