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Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
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, (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, (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 @ 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, (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, (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, (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, @ (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, Want to make a reservation in the meantime? 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Time Out Dubai
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
17 incredible Al Quoz cafés to try in Dubai
Al Quoz is a café destination, there's no doubt about it. What might appear as an industrial park on the outside, Al Quoz actually boasts some some of the best coffee, cakes and sandwiches in the city. In fact, you'll find the best bakery in Dubai here too. Housed in former warehouses and factories, it's time to explore. 17 Al Quoz cafés to check out Avantcha Where to find it: Warehouse 19, Kunooz 6th St, Al Manara St Smell over 150 varieties of teas with unique ingredients like chocolate, chilli, caramel, honeybush and more. The space also has a café curated by Chef Reif Othman. Expect matcha drinks, iced teas and tea-infused desserts and pastries. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19 Al Manara St, Al Quoz 1, (04 338 9114). Birch Bakery Credit: Birch Bakery Where to find it: The street connecting 23rd and 27th St, Al Quoz Birch Bakery is the kind of spot that once you've discovered, you're never going to forget. So get ready for weekend mornings sampling all the croissants. The cute spot has 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 the carpark, 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. One of the best bakeries in Dubai for those in the know. Open daily 7am-3pm. Al Quoz, (04 222 6665). BKRY Where to find it: Alserkal Avenue In case you hadn't heard, this place was just crowned Best Bakery at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025, so it has our seal of approval. Founded by three Emirati friends, also behind Archers speciality coffee roaster, the caffeine is just as good as the baking. Pair your flat white with a pecan salted caramel croissant or a rich chocolate babka and thank us later. Open daily 8am-10pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, @ (04 832 2433). Boston Lane (Credit: Supplied) Where to find it: Courtyard 25, 4B St Inspired by Australia's coffee culture, (from Melbourne to be precise) this stunning, compact coffee shop in a pretty courtyard in the heart of Dubai's Al Quoz serves up breakfast, lunch and sweet treats. Aussies know how to do coffee, so it's no surprise the speciality roasts are top-notch in this neck of the woods. Not into coffee? Grab a strawberry matcha and a BLT toastie and snag a bistro table to soak up the sun for a few hours. Open daily 7.30am-7pm. The Courtyard, Al Quoz (050 627 4799). Café Rider Where to find it: Warehouse 7, 14B St If you want something a little different from your usual run-of-the-mill coffee shop, we recommend you check out Café Rider. Half café, half custom motorcycle shop, it's a combination you won't get in many other places. Watch sparks fly in the garage through a glass partition as you enjoy a spot of lunch. The coffee is also worth sticking around for, as the café has its own in-house roastery. Open daily 8am-7pm, Warehouse 7 14B Street, Al Quoz, (04 321 4411). Cassette (Credit:Supplied) Where to find it: The Courtyard, 4B Street This place is all about good food, food music and great art. The menu is all Parisian-inspired dishes, from a French beef drip sandwich to a savoury waffle duck confit — yum. Keep an ear out for the playlists throughout the day, as the team has worked hard to specifically curate the right music to promote new and upcoming artists. Open daily 8am-6pm, The Courtyard, 4B Street, Al Quoz, (04 349 1966.) Chrono Hub Where to find it: Goshi Warehouses, 26 7 St Not only will you find pre-loved luxury watches here, but Tap Coffee Brewery too. Browse and shop pre-loved luxury watches while you sip on a fresh roast. Open Tue-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. Goshi Warehouses, 26 7 St, Al Quoz @ East West (Credit: Supplied) Where to find it: The Courtyard, 6A St A true hidden gem, East West is a coffee shop located in the heart of Dubai's modern cultural district, The Courtyard. Look for the easy-to-miss wooden doors and head upstairs to this little relaxed haven. If you're arriving at breakfast time, the salmon croissant toast with cream cheese can't be missed, polished off with a fat slab of basque cheesecake. Open daily 8am-7pm. The Courtyard, Al Quoz (04 336 6444). Ferment Artistry Café Where to find it: No 2, Goshi Warehouses, 22nd St Say hello to Ferment Artistry Café. A more recent addition to Al Quoz, the hidden gem, has a cosy but industrial feel and has a range of different brews available. What's more, head up the stairs once you've finished your latte and check out the art gallery that features various works on a rotation. Open Tue-Thu 9.30am-7.30pm, Fri 9am-7.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9.30am-7.30pm. 22nd St, Al Quoz @thefermentjourney (050 147 3214). La Nena (Credit: Supplied) Where to find it: 14B St La Nena Coffee in Al Quoz, is a gorgeous and aesthetic café/furntiture store that serves up decent coffee and a selection of bites like bagels, croissants and sandwiches. It's also pet-friendly. Win. Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Quoz, (058 570 0809). Lazy Cat Where to find it: Al Quoz Pond Park Hailing from Kuwait and popular in Saudi, Lazy Cat is famous for its fluffy Japanese pancakes and eye-catching blue matcha. The spot in Al Quoz Pond Park lives up to the hype, but be prepared to wait a while for a table (it's a popular spot). If you're searching for something savoury, don't sleep on the dreamy egg and biscuit sandwich. Open Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sun 7am-11pm. Al Quoz Pond Park, Al Quoz @eatlazycat (04 345 2542). Mille Miglia Gallery and Café Where to find it: 5A St Calling all F1 fans, if you haven't already visited the Ferrari-themed Mille Miglia Gallery and Café then this is your sign to go. Boasting Michael Schumacher's old car, signatures by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, you can sip in amongst the red memorabilia, before a quick look at the original pit wall used between 2017 and 2021. Open daily 10am-9pm. 5 A St, Al Quoz. (04 295 0878). NETTE Credit: NETTE Where to find it: 20 8 St A former winner of Time Out Dubai's Best Café award, super-cool coffee shop NETTE is tucked away inside Matcha Club, making it ideal for a post-padel breakfast or catch-up coffee. 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). Nightjar Coffee (Credit: NightJar) Where to find it: Alserkal Avenue This hipster joint is a quality choice for a good brew, it even has special taps serving up everything nitro tea, coffee and kombucha. Grab a space on one of the long benches and set up camp for a few hours. An extra treat if you're feeling peckish, the cheese toastie is a specimen of salty stringy goodness sandwiched two thick slices that you'll think about for weeks after. If you've spent a couple hours browsing the galleries, this is one of the best hangouts to refuel. Open daily from 9am-10pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz (050 365 1120). Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar Credit: Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar Where to find it: Alserkal Avenue A modern Japanese bakery, Pekoe is a top shout if you're after a chilled out weekend morning in Dubai. Don't miss the bread and spread –letting you choose your own slices and toppings (the whipped pecan and maple butter is a work of art). If you want something heartier, the gochujang egg and sausage burger will sort you right out. Sit inside on either floor of the creamy café, or choose a table outside looking over the Alserkal courtyard. Open daily 7am-9pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, (04 359 3553). RAW Coffee Company (Credit: Supplied) Where to find it: Warehouse next to RTA Carpark WH10, on the corner of 7A and 4A St This place isn't just a coffee house, it's one of the few places in Dubai that roasts its own beans. Sourcing premium green beans from all corners of the globe, RAW Coffee Company offers locally roasted, organic and ethically traded beans. All the coffee beans have been roasted in small batches and are available in either single origins or blends. It also delivers, so you can enjoy the coffee from this Dubai coffee shop at home. Open daily 7.30am-6pm. Al Quoz, Al Manara (04 339 5474) Hungry for more? 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